My friend Peg’s birthday was coming up, and I wondered, What do you give someone who’s all about giving to others? She was famous among friends and acquaintances for her kindness and caring—she always seemed to know exactly what people needed. Miss A could use help organizing a garage sale. Mr. Z needed groceries picked up. Peg was there for everyone.
Lately, though, a health problem was keeping her from helping as much as she’d like.
I’d seen the movie Pay It Forward at church, and it gave me an idea. I asked each of Peg’s friends to do a good deed and then write about it in a birthday card. It would be our chance to pay forward a bit of the thoughtfulness she’d shown us over the years.
On Peg’s birthday, I took her to lunch. Near the end of our meal, the rest of our friends arrived, bringing their cards. Over cake and ice cream, we told Peg about our tribute. She said she felt honored and loved, and called the warm feelings among all of us “a God thing.” It’s amazing how one birthday party ended up giving to so many people.
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