Many of us, myself included, are exhausted as we near the end of this grueling presidential election that has, at many times, shown us the worst in people. I have found myself forgetting that most of my neighbors and fellow Americans are kind, good, & compassionate people. I was reminded of that today, as my Mom shared her experience of fulfilling an item on her bucket list.
First you should know, my mother has been very ill for the past several years. Often she has only felt well enough to watch television, and usually her preference, if not politics, have been cooking shows. There are many that she likes, but her favorite is Pioneer Woman. This program features Ree Drummond, cook, mother, and rancher’s wife who specializes in Cowoy Cooking. Ree is always creating home cooked meals for her family, friends, their cattle ranch crew, & her church community. Recently, her show followed the construction of her new general store and business, The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, located in Pawhuska, OK.
Several days ago, while en route to their winter home in Arizona, my parents planned to make a stop, to visit the new store. When they arrived, they were told they were a day too early. The store was hosting a special pre-opening event, and was not open to the public. My parents were told they would have to come back tomorrow or another time. My Mom was so disappointed, crushed actually, because she didn't have time to spare. My parents needed to reach their destination soon, so my Mom could resume her medical care; plus as she told them, she didn't think she would be coming through (this way) again.
I will likely never know who got the message to Ree Drummond, that there was an ill woman who wanted desperately to see her new store, but someone on her staff passed it on. Once Ree heard of my Mother’s plight, she invited my parents to join the "invitation only" event, gave them a tour of her new store, and introduced them to her friends and family (who my Mom recognized from the show). My parents, small town midwesterners, were thrilled. When they were leaving, Ree’s staff commented on how much my Mom’s appearance & spirit had brightened.
I couldn't help but weep as Mom told me about her experience. She was ecstatic, happier than I have heard her in months. She has suffered so. This was just what she needed, and what I found myself needing. Hearing her tell her tale, helped restore my faith in humanity , one so tarnished by our politics, but one that lives on, one small act of kindness at a time.
*Sunday, 10/30, 12 pm Thank you everyone for all the thoughtful comments, words, and prayers. My Mom will be so honored to know she made the Rec list!