Friday, Nov 21st marked six years since my husband, Wyndham, left this earth. He was a man of deep kindness, wisdom, and a heart turned toward others. Every year on this day, I honor his life with a “Pay It Forward Day.” It’s simple. I look for people to bless the way he blessed so many.
This year, I wrote out ten cards to give away.
On one side, the card said,
Today you are receiving a kindness in memory of a wonderful man named Wyndham. May this bless your day. A gift from someone who is grateful.
On the other was a blessing for the person:
May you find beauty in creation today. In a sunrise, a breeze, a quiet moment…and know that you are loved by the One who made you. May kindness meet you in an unexpected place, and may it remind you that goodness lives on through the lives of those who practice it. Today I honor the legacy of a man of great kindness. May his spirit of gentleness ripple forward to you, and may it call forth the kindness within you as well. Grace and peace to you on this day.
I tucked some money inside, prayed to meet the right people, and set out.
Some of the blessings that came my way included:
- The mother in the grocery store
She had a young child sitting in the cart.
When she read the card, she began to cry.
She said she was sorry for my loss, and she was so grateful.
In a few moments, two strangers were connected by shared tenderness in the produce section.
- The woman who hugged me tightly
The next woman read the card, also with tears welling up.
Then she wrapped me in a hug.
She asked where I go to church, as she wanted to visit.
It felt like Wyndham was smiling.
- The man with whom I couldn’t communicate through words
A man who didn’t speak English opened the card, paused, then pointed to the sky and whispered,
“Gracias.”
We communicated after all.
- The young man on the basketball court
He was alone, sitting on his basketball. I told him my husband loved to play sports before he got sick.
He read every word of the card slowly.
He thanked me and expressed sincere sorrow for my loss.
His gratitude felt deep, quiet, and real.
- And then, at the end of our time came an unexpected twist.
My daughter had been hoping we’d find someone wearing New England sports gear, since Wyndham was a lifelong fan. No luck all day.
But on the way home, we stopped at Whole Foods for a quick Amazon return. And there, stepping into his very nice car, was a man wearing a Red Sox hat.
I bolted out of our car to reach him before he got into his.
He certainly didn’t look like someone who needed money, but kindness isn’t measured by income, and goodness offered is goodness received. He was both appreciative of the gesture and surprised.
My daughter joined us, and before long, they were talking Red Sox memories, stats, players, all the things her dad would have loved.
The man asked if she had kids. When she mentioned her son’s love of the Red Sox, he paused and said something unexpected:
“Take down my name and number.”
Then he added,
“I’m not just a fan. I work for the Red Sox organization. Come to a game. Call me first. I’d love to give him an experience of a lifetime. Something he’ll never forget.”
My daughter cried.
This man lived nowhere near that store. He just happened to be there, at the right moment, wearing the one thing she had hoped to see all day.
And in that small, unexpected moment, it felt like Wyndham found a way to give back to us, even as we were giving in his honor.
Later, I kept thinking of two scriptures recorded by Luke:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35), and “Give, and it will be given to you… poured into your lap.” (Lk 6:38)
We set out to bless others. But somehow, in God’s mysterious way, the blessing came full circle.
You really cannot outgive God. Kindness multiplies. Love echoes.
And even on the anniversary of a great loss, heaven opens a small window to remind us that love is never wasted. And those we love are never far.
Oh Jeanie,
Thank you!
I have been focusing on how I couldn’t bless others, rather than seeing how I could.
Your post brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks, Sandy. Yes, kindness goes a long way. Sending love.
Jeannie. This is a beautiful example to me of the scripture in Luke 6:38
A wonderful tribute of your husband. Thanks for this example.
Thanks, Karen, for your continual encouragement. Sending love.
Such a beautiful way to spend your day remembering Wyndham. I hope your connections have great impact for a long time to come. I can picture you running through the parking lot and the smiles on everyone’s faces with each encounter. God bless you Jeanie!
It was a special day to share. I am grateful for you and your faith. Love, Jeanie
Wonderful way to celebrate our exceptional Wyndham. Thanks for sharing. Love how your kindness was rewarded.
It was such a meaningful time. Sending love to you and Marcia.
What a lovely idea!!! Paying it forward for Wyndam. Priceless. Thanks for sharing your experience. May this type of kindness of Wyndam continue to be passed forward. Sure has given me inspiration to do so.
Thanks, Marie.
It truly was a meaningful time, and reminds me to be more intentional in this way. Sending love.
Oh my! This is so amazing and touching and perfect and humbling and awesome! Thank you for having the faith and determination to pay it forward in Wyndham’s honor and for sharing this beautiful, heartfelt moment with us.
Thank you, Debbie, for your continual encouragement and faith through the years. Sending love.
Thank you Jeanie. I was so touched by your example of generosity and gratitude. Thank you for showing us all the way to deal with terrible loss.
Thanks, Janet. Sending much love.
What a stellar example of how the Lord goes before us! Thank you for stepping out in faith. You and He made a day that could have been spent in pain one worthy of great inspiration for so many!
And thank you, for stepping out in faith so continually through the years. Sending love.
With tears in my eyes as I read this I am reminded of how true your description of Wyndham is. He was so kind and intentional. When he was talking with anyone, it was like they were the only person in that crowded room. What a beautiful thing to do in his remembrance. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Jan. I love you so much and am grateful for your continued friendship!
I LOVE this! What an amazing way to remember and honor Wyndham. SO special. And what an example of “ more blessed to give than to receive”.Thank you and thank you, Wyndham❤️
Love you so much, Geri. Praying for you. Holidays are hard, and I know Sam was Mr. Christmas!
Wyndham’s deep kindness, wisdom and heart turned toward others had touched me and Dan the few years we got to spend with you and Wyndham on the Elder Service Team. What a great story you have shared here as it shows how God returns the love and encouragement we try to share with others. Thank you, Jeannie!
Great to hear from you, Elexa. Yes, we share special memories with you and Dan. Thank you for reaching out, and for your kind words.