(43-155) The Care Package

Today was unusually, cold and rainy in Phoenix.  It was 52 degrees according to the Wii, and the kids and I decided that it was a stay in PJ's all day, kinda day. 

I was at the table working, when  all of a sudden our doorbell rang; (and this doesn't happen often, especially if we're not expecting anyone.)  Lyndzi looked out the window and told me that we had a package.  My immediate thought was "My pink bra from Lane Bryant;" but much to my surprise, it was a BIG box, from Zabar's.

Now for those of you who aren't familiar with Zabar's; I'm turning to  Wikipedia, to provide you with a lil background.  "Zabar's is a specialty food store at 2245 Broadway and 80th Street, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is known for its selection of bagels, smoked fish, olives, and cheeses. Zabar's is frequently referenced in popular culture; it is mentioned in the 1998 film You've Got Mail, the 2009 TV series V and episodes of Will & Grace, Dream On, Mad About You, Sex and the City, The Nanny, Seinfeld, The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 30 Rock, and Castle."

With that being said; I was in utter shock, to be receiving a package from Zabar's; and I honestly had no idea who had sent it.  I opened the package, and found a note that read "SENDING YOU SOME MUCH NEEDED 'COMFORT FOODS' FROM NEW YORK.  KEEP UP THE GREAT BLOG.  MUCH LOVE RACHEL & PENNY."  And then I promptly cried because I was so moved by their thoughtfulness.  Oh my goodness!

Rachel, is the Rachel S that I wrote about in "A Note Of Gratitude;" and if you've had the opportunity to read it, then you may remember how touched I was by Rachel's words of encouragement and how thankful I was that she had called me the other day.  So, can you imagine how overwhelmed I was by the kindness and consideration that Rachel and her extraordinary, mother Penny had shown by sending me this gift?  I adore Rachel and Penny; and not because they sent me a care package in response to my "Comfort Food" blog; but because they CARE.

I've known this magnificent mother and daughter since I was 16 years old; and although I typically only saw them during the summer, at the Pine's, they were very dear to me.  I remember that Rachel (who's a few years younger than me;) ALWAYS had her head on her shoulders. She had a unique maturity and she never cared what anybody else was doing; she invariably did what was right for her. She loved her parents profoundly and their relationship was admirable. They all showed each other love, respect and devotion; and after talking to Penny today, I realized that she was one of my first "parent" role models.  Much like my mom, Penny always took the time to get to know Rachel's friends and whenever I saw her, she never failed to express her fondness and genuine interest in me. 
Rachel and Penny went out of their way to attend my Nana's funeral; and went even further out of their way to surprise me at my bridal shower.  We've all managed to keep in touch throughout the years, and my family had the pleasure of seeing Rachel and her sister just a few years ago when they came to Phoenix; but by no means do we talk, write or see each other regularly; which makes this gift even that much more surprising.

Rugelach

I started looking through my package, and I was just blown away.  These incredible women sent me 2 dozen bagels, a lb. of lox (smoked salmon,) plain cream cheese, scallion cream cheese, a lb. of coffee with an official Zabar's measuring spoon, and two different kinds of rugelach.  The package also contained an insulated Zabar's tote and of course; ice packs.  

I immediately called Rachel to thank her and I believe that I was still choked up, maybe even crying; as I left a message expressing my utmost gratitude.  I asked Rachel to please call me back so that I could thank her properly, and provide me with Penny's phone number; and within a matter of minutes, Penny had called me.

It was so comforting to hear Penny's voice; and after reading my description of this dynamic duo; it shouldn't surprise you to hear that after I thanked Penny for the wonderful care package; she said "You can believe me that it gave us more pleasure than you can imagine."  She went on to say that it was more of a pleasure to give to me than to receive.  And I KNOW exactly what she means.

Penny and I chatted for a while, and amongst other things, we talked about my kids.  I bragged (of course;) and told her how fantastic they are; and she told me  "You get out of them what you put into them;" and you know what?  She's absolutely right!  We talked a little bit more and Penny said "You're so fortunate that you have love all around you.  If you have love and your health; you're way ahead of the game;" and I couldn't agree more.  Penny is a sage woman who has always given great advice; and the fact that she still thinks so highly of me after all of these years; is just a testament to what a loving, compassionate woman she is; and surely the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, in the case of her daughters.

Although it was cold and rainy in Phoenix today, I was warmed by the unbelievable benevolence that I was shown.  I feel so fortunate to have these astonishing women in my life.   Rachel and Penny make me feel So VERY special and so cared for; and that in and of itself is a gift.  I think that I could write for hours and hours on the subject, and never fully convey the depths of my gratitude and my love.  I am blessed, I am blessed, I am truly BLESSED!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Uncommon Kindness

As the year is coming to an end, I want to tell you a story of an unusual act of kindness. I like to think of myself as a kind person; as are most of the people that I know; and on occasion I will go out of my way for someone, even if it means my own inconvenience; but I recently experienced an act of kindness that went far beyond that of what's common and as I was astounded by this person's generosity of spirit, I feel compelled to tell this story.

I have been working for my employer for approximately 12 years and although they've never paid me what I deserve, they have been very flexible with my schedule and they've even allowed me to work from home for the past 2 1/2 years; so I suppose you can say that I am sacrificing my pay for their adaptability. People often ask me why I don't get a different job and the truth of the matter is that I WANT TO BE A WRITER and until I can find a job as a paid writer, it doesn't make much sense for me to take something on that is just going to be another " JOB." Additionally, the hours that I would be available to work away from home would be limited, so it would have to be a very well paying JOB and in this economy such a position is hard to find.

Now, like I said a couple of posts ago, I've been sparing you the current woe is me of my life as I am acutely aware that my present situation is not unusual; but as it is pertinent to this story; I'm going to share:
In August all of the employees at my company were advised that business had not been going well; and therefore, we were all going to have to take a pay cut. I can't disclose the percentage of the cut; but suffice it to say that it meant hardship for my family.
In September Luis was told that he and all of the other managers at his hotel were going to have to take 8 days off without pay by December 31st.
And in October I was told that I needed to reduce my hours from 40 to 32 per week, as the company was having cash flow problems. The person who broke the news to me said "We're making reservations; we're just not collecting enough money for them." Now as the person who collects the money, this statement certainly left me to wonder "If I'm the person who collects the money, how can we afford for me to work any less?" I asked a question to this affect but regardless of the logic the company had decided that all 3 women in the accounting department were going to cut their hours and a number of other people were laid off. Ok, now I'm sure that some of you are thinking, "If the company claims to be having a problem collecting money, why aren't they firing Paige, if she's the one who collects the money?" And the answer my friends is simple; I am the Queen of COLLECTIONS! Not to toot my own horn, but I am EXTREMELY good at what I do and my employers know it; BUT, one person cannot be expected to collect money from 65,000 hotels worldwide, single handedly and that is exactly what they have been having me do. I should have a staff of at least 4 people; but instead it's just me and considering that it's just me; I've made them A LOT of money; just not ALL of their money.

The news of my new schedule immediately sent me into panic mode. My poor husband had already been working 2 jobs to try to earn some extra money, but between August and November our pay had decreased significantly and the money that he made at the pharmacy couldn't make up for all that was being lost. Much to his credit Luis remained positive and reassured me that we'd be OK; so I've been doing my best to refrain from acting like a nervous wreck.
My present deal with my company is that 3 days a week I work from home and 1 day a week I go into the office. I was in the office on December 17 and I was talking to my friend, (who for the sake of this blog I will refer to as DM;) and I told him that I got the distinct feeling that no matter how much money the company made they would never give my hours back nor restore my previous pay rate; and it saddens me to say that DM agreed. DM has been on my side for years. In fact he is probably the only person at my company who realizes how hard I work and what my contribution to the company has been. I shared my fear with him, he said "Well, I'll tell ya; after they cut your hours, I was thinking of going to the other guys and suggesting that we all take a little more of a pay cut so that you wouldn't have to lose a day. I realized that none of them were going to be willing to do it, so I thought that I would let them cut my pay enough to get your day back; but then I realized that if I let them do so, they'd never give my money back. So then I thought I would go to them and ask how much it cost to pay you for a day and offer to write them a check each pay period so that you could get your day back; and then after you, if I could, I would do this person and that person." And I don't think that I have to tell you that I almost cried. I think my jaw must have dropped to my desk because I couldn't believe how selfless DM was and what I was hearing. I thanked him profusely for even considering such an act, and assured him that I could never let him do so. We talked about how ridiculous it was that he recognized my value to the company while its owners did not and how his compassion surpassed theirs. And although his offer will never come to fruition, it is the fact that he even considered it that is extraordinary to me.

So often through the history of this blog, I have told you that I am all about the GREATER GOOD and THIS is a shining example of a man who in so many ways was exemplifying the greater good. He wanted the greater good for my family, and for our company and he was willing to try and contribute towards the greater good at his own expense. UNCOMMONLY KIND, is all that I can say.

We certainly don't all have the means to take on the financial burden of someone else, but we ALL can make a difference in someones life in one way or another. Whether it is to give a friend 5 extra minutes of your time when you really don't have it; or by volunteering, or extending a friendly greeting to a stranger ~ just because; we can all be facilitators of the greater good.
As we approach this new year, 2010; I hope that life continues to get better for all of you, in every way. May you all experience good health, both physically and emotionally, may you grow rich emotionally, spiritually, creatively and financially and may you put your dreams in motion and make them your reality.

As always I thank you for taking the time to take this journey with me. I thank you for your support and your encouragement, your laughter and your tears.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING