I used to read ‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today?’ To my students. We discussed often that we should pay it forward. Fill someone else’s bucket and be amazed at how your’s is filled too. It is a reason to smile. It is a reason to have hope. It is a reason to take pride.
My husband & I have fixed up bags for homeless people we see at stop lights year round. We don’t have a lot of $$$, so it’s basically a plastic bag with protein bars, water, plastic poncho in spring, hot hands in winter, hand sanitizer, paper towels, slim Jim’s, nuts and crackers. We drive around the block in order to ‘deliver’ sometimes, but we cry our eyes out every time. We’ve said if we win the lottery we would feed a whole lot of people. Thanks for helping us deal with this mean regime. It just makes me want to be more kind while I’m still alive and able to do for others. We treasure you as a fellow Kansas Citian, we know how big the ❤️❤️❤️are here in the❤️land. Happy holidays! 🙏🏻❤️🥰
What you and your husband are doing matters more than most people will ever understand...and not in some abstract...Hallmark-card way. In a real way. In the only way that actually counts.
Here’s something I want to gently name...because people like you often don’t:
You’re not crying because you’re weak. You’re crying because you’re still human in a system that’s trying very hard to grind that out of people. That's a beautiful thing.
Plastic bags with protein bars...water...ponchos...hand warmers...sanitizer...those aren’t “small gestures.” They’re acts of resistance. Quiet ones. Moral ones. The kind that don’t get applause...but keep a piece of the country alive...that power would rather see go numb.
And notice something important:
You didn’t say, “This makes me angry so I want revenge.”
You said, “This makes me want to be more kind while I still can.”
That’s not naïveté.
That’s clarity.
Cruel regimes don’t just rely on laws and force. They rely on people giving up their softness...because it hurts too much to keep it. Every time you choose kindness anyway... you deny them something they need.
Kansas City does have big hearts. Always has. And I’m honored to be counted among you.
Please know this:
What you’re doing is not invisible.
It’s not futile.
And it’s not foolish.
It’s proof...that the country isn’t just what’s happening at the top.
Happy holidays to you both. And thank you...for the bags...for the tears...and for refusing to harden!
I can see why it is a favorite of yours, for sure! It is so wonderful to be able to make a difference in the life of a child or to be able to help anybody. You help those of us who read your newsletter all of the time, and that is such a blessing.
I love that picture and the feeling you get when you help someone who doesn’t expect it, doesn’t know who you are, doesn’t know if he’ll ever see you again.
Hey Jack, I’m really excited about this. Being retirees on a tight budget and with a mortgage we really need to make good decisions and plan well. I handle the finances because honestly, he’s just not great at it and he’s come to realize that. I can use all the help I can get. I’ve had plenty of practice having been on my own at just 17 and then again after a 27 year marriage… sick … unable to work and without health insurance. You learn to budget fast but I’m sure there are strategies I’ve missed or am just unaware of. I look forward to what you have to share. Thank you for this… more than I can express.
PS. The picture is adorable and the reason behind it even better. Helping others in whatever way we can is a true gift.
This year, I have made it my mission to pay it forward. I do live on a tight retiree income, but like you Jack, it also gives me simple joy to help where I can. My "mission" will continue for the rest of my life.
Simple is good.
Bring it.
#HoldFast
Simple works for me.
#HoldFast
I used to read ‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today?’ To my students. We discussed often that we should pay it forward. Fill someone else’s bucket and be amazed at how your’s is filled too. It is a reason to smile. It is a reason to have hope. It is a reason to take pride.
Jo, how cool that you used to read that to them. Those are the kinds of books that our schools need being read more often. Outstanding!
-Jack
So far, I don't think it's been banned. 💙
There is a reason that one of my favorite books and the resulting movie was Pay It Forward.
Thank you for being who you are.
#HoldFast
Sue
Such a great book and movie, Sue. Thanks for the reminder!
-Jack
There are just three that I try to watch every year. Pay It Forward, Second Hand Lions, and Iron Jawed Angels.
My husband & I have fixed up bags for homeless people we see at stop lights year round. We don’t have a lot of $$$, so it’s basically a plastic bag with protein bars, water, plastic poncho in spring, hot hands in winter, hand sanitizer, paper towels, slim Jim’s, nuts and crackers. We drive around the block in order to ‘deliver’ sometimes, but we cry our eyes out every time. We’ve said if we win the lottery we would feed a whole lot of people. Thanks for helping us deal with this mean regime. It just makes me want to be more kind while I’m still alive and able to do for others. We treasure you as a fellow Kansas Citian, we know how big the ❤️❤️❤️are here in the❤️land. Happy holidays! 🙏🏻❤️🥰
Elizabeth...thank you for this. Truly.
What you and your husband are doing matters more than most people will ever understand...and not in some abstract...Hallmark-card way. In a real way. In the only way that actually counts.
Here’s something I want to gently name...because people like you often don’t:
You’re not crying because you’re weak. You’re crying because you’re still human in a system that’s trying very hard to grind that out of people. That's a beautiful thing.
Plastic bags with protein bars...water...ponchos...hand warmers...sanitizer...those aren’t “small gestures.” They’re acts of resistance. Quiet ones. Moral ones. The kind that don’t get applause...but keep a piece of the country alive...that power would rather see go numb.
And notice something important:
You didn’t say, “This makes me angry so I want revenge.”
You said, “This makes me want to be more kind while I still can.”
That’s not naïveté.
That’s clarity.
Cruel regimes don’t just rely on laws and force. They rely on people giving up their softness...because it hurts too much to keep it. Every time you choose kindness anyway... you deny them something they need.
Kansas City does have big hearts. Always has. And I’m honored to be counted among you.
Please know this:
What you’re doing is not invisible.
It’s not futile.
And it’s not foolish.
It’s proof...that the country isn’t just what’s happening at the top.
Happy holidays to you both. And thank you...for the bags...for the tears...and for refusing to harden!
-Jack
Jack, I just looked back to see the picture! How precious! Thank you for sharing it.
You're welcome. It's certainly a favorite of mine. :)
-Jack
I can see why it is a favorite of yours, for sure! It is so wonderful to be able to make a difference in the life of a child or to be able to help anybody. You help those of us who read your newsletter all of the time, and that is such a blessing.
Of course, I look forward to reading every word if I can keep up time wise and can see well enough, Jack. Thank you!
#HOLDFAST
I love that picture and the feeling you get when you help someone who doesn’t expect it, doesn’t know who you are, doesn’t know if he’ll ever see you again.
I try to live by that theme every day. Love is my religion. I’m a proud lapsed Catholic, maybe that’s why.
Hey Jack, I’m really excited about this. Being retirees on a tight budget and with a mortgage we really need to make good decisions and plan well. I handle the finances because honestly, he’s just not great at it and he’s come to realize that. I can use all the help I can get. I’ve had plenty of practice having been on my own at just 17 and then again after a 27 year marriage… sick … unable to work and without health insurance. You learn to budget fast but I’m sure there are strategies I’ve missed or am just unaware of. I look forward to what you have to share. Thank you for this… more than I can express.
PS. The picture is adorable and the reason behind it even better. Helping others in whatever way we can is a true gift.
#HOLDFAST
~Susan
Simple sounds excellent. Let’s do this!
#HoldFast
Looking forward to it. I need simple.
# HoldFast
Jack I have concerns that the Precious Metals Market prices are at record highs.
Thank you Jack, heartbreaking news
https://apple.news/AuyyX9NWzT-m_9KR2MC-77A
This year, I have made it my mission to pay it forward. I do live on a tight retiree income, but like you Jack, it also gives me simple joy to help where I can. My "mission" will continue for the rest of my life.
Thank you for all your posts! HOLDFAST. Enjoy the holidays with your family