She lived in a run-down, two-room house on the property next to the house I grew up in. My mother went to visit her regularly and I tagged along on many occasions. I was uncomfortable because of their living conditions. There was no place to sit while visiting. Mrs. Cobb was always lying on the bed. Mr. Cobb offered us overturned buckets. But most often, we stood while talking.
As a child, I had difficulty understanding why the Cobbs chose to live that way. I had no frame of reference for poverty, disability, or the general hardship of life. Mr. Cobb made me nervous. He was a man of few words and came across as curt and abrasive. From hindsight, I think he understood and was grateful for my mother’s kindness. He made a visible effort to show her respect.
Mrs. Cobb hadn’t crossed my mind in many years. A few weeks ago, I was rummaging through a box of childhood treasures. Among the memorabilia of youth, I found a card with a small brooch attached and a handwritten note from her. The pin had been given to her at her high school graduation and she wanted me to have the pin as a graduation gift.
I don’t remember if I thanked her or if I saw her again after graduation. I don’t even remember hearing of her passing. What strikes me now is her kindness. I am ashamed to admit that she was the old lady next door that my mother wanted me to spend time with. As a young person, I couldn’t get past my own discomfort being in her home to see the person who treasured and needed my visits.
As I look at the small piece of jewelry now, I see it for the remarkable gift that it was. Mrs. Cobb had nothing to give but gave everything that she had to give. It was a treasured memento of her life, a kindness that someone else had shown to her. She chose to bestow that treasure on me.
Mrs. Cobb will not know that many years later, her small gift has made a meaningful impact. Kindness invested always brings a dividend. Kindness may not be received with gratitude or appreciation, but kindness is never wasted. I am grateful for the memory of the sweet, elderly lady that showered her kindness on me.
Copyright 2020 T.A. Boland
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