Well in the past few weeks..I have had a good friendship of mine tested...unruly tennants next door and HS pain that was overwhelming.

As I rode the emotional rollercoaster of all those events and I didn't want to allow myself to trust anyone, there was a hand that came through the clouds.  It restored my faith in the human race.

Prior to the HS diagnosis I was like many others, working , juggling responsibilities and very involved in sports (hiking/biking/camping/canoeing/kayaking/tennis..etc you get the picture. LOL. ).

Every time this year, since my HS surgery in 2005, I always debate as to whether we should sell our kayaks.  They are stored locally downtown.  Right on the waterfront.  Great way to not have to leave town each weekend, we can kayak near home.  

 The people at the kayak storage place are always friendly.  They hold BBQ socials each week, offer safety courses along with courses to keep up or improve your paddling skills.  Don't own a kayak/canoe?  Then you can rent one from them.  You can take one on one classes, or a group class to save money.  

It was in 2007 that I started asking them to just keep an eye on our kayak slots.  My hubby is so bogged down with being the main bread winner/cook/errand runner/grocery shopper..then come home and be my nurse.  I wanted him to not worry about the kayaks.  Not wanting a hand out but just to let them know, at this time the kayaks are not being used.

In 2007 the wife of the owner gave us a big discount.  They even forgot to collect our fees from us and I sent the cheque and reminded them..LOL.I was flattered and red faced from embarassment as stated before, I just want eyes on the kayaks, not a hand out.  I expressed my gratitude and was touched by their kindness.  

This year when the membership dues issue came up, we sent our cheque.  I also let the owner know that we won't be kayaking this year, please watch our spots.  He then sent an email and said he had our previous email in the files.  He asked what the doctors were saying etc.

My reply was to give him a small account of what I was going through so he understood our lengthy absence.   Everyone remembers us from the socials and our volunteer times down there as well.  He didn't realize I was having a little battle of my own and reimbursed the whole fee for the yearly storage.  

I was taken aback. I won't lie, as I read the email, I cried.  I just busted out with big sobs.  I have been through some tough moments lately and I never shed one tear. Then this very generous action gets me sobbing.  

It touched me deeply to have such generosity come our way.  After the HS surgery we were thrown in the deep end and left on our own.  I am sure many of you can relate, regardless of the illness.  To have this hand come through the clouds...has restored alot of faith.  

What I will do is make sure that I keep working on getting more mobile.  If I cannot paddle next year, then I will head down to their office and volunteer.  I will keep volunteering for them as well.  They are always a happy group and kind..but they have gone above and beyond.

I also came here, at MDJunction and had my faith restored.  That was mainly due to Carmen- leader of the HS group.  Such kindness  is including those I have met within the HS group and the other groups I am joining. 

I have never felt lucky and now I do.  Thanks for the warmth everyone...and the hand through the clouds.  

The least I can do is return the favor. This is why I am contacting those within our HS group and letting them know they are not alone.

Hugs and smiles all around.