S/o frum man at the grocery.

amother

↑ Lawngreen

Mon, Jan 15 2024, 11:06 pm

I went through a rough patch a while ago. Depression as a result of abuse at the hands of a friend that had been going on for years.

A neighbor picked up on it after making up a pretense to come over.
She then made supper for my family for the next few weeks two or three times a week any fanfare at all. And they were gourmet even fancy-meat- meals.
Sometimes that was the first thing I ate that day.
Chanuka she dropped off gorgeous slippers for myself and a very expensive perfume. She wrapped gifts for my kids and gave them chanuka gelt.

Never asked a word. Offered to go out but didn’t pressure if I said no.

We weren’t even super close before that. Just a neighbor with a huge heart.

And when I was okay and back to myself again she let me slide into being ok and never asked a word

effess

Tue, Jan 16 2024, 12:05 am

These stories bring me to tears. Tears of pride, and of intense gratitude. I wish I can be there for others just a fraction of what I’m reading here.
I’ve received so many kindnesses, this is making me more appreciative, so huge thanks for this thread!

amother

Canary

Tue, Jan 16 2024, 12:09 am

I ended up in the hospital w my son on erev yk- after an accident. it was getting closer and closer to yt and I wasn’t sure we would get home before yk. I poked my head out of the door and a chasidish guy asked “do u have food?” I answered no but I rly need a Machzor if I end up here over yt. In 2 min he came back w grapes, koskosh cake, kugel, and schnitzel (it’s been yrs and I still remember the food!) lol! I needed the food! I got home minutes to shkiah and was so grateful for that food ahead of the long fast!

amother

Tangerine

Tue, Jan 16 2024, 12:48 am

I went into labor erev shabbos. I had to rush to the hospital bc it was moving fast.
I gave birth long enough befure shabbos that my husband was able to be back with the kids and relieve the sitter.
My friend ran to Costco and brought me a feast (chumus, Lox, matzah, grape juice, dried fruit, avocados, matzah and more) then after eating she said she’ll stay the night with me because my husband couldn’t.
It was a huge help.
Same friend came over a few days after I arrived home, took the baby and said, Rochi, I’m here for half hour, do whatever you want, shower, eat, relax. Don’t worry about the kids or the baby. My husband was out working.
Same friend, came over erev pesach and spent 8 hours with me in the kitchen. I never asked her. She said it was the least she could do for the invite for the Seder. Do guests really do that? I don’t think so!

amother

Lightcoral

Tue, Jan 16 2024, 2:37 am

My MIL had cancer and on R"H she had terrible nausea and vomiting to the point where she called Hatzola. The responding volunteer was experienced and said he'll take us to Maimonides because he knew this was a side effect of her cancer treatment. His point was valid, severe nausea is usually a side effect of cancer treatment, and he was also correct that on Shabbos and Y"T you have to go to the nearest hospital if the care is comparable.
I insisted on Columbia and went to get my car keys to drive her there myself. I was trying to figure out how to lift my MIL-who was doubled over on the front steps-into my minivan, two angels from Hatzola, both very young men, arrived and said they're taking her to Columbia. They both came, and stayed with us until after 1 am when she was settled in a room. One took care of hospital logistics and moving things along, and the other angel stayed beside us and handed her her glasses and her cell phone when she asked for it. He quietly told me I can hold onto them on Y"T because she's a choleh and it will ease her anxiety. I will never forget their kindness. I felt so alone and helpless. I am forever grateful to their wives and families that had to wait for kiddush and a seuda until after 2 am on R"H night.