Such was the case, when I had an unexpected encounter with a TOTAL stranger, one beautiful summer evening on the beach this July, while out walking with Hermanita (little sister). A woman, with two teenagers, approached us and started asking questions about the area. They were looking for nice beaches, attractions, and places to stay. They were French, tourists from Montreal, so Hermanita and I obliged by doing such a WONDERFUL job pitching the Chaleur area, the lady, whose name was Annie, told us we had done a better job than the staff at the Tourist Information Centre they had visited. High praise indeed!
We convinced them that they should stay in the Chaleur area, and not travel further, so Annie then went on to inquire about accommodations. Did we know any good B and Bs or inexpensive hotels?
A light bulb went off in my head, though not IMMEDIATELY. We didn't know any B and Bs, but then it suddenly dawned on me that M*Y house was EMPTY. I was staying with my sister overnight at her cottage. So I told Annie that she, her daughter and her nephew were welcome to stay at my place. I told them where the key was hidden. Now, I admit I had had a glass of wine, but I WAS in possession of ALL my faculties when I made the offer.
I didn't know this woman from a hole in the ground, as we say, but I trusted her instinctively. She works at Ste. Justine Hospital in Montreal. She was sweet, so I thought, "Why not?" This is an offer my dear father would have made, had he still been with us, and I told Annie that. She was definitely incredulous, I could tell. She kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to do that. She offered to pay: I was adamant that I did NOT want any money! NO WAY!
So off they went, calling me when they had settled into my house. I could tell she was still in a state of TOTAL disbelief. I told them to enjoy the "little water view" from my balcony.
I had no qualms whatsoever. I slept well, went shopping and out for lunch with Hermanita the next day, and only returned home late in the afternoon. Hermanita was the anxious one, wanting me to text her as soon as I got home, to let her know if my place was okay.
HOW did I find my house? It was in PERFECT condition, exactly as I had left it, which included a dirty mirror in the bathroom. You wouldn't even have known three people had slept there. However, there was a nice bottle of wine on the table, and this lovely, lovely note, that brought tears to my eyes. It was probably one of the most beautiful thank you notes I have ever received. I shall treasure it always.
In giving, we often receive SO MUCH MORE than we give. Such was the case for me. I had the warm fuzzies for days. It made me grateful that I could help these good people. I have a wonderful memory and the knowledge that Annie, Vincent and Jade experienced true Maritime hospitality. I hope that when they are back in Montreal, they will tell others about their "TOTALLY WONDERFUL New Brunswick vacation." Who knows? Maybe we will get a slew of Québecois down here next summer, looking for a free place to stay. LOL All kidding aside, Annie will no doubt never forget her stay in the Chaleur area.
Please don't tell me what a wonderful person I am. I am not looking for praise. That is NOT the point of my story. I want to hear your stories of sharing, of being kind, of paying it forward. How did your experience make you feel? I hope it made you feel good, way deep down inside your heart. 💗💗💗
OK.No praise for you, today. I understand. I try to save wildlife. I don't want praise either. I just want to make a small difference when I can and to encourage others to do the same in a way that is right for them.
ReplyDeleteIt feels good to have friends that understand that. <3