The Gift of Giving and Receiving

The Gift of Giving and Receiving

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” –Maya Angelou

By Linda Commito

Have you noticed that whenever there is a flow of generosity, a loving intention in the act of giving or receiving, whether from someone we know or a total stranger, it often brings comfort and connection ? Some of us may have a difficult time being on the receiving end of acts of kindness, yet, as a friend, Linda Maree, says: “without receivers, there can be no givers.” There was a time when I was facing several months of cancer treatments that I discovered just how important even simple acts of kindness could help me to stay positive and hopeful. And, although at times, I was fortunate to have my partner and good friends by my side, I can only imagine how difficult it was for those who were there alone. I’d like to share how one special volunteer, Bill S., touched me and so many others with his kindness. Now that I am cancer-free, I sought Bill out to thank him again, and to ask if I could write about how his compassion brought so much comfort during a difficult time.

VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Hooked up to IVs, ready to receive another round of chemo, I felt as though I were looking at an angel as volunteer Bill S. came towards me to offer a warm blanket and something to drink. I was lucky to have my Monday chemo treatments coincide with Bill’s schedule at Florida Cancer Specialist (FCS). I was grateful for every smile, kind word and action that Bill gave to make me feel that he

understood and wanted to help to ease any worry or discomfort. It was a much-welcomed bright spot over the next several months. Bill knew what it was like, having received chemo treatments himself for colon cancer for 7 months. It was there that he first met volunteers from “Team Tony”, a local organization that matched volunteers with patients who had a similar type of cancer. Later, Bill, who is now cancer-free, began volunteering as an individual at FCS and has been for the past 9 years. I asked Bill: Was there an experience that made him especially grateful to help? Prior to Covid, a young mom, receiving treatment and needing help herself, was holding her crying 8-month-old, unable to comfort her. Bill, who is a father and grandfather, walked up to her and asked: “Can I hold your baby?” She said yes, and as soon as her child was in Bill’s arms, the baby stopped crying. As Bill walked the aisles, he introduced the baby to several patients, who all lit up with smiles. He also found that a light hand on a shoulder, as he put a warm blanket on patients, not only brought comfort, but as one woman shared, “made them feel human”, when describing people’s discomfort in touching her. Asked who was his inspiration growing up, Bill is quick to say: “My mother always had a smile for everyone. There was never a time that someone who needed something wasn’t made to feel special.” At 77, Bill, who has retired from the hectic pace of numerous years in sales and marketing businesses, is as busy as ever. In addition to FCS, he volunteers as a “patient escort” at a local Planned Parenthood and also can be found delivering blood from the Sun Coast Blood Center to local hospitals. Bill says, “I appreciate volunteering much more! I look forward to it! It is one of the great joys in my life.” Thank you, Bill, and to the many volunteers who give of themselves to make this world a kinder, more loving place.

Love is the New Currency

with Linda Commito

Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.