I made the mistake of reading this while PMS-ing a week or so ago...holy shit cryfest! It's a beautiful story though, for sure.

yay dooce!! top ten!! you're amazing!!

cryfest, for sure. but worth every tear.

That was absolutely lovely. You never know what's going to happen after the moment when you make a decision -- even if it's a decision as small as whether or not to go to the door and knock. It's a good reminder to be the person you want to be in every moment, not just the convenient ones.

I aspire to be like that cab driver.

My co workers must think I am crazy...sobbing at the computer. thanks hahaha

Ok, read it. Crying. Am sharing with my ninth grade students tomorrow, first thing.

must be some sort of traffic jam, 'cuz I keep trying, but it won't load up.

crying at my desk.

totally worth it.

In this time of economic turmoil it's nice to read something that isn't about bailouts, sub primes or the new "depression". Sometimes we forget that life should be about family, friends and helping others. A lovely story.

...had to stop reading this. intestines already jumbled, eyes too teary...not even halfway finished. the stories that you know how they end? the best and worst, those ones.

Even on my worst day, I could be someone's best hope. My motto. I'm a teacher too, and I might share this with my 6th graders.

What an amazing story. Really makes you stop and think. I truly appreciate this post. Amidst an election, stock market tumble and the everyday chaos of our world--that actually made time slow down for a moment.

i agree with "D" - it's a good lesson on how to be...

We should all get these moments in our lives more often. The simple act of grace and compassion, even if your life is wheeling out of control, is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have (or give).

I guarantee that good karma came back to that cab driver.

thanks for that -- it made me cry, but it made me happy. people are genuinely good, this just reinforces it.

Wow. It's nice to read about someone who is not afraid to stop their world to help someone else.

Wow. We should all be doing something so warm and generous for our elders. They need us as much as we need them. I know that woman wasn't my grandmother, but my thoughts are of my own grandma, living alone. Thanks for sharing.

I'm still misty. I've seen so many people from my family and church go through hospice, and while it's a great service, it's still so sad to know that the end is near. I've always praised the people that work in hospice, but I forget about the little saviors along the way that help get to that place. This was not only sweet, but a reminder that I need to be a better "me" and think about how I can make a small difference.
Thank you for the link.

Beautiful. "The door closing on a life" line was amazing. Thanks for this link today. Makes you think about what's important.

Thank you for posting the link. I'm sharing this beautiful story with everyone I know.

A beautiful story that makes me thankful that my grandmother had her whole famly with her when she went.

please delete number 41

We all stand the chance of being the little old lady. Will we take the opportunity to be the cab driver if it presents itself.

Another great post.............. Thanks

I've read that before but it meant more today. Two weeks ago, I lost my grandfather and I'm about to lose my grandmother. He was (and she will be) surrounded by family as he passed, but I always feel for people who aren't.

It's that thing of, one small thing, which may mean nothing to you, can change someone else's life.

I thought it was lovely.

I am not commenter #41.

I've seen this story before and it always brings a joyful tear to my eye. Thank you for reminding me that life's best moments are the small ones.

Wow!
Thanks for that Heather. I needed that.

Sigh.

so beautiful!
that man did his good dead for about 1000 days
x

Instant tears. That was really beautiful - thank you so much for sharing.

That broke my heart. Totally.

I've seen this story before, but it has as much of an impact the second time around as the first. It makes me think. . . if I spent a little less time focused on myself, and a little more time focused on the needs and struggles of others, how much more beauty and grace could I find in the world?

I have read this before, it is something that I think about often.

I love that you posted it.

Today was a good day for me to read it again.

May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.

Wow. And Dooce/Heather, you are blessed for blessing us with it.

May we all live in the moment and learn to appreciate what really matters.

Thank you so much. I said my final goodbyes to my Mom on Saturday. I should have bucked the rules and taken her on a drive when we had the chance. Your post helped me get rid of some pent-up sorrow.

Thank you. I want to be a better person. A nicer person. A person who would do this kind of thing for someone else. Too often I'm too hurried, too judgmental, and too self absorbed to be present enough in the moment to be this kind to those around me.

MAAAAAAAAN...why aren't you posting about politics and making me righteously angry? don't you know that that's what i depend on you for?? ;)

now here i am, blubbering at work.
dangit.
*sniff*

it's the smallest and most insignificant moments we have that normally can change a life. be it ours or even someoneelse's. this was beautiful... tears ran down my face.

It is that one act of kindness that may change your life - and now that we've read this, many lives.

Thanks Heather - you have indeed changed lives.

-Lori

By the way, (I'm still loving that piece) but I'm pretty sure that when you announce complete economic collapse or the Rapture or WWIII, there will be people who take a moment to say Top Ten! Woo hoo!!!

Just chuckling. Hugs to all who may need one.

I think I have used this as a sermon illustration before . . . it is touching.

Thank you. I have had a horrible day and for some reason I just needed to read this and cry a little. Thank you for taking the time to post it. You're awesome.

I think I am newly pregnant, my hormones are a mess and I'm sobbing.
I worked in hospice for a year and it was beautiful :)

Good God that was beautiful. Father in Law just passed last week in a hospice situation, and I hope he got everything he wanted out of his last few weeks.

Now go see the movie "Ghost Town".......

What is that saying? "It is better to give than to receive"...makes an ordinary day a holiday....

Beautiful. We never know when we will be given the opportunity to minister to someone's need, or how ordinary the act may seem in the grand scheme of things.

This was a nice change from the politics.....

Thank you for that.
Thank you.

Why do people care about being in the top 10 so much? Methinks they need to get a life. No offense to you, of course.

Thanks for linking this, I hadn't seen it. It was beautiful.

OMG...so emotional...especially when I really think hard about how many elderly are out there, who never experience this type of kindness in their later years.

I'm gonna go cry now, and eat chocolate, and hug my family.

Wow - that's cool. Thanks for sharing. Its amazing how things seem to just click in life now and then.

damn, that stuff gets me every time. i'm sniffling covertly at my desk at work. great story. thanks.

Oh my god, that made me cry and cry.

And I'm pretty sure the fact that I'm all pregnant and hormonal wasn't even the half of it.

What a fabulous story.

Beautifully written. Thanks for directing our attention to it.
As a prostate cancer patient, I can affirm that looking death in the eye changes you, as it did this nice elderly woman. And, for those who are open to it, that new degree of sensitivity can change those around us, as it did the taxi driver.
I have written a book that chronicles some of the wonderful and some of the very funny moments I have had since cancer entered my previously-peaceful world. As a result, hundreds of readers who have allowed themselves to be touched by my story have communicated with me.
That human connection is so rare and so much appreciated.

Comedy Writer Jerry Perisho

"Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless." - Bertrand Russell

Thanks for sharing.

I am going to a funeral this wk

My mother-in-law died of M.S. after suffering for 30yrs.
The last of which were confined to a bed, with a breathing and feeding tube, unable to communicate.

She was only 56.

This will only be the second funeral I've attended since the death of my husband at 32.
The long story is this is my deceased husbands, dad's wife.
He married her with M.S. carrying her to the chair she would sit in for their wedding.
Now he has to lay to rest his wife, after burying a son.

He is now faced at the age of 73 of being alone, after dedicating his life to taking care of her. He was her only living relative.

How blessed she was to have someone so dedicated and loving that she did not live alone.

I believe if we all have only one wish it is not to die alone.

Although this will be hard for everyone, I am going to do my best to remain positive, not to reflect on the sadness, but to celebrate the joy we all had in our lives and how blessed we are - not to die alone.

Am I the only one who thinks this piece reads like fiction? I'm not knocking the sentiment. It just sounds like a short story.

In the early stages of my aunt's Alzheimer's, she would often get confused or muddled while paying for something or ordering at a restaurant. When the clerks or wait staff were impatient, it would make a fragile woman feel that much worse. When they were patient and kind, we called them her angels in disguise. They had no idea how their small acts of kindness made all the difference in the world. I try to remember that every day with every person I encounter (often failing miserably). Everyone has a story.

If we took more time to pay attention to people around us, I think we could change lives more than any election ever could....

How sweet.

She deserved to have her memories revisted. She earned them.

Cheers!

Thank you!

That is absolutely amazing and heart touching. I wish more people thought and acted like that in todays world. I try my hardest to everyday, because of stories like this. You just never know when you will encounter an amazing moment.

Links like these are why I read blogs.
I aspire to parent like this man drove that day.

Thanks Heather for the link! Made my day for sure - feel a need to write something profound, but I've got nothing to add to that.

We should all aspire to be so kind. That is our purpose. Thank you for sharing such a lovely story.

that was beautiful. nice to be reminded that there is some kindness and humanity left in the world.

sad yet a nice reminder of my nana - thanks for sharing.

"We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one."

My most important moment was holding my infant son, Brendan, as he died. It was so quiet. There was no struggling. There was no pain. And I didn't cry then because I wanted his last moments to be those of comfort and peace and love. I hope he felt that.

Holding him for those minutes was absolutely the most important thing I have ever done, and quite possibly is the most important thing that I ever will do. And as painful as it was I wouldn't give those moments up for anything.

tears. thanks for something so real and touching in a time of such ugliness.

I thought it was an okay story with a fantastic message. However, I would have loved to have seen more detail in the story. I mean, the narrator sets it up with this notion of his cab as a confessional, then the woman remains silent throughout the cab ride only pointing out that this place is special and that place is special, but she gives no dialogue of her own to explain why these places are special or what, if any, memories she has of those old places.

Ah well... It was nice, but it needs more.

Sorry for being so cold.

as a pediatric icu and oncology nurse, i deal with life and death moments every day. while i know that i am often involved in some of the most difficult of all possible days in the lives of many families, its also opened me to some of the most beautiful of all human experiences--a parent helping me bathe a child, a teenage friend sitting for hours talking to their comatose friend as if nothing had changed, a grandmother wheeling an empty child-sized wheelchair to be donated to those in need after the death of her young grandson. i very much agree that "great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one." such moments are open for our taking, if only we make ourselves aware of their presence in our own lives.

a beautiful story, indeed.

If you like Nerburn then by all means read his books. My favorites are "Neither Wolf Nor Dog" and "Chief Joseph and The Flight of The Nez Perce"

Kudos to Her Heatherness for covering this amazing author!

Thank you for sharing.
The way it made me feel brought me back to my childhood. When I was a little girl I used to cry when I saw little old ladies alone in church, at restaurants, or out shopping...
That thread continues throughout my life as I struggle with the fear of being alone.

Thanks. Your post just put today's news into perspective for me. My husband and I just lost our entire retirement fund today, but this smacked me upside the head. There are way more important things than ... well, than things.

Great story. Thanks for sharing it with those of us who might not have found it on our own.

Thank you for posting that.

I always have believed that this world would be a better place if everyone was kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.

Beautiful story.
Life is made up of those unexpected moments. It's a pity not everyone is willing to go out of their way for someone else, even just for a moment. We'd all be happier if we did.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the great injustice this world has suffered because of the advent of cell phones is the loss of frequent cabbie-passenger communication.

Cabbies used to be good for at least one near-life-changing conversation a week. Now it's rare to find one who will even speak to you because they're always on the phone. I say in all sincerity that it's been a real loss in my life, and there's nothing I can do about it.

I hate to be so cynical, but I kept wondering--did this really happen? Or did he invent it? It sounds almost too literary, every detail too perfect. But I suppose it almost doesn't matter, since the effect is so powerful. Still, I wonder.

Thanks for sharing that Heather. It's all about those little moments that make this life worth living.

So sweet of him to take the time with the old woman. I try to be especially pleasant and helpful to the older people I see walking along the street, or in my apartment building.

I love old people, and can't believe sometimes how they are ignored. Let's all try to reach out to an elderly stranger in the next week!

I cried. Yes I did. I cried because that type of kindness gets me EVERY TIME.

It is those sorts of moments, you know...those instances when one human makes a decision to be kind to another human being...those are the moments that matter. So many of us have to stop and and make a conscious decision to behave that way. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we tried to make it a habit?

Thanks for sharing the link...that was wonderful. :-)

What a beautiful man that cab driver is.
Thank you for sharing his story.

This story is so touching because we can so easily find ourselves in either role...if I was the woman, I would be so grateful to find a helper like the driver. And how many times have I unwittingly found myself in the driver's shoes?

And how many times did I make the right, more patient choice? Fewer times than I'd like to think, I'd guess...

Thanks for sharing. This is a fabulous story.

I'm glad this touched so many people and warmed their day and all, but I'm afraid I'm with "Dan."

Wow. What bad writing.

Your writing is better than this dude's, Heather.

That's not kissing your ass. It's just true.

Let's all do this. OK? World's problems solved. Period.

I don't comment often, but I do want to thank you for this.

Once, when I was sixteen and waitressing, a very old man tipped me $20 for a cup of coffee. He said it was because I was the only person that had smiled at him all day; and he left before I could give the money back. "Thanks" would have been just fine, but I'm sure I spent the money on Echo and the Bunnymen tickets or something silly. I used to think of him every day for a while after that, and I realize I'd forgotten him for years. Since I'm not a naturally smiley person, sometimes the best I can do these days is just to remember my good manners. Now, thirtymumble years later, I've just been reminded of him. Sincerely, thanks.

Heather,

Thank you so much for sharing this. While it made me cry, it was just what I needed. Since I started back to school I have been so wrapped up in my own world writting papers, studying or doing other random things for school and have not been the best at keeping in touch with the people that mean the most to me.

I am glad I stopped and took the time to come and read the blog today, but I have to go I have some emails and phone calls to make.

April

PS. I just helped an elderly stranger...as I propositioned to all of you (it was a 'wrong number' and I helped her find the right number for Meals on Wheels). It took some extra effort, and I'm so glad I did it.

Stopped by your blog looking for a laugh but instead I got a much-needed cry. At a time when the news cycles are consumed with politics and money, it's refreshing and important to take a moment to think about small people and small moments, about human decency and grandma.

It reminds me of the last narration at the end of 'American Beauty' when Lester says, "...and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday."

Our lives are made up of little moments that are often overlooked because they aren't the monumental, earth-shattering or orgasmic explosions. But the smile of a child or the hug of a parent or just the littlest kindness of a stranger (like when the policeman lets you off without a speeding ticket you really deserved) can color how you treat the next person and how they treat the next.

I do believe this is wonderful and a gift given to a stranger. I feel that many times we just as easily overlook those we know or even those we say we love.

It is a wonderful story to share and hope that it opens peoples eyes and hearts to those nearby who might need some care...

Love to all

Heather,
This has reminded me of so many things. Of when my grandmother died, and then my grandfather. When one of my good friends lost her father to lung cancer a couple of years ago (and is now in the process of dealing with her mother's progressive lymphoma). Of the close friend my mother lost to lung cancer. Of my former downstairs neighbor, who died a few days ago in a car accident (I didn't know her well, but I also never introduced myself and never really said much to her). Of when my father-in-law's mother died, then my mother-in-law's mother, then my mother-in-law's father (and my husband was unable to say goodbye or attend any of the funerals since they live 1600 miles away). I am reminded that a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. I am reminded that life is so very short and that we all have so many people that are important to us in one way or the other.

I am reminded, too, of another story. I don't remember it exactly so repeating it verbatim is out of the question, but I remember the gist of it.

A young man who had just moved to the area was walking home from high school. He had spent all of his first week at his new school being bullied and beat up. Life at home was not much better; his parents were in the middle of a brutal divorce and custody battle, and neither parent was particularly excited about being the sole caretaker of a teenager. He felt unneeded, unwanted, and quite unloved. On his way home one afternoon, one of the many antagonists in his class nearly ran him over with a bicycle, forcing him to drop all of his books and papers into a puddle.

One boy walking across the street had seen what had gone on that week. He was a "jock," but felt that the treatment the new kid had received was wrong. Once the bicycle and its cackling owner had passed, the jock crossed the street and went over to help the new kid pick up his belongings. The jock introduced himself as Kevin; the new kid said his name was Bill, and the two struck up a friendship that lasted until graduation.

Sure enough, Bill went on to be the class valedictorian. During his speech on graduation night, he asked Kevin to join him at the podium. Many of the attendees snickered to themselves, but Bill refused to speak until the stadium was quiet.

"My friends," Bill began, "this is Kevin. One day many years ago, Kevin stopped to help me out when nobody else did. I had spent all that week as the new kid in school, and had been taunted and bullied so badly that one night, after dinner, I decided that I would end all of my problems the next day. I wrote out a suicide note, got together some pills and alcohol, and went to sleep. The next day, on my way home, Kevin stopped to help me pick up my books after someone had knocked me over. I had planned to kill myself that night, but thanks to Kevin and his kindness, I never did. I owe my life to him."

Everyone in the stadium was shocked and surprised, even Kevin - who had never known just how much of an impact he had on his friend.

I'm sure that the exact story was probably more of a tearjerker than that, but the point is made either way: kindness is the single most important gift we can share with mankind. Money is great, but its benefits are fleeting. Material possessions, while oftentimes wanted and coveted, are not necessary and will not last a lifetime. But kindness is seen, is remembered forever, and is passed on from person to person through words and actions.

Thank you for helping me stop and remember what life is really about so that I may pass this message on to my 1 1/2 year old son. Those who critique the content of your blog do so blindly and with tunnel vision focused on only the things they want to see or read. They do not understand that it has a greater focus: changing lives.

The more we look out for one another, the better this world will be. Thanks for the reminder.

so Heather, maybe you should devote this site to being a better person and helping others. How about dumping the potty mouth and unintelligent political rants that you know provoke so much hostility (which I think you love).. Use this site for greater things...or is that too much work? It's much easier for you to whine and complain. I've read your archives, there's so much garbage it may take Ty Pennington, a bull dozer and his ABC crew to come in here and clean it up.

I'll be here waiting for the big life moving, earth shattering CHANGE at dooce.

come one BUS DRIVER...MOVE THAT BUS

I miss my Grandma.

I wish I'd read the comments here before I read the ones at Mefi, not the other way around -- although the comments about memorable taxi rides are great. It's nice to put aside the cynicism for a bit and savour a story, true or not.

It breaks your heart. What a great read! Thanks for the link.

beautiful...thank you for sharing.

I'm always glad when I make it to your blog, but never more than today. Thank you so much. I hope you don't mind if I share it on my blog as well.

Going through a lot of crap myself right now, more or less as a result of a couple of those seemingly trivial choices we all make. It's good to be reminded that some of my other seemingly trivial choices ended up being very good ones. Choices and acts that have touched others and made such wonderful differences for so many people.

Thanks!

My mom is a hospice volunteer, and it's amazing and horrible to me to hear her stories of how many people are left there, totally alone. One lady that my mom had gotten to know and like passed away, and the family wouldn't even pick up the body. It's heartbreaking. (The good thing is they have people like my mom, who loves people and can talk to anyone like she's known them forever. They also have Charlie, the hospice golden retriever...He's awesome.)
I'm glad the right driver was in the right place and did the right thing. It's a sad and beautiful story.

To 183: I loved that story! It made me smile all day. Yay, cab drivers :)

...Thank you Heather...

...Blessings... :o)

118. Katie... thanks for the reminder.

I am the primary care giver for my elderly mother who is in the latter stages of untreatable cancer. Two years ago, I went through the same thing with my Father. To say that it has its stressful moments would be a vast understatement. Unfortunately, those stressful times often exhibit themselves as impatience. Certainly not because I don't want to take care of her as I truly believe it is a blessing, but rather because I see a little bit more of her slip away everyday. It's hard losing any ground when the ground is already so unstable. That having been said, I'm going to try and take some deep breaths before "reacting" next time.

Okay, now I'm crying.

Thanks for the post.

Pebbles? I have to say I'm worried about you. I can tell you're being held hostage with a gun to your head, and you are being forced to read this blog. Please. Let us know where we can send the help, and the police will come and rescue you.

It must be horrible, Pebbles. Reading things against your will, and then feeling obligated to tell us about it has got to be absolutely miserable.

Thank you for this. I needed this reminder today, that there are still good people in the world, and that small kindnesses can change lives.

My dog and I work as a Pet Therapy team at one of our local hospitals. It has been an amazing journey. To be able to hear some amazing stories from hospice patient's, to seeing a very sick child feel better for a few moments. Simply by being there and giving them time with someone (my dog) to listen to how they feel. It is time slowed down and shared with strangers that makes us connect like we were meant to.

I have read this before....for some reason---it struck me tonight. I've been in a rut. I needed this. If I am being honest...it made a difference. Thank you for sharing....and seriously....the people who are worried about how quickly they responded---they can't seriously have read and appreciated what you posted.

I'll tell you what, that post butterflied its little wings all over the internet, and SOMEBODY is going to remember to do the right thing at the right time as a result.

Nice work, Jesus.

Hehe.

She gave him a gift. His "what if" comments at the end are superfluous. It was meant to be him. There are nursing homes everywhere in this country filled with similar stories, if we are willing to listen.

Thank you for this Heather. I needed to be reminded today (after a terrible day yesterday) that it's always better to be kind to anyone you meet. You never know what battle they are facing.

I know I have had moments like this. The quiet moments I have with a family whose newborn is close to death. I never know when or if anything I do is making an everlasting impression for them. But, I guess they do. This may not make any comparsion to this story, but I did.

My grandmother just passed away yesterday, so I am especially attuned to stories like this. Thanks for sharing.

First, I love how life's pleasures for the elderly are so simple and sweet. They see the value and joy of a phone call, a hug, a moment sitting outside in the fresh air, a drive around town...

Secondly, I've always felt that spending time with the elderly is like slamming on life's breaks, but when we do take the time to slow down, sit with them, and listen to their stories (even if we've heard them before), it's never in vain. So much perspective and wisdom in those beautiful, aged souls.

Heather, thank you for reminding me of Kent Nerburn. I have read...read is not the write word. I have immersed myself in several of his books. I need to immerse myself in them again!

While I might have a different opinion than you politically, and while I might not agree that small children should be allowed (or even exposed to) foul language, I admire the gift you have of writing. Surely you know how many people you reach...and what an impact your gift can have.

I've seen this before, but I always read it through. It's so poignant, melancholy, touching, and wonderful. I write this trying to see through the tears in my eyes. I really, really, really needed to read this today. Thanks so much for posting it.

Utterly killed me! Beautifully written, so poignant and utterly wonderful. Thanks for sharing and now I have to go and wipe the mascara off my face from crying.

Oh geez you made me cry. Thank you for sharing this. I loved the last paragraph.

the article is no longer posted .. anyone find it? thanks.

This blurb could be the story of my first marriage: the place we had the official ceremony burned down, the place we had the ceremony with friends and family fell down in the Loma Prieta earthquake, the apartment we almost moved into was torn down...is it any wonder we didn't last? The universe knew, too bad it took me so long

Dude, he pulled the story from the site and now he is trying to sell a book so that you can read the full story. So sad... I don't get to read it. Bummer.

That's fucked that he did that.

good message, but sounds a bit contrived to me.

no beth, no he did not pull the story. the servers are overwhelmed.
here is a link to it on another site.

http://www.weboflove.org/060309cabride

My grandfather passed away this morning in hospice care. This was a touching story to read and a cry jerker for sure.

As someone who is an only child and lost my one and only last living family member 5 years ago, it's often difficult to explain to people how truly alone in the world one can feel. Thank you for posting this, at least I believe this has made a few people stop and think...

Also, I really appreciate your timing on this. On a day when the stock market took a dive, a BIG one - yet again - I think it's easy for people to get swept up with the drama of today rather than seeing things from the longer perspective.

Thanks Heather.

My Grandma is 93 and in a hospice. She can't see anymore. She can hardly hear. She doesn't have the strength to hold her head up and so it rests on her chest. She can't walk. And yet, her mind is sharp. The last time I visited, she said, "I have been wondering what I could have done in my life that is so terrible that I would be forced to live this way right now." The deterioration that comes with aging is heart wrenching. My poor mother just wants to tuck her mother in her pocket and bring her home. It's hard to watch my Grandma this way. I think it will be a hundred times harder when my own mother gets to be that age. I don't want to think about it right now.

Sweet story.

oh, Dooce.

IT MAKES ME WANT TO BE A BETTER PERSON
AND I WILL BE......TO MY OWN MUM WHO IS 90 YEARS OLD

That was absolutely beautiful.
May we all aspire to be like that cab driver. May we all be so lucky to run into someone like him in our lives - when we need it most.

Your kind mention killed their servers apparently. But it's posted here now:

http://www.weboflove.org/060309cabride

I was proud of myself for holding it together...Then I read #138 Carolyn's comments. The faucet turned on.

The day before my grandma died, she was in hospice care at home. She couldn't talk, could hardly move or open her eyes. We all took turns being by her side. I talked to her like I normally would and gave her the updates. She lifted her eyebrows in excitement, and it made me feel like I was making her last moments feel normal. Little did I know that my uncle was watching me. I apparently touched him too. It let him know that the grandkids (between 21 years old to 32) would be ok after she was gone. In that time, he realized we had grown up to be respectful and responsible. It also showed him that grandma had done her job as a mother and grandmother. Who knew that talking about a potential interview would lead to so many touching moments?

Thank you for the link and for the person who wrote: be the person you want to be in every moment, not just the convenient ones.

I just printed that phrase out and will post it on a wall in my home as a reminder.

As a sales manager for a local bookstore I am taking the Oprah recommended section and putting up Dooce recommended.

Wow, that was like... Chicken Soup for the Soul. Gotta agree with DiaryofWhy. Yes, I'm a cynical, bitter person who is unmoved even by the most beautiful inspirational prose.

wow, i hope you never link to something i've written. dooce crashes another site! ha ha ha, i hope it comes up again soon - i'm all intrigued! i feel blue-balled...

Thanks Heather, and thanks to those who posted another link to the story!
It is really beautiful.
And to that pebbles woman, please go fuck yourself.

Haven't read this yet, but was looking for ideas for new reading material because if I don't focus on something other than politics, the economy and the JERKS IN CONGRESS, I might just spontaneously combust. If you like a good rant about the state of the country, check out my post today. I enjoyed your recent rants, maybe you'd enjoy one of my rare ones.

Ehh. The overall message is touching, but it was written in a way that made it too sappy to really work. For me, anyway. I felt warmer inside at all the softies bursting into tears over it. <3 Y'all are cute. :)

Comment 254, however, that gave me real pause.

The link must now be broken - I even tried getting to it from Kent's site. Damn! I'm in need of a good cry!

After watching my dad die of cancer eight years ago - one week before my daughter was born - I decided to go into hospice care. They wouldn't take me as a volunteer so soon after Dad's death, but I tucked that desire in my back pocket and carried it with me through the next seven years of motherhood and waitressing.
I'm about halfway through my nursing program now, and while I'm not sure I'll be able to do hospice full-time without succumbing to a whole new definition of depression, I do still plan on making it at least a part-time effort. Stories like this remind me of why I got into nursing school to begin with, especially on days like today, when I have two exams and a clinical to attend and am sure I can't pack any more information into my brain cells.
Thank you.

Pfff.

Why on earth would that make anyone cry??? It's badly written, predictable and the whole I'm-such-a-kind-and-sensitive-guy thing made me want cringe.

Really, really poor. And not in any way at all "inspiratonal".

I must say, the stuff that has been posted on here recently has been pretty shabby.

Link not working...shitski.

Yeah, I didn't really enjoy the story. I found it contrived, predictable and badly written - it was completely unbelievable. Sorry... I've been more touched by your frank monthly newsletters to Leta than this.

To get to a web site that carried: "The Cab Ride I’ll Never Forget" by Kent Nerburn, I Googled the title and selected an alternate site that carried it. Kent Nerburn says, on his own site, that the post has appeared elsewhere, and it does.

Thanks for the tip Roger (#292). I think the original site has been Dooced and probably crashed under the weight. Here's where I found it:

http://www.weboflove.org/060309cabride

Comment 116: I have to agree that it sounds like fiction. It was a beautiful story and I'm not a cynic at all, but in my experience NY cabbies just don't get out of their car for a fare at 2am.

However, I'll suspend my disbelief because I'd like to hope for a world in which this is true.

Hmmm. . .I guess I'm a cold person - this one didn't get me at all.

This reminds me of what I have not done and will NOT do since my parents moved out of the house I grew up in. Three generations of my family (1941 - 2005) lived in a tiny house in central Houston (TX). Due to changes in the neighborhood and changing family circumstances, my folks moved out to a new, much larger house north of Houston. The old homestead was sold to a builder who immediately tore it down to build a McMansion.

In this day and age when putting down roots can be so hard to do, I feel like my roots were ripped forceably out of the ground when my "home" was demolished. I haven't been back to look at the monstrosity that now stands where my home used to be -- and I never will.

I remember seeing an episode of "thirtysomething" where Michael and Elliot are talking about funerals--because their best friend, Gary had died unexpectedly. One mentions to the other, that from here on out, they are going to have friends die and will have to attend more funerals. The other says that it's probably best to make the times in between the funerals, sweet. So that's my philosophy. Make the times between funerals sweet.