Ditto all of the sentiments. Back when my daughter needed a major surgery, we had to go to social services and turn to a non-profit for help. Our mortgage was paid for three months, they paid for my son's preschool for 6, and cooked meals for our family. Other bills were paid. It was really hard to go into that office, asking for help.
Now, I give back whenever I can. I cook for other families in town with sick kids. I load up the town pantry on occasion. And donate money when there is a bit left over.
It is hard, it is humbling, but the people who give are actually GETTING so much from it! More than the help you are receiving. I've been on both sides of it... You give a gift to someone who wants to help you, by letting them help. Your mom knows that you are not out "gold-digging." And that this is out of the norm for you. Bridget and Mike are right, that you made your mom so happy to be able to be there for you, to do something tangible to help. How many times have we offered our help to someone, but they don't leave us anything to do?
Humble is one way to look at it...grace is another. You can have the grace and understanding that you will give back to someone when you can.
CA, huh? Did you run it past Carrie - she may have been lured by the promise of great weather and beaches....
(Did you read the Secret? One school of thought is to KNOW, in your heart, what you WILL have in your life, and then it manifests itself! Might be worth a shot...)
