Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner
, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Love Connection

This was no ordinary coffee date at a funky college neighborhood coffee shop in Detroit. It was the first-time meeting of two strangers, Jan and Reenié, who had been brought together by love and a mutual friendship that spanned nearly 3,000 miles.

Jan Coppola Bills
Jan had become Facebook friends with our buddy Trudy. Their interest in, and love of gardening and all things green and good for the earth, brought them together. Jan is the owner of Two Women and a Hoe™ in Royal Oak, Michigan. Trudy is a landscape manicurist and designer in Bakersfield who is courageously facing cancer

It was Jan who made Trudy’s wish for a pallet garden to be constructed in her yard on a brick wall come true. Though they had never met in person, Jan’s desire to make this happen for Trudy led her to contact her friends at Urban Dirt in southern California. Dave Walrod and his crew showed up the first Saturday in March, and the dreamed-of pallet garden became a beautiful reality.
Pallet garden with some of Trudy's plants on the ledge
Reenié is my sister. She and her husband Don live in a suburb of Detroit, close to Royal Oak. When I mentioned how near each other the two women were, Trudy asked, “Do you think Reenié would meet Jan and give her a hug for me?”

“Absolutely!” I said, knowing my sister’s compassionate heart and that she'd love to do something for Trudy. And that is how the coffee date came about. 

Reenié and Trudy have history through sharing the same August birthday and many laughs over the years when Reenié would visit Bakersfield. And, then there was that time when my sister met Trudy and me at the Women in Motorcycling banquet in Ohio back in 1997. 

So  speaking by phone, the two strangers who would soon be friends arranged that Jan would come to Reenié and Don’s home for coffee last week. Reenié said, “Jan showed up right on time. With some lovely Danishes in tow! I love her already.”

There were hugs and Trudy stories in addition to becoming acquainted with each other. Sipping black coffee and munching on pastries, the two women discovered that, among other things, they both enjoy playing golf -- as well as their love for Trudy.

Reenie and Jan
Reenié’s email that accompanied her photos read:  “What an awesome day we had. It was all thanks to Trudy! What a wonderful gift she gave to Jan, Don and me from so far away.” 

Trudy, March 3, 2012
And the feeling was mutual. Jan wrote, "Oh, I had such a great time with Reenié and Don! Glorious birds of a feather DO flock together! I am so grateful for the new wonderful friends I have made because of one special lady named Trudy!"

Love. It has the power to connect people who may never have met.  I can’t help but think about what it can do for all of us, whether near or far.
~ xoA
Trudy checks on her wall after a windstorm

12 comments:

  1. What a lovely story, Annis! And equally lovely photos. Thank you for sharing it all!

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  2. My pleasure, Bobbi. It is really a sweet story. xoA

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  3. Here I am at 3:30 am on the patio sitting curled under a throw rug behind an umbrella just grabbing some fresh air whisking away tears. I've had an enormously full life filled with great friends and experiences. I miss everyone and everything already, but I'm okay with leaving life just not the goodbyes. Thank you Annis for for letting me be a part of your life. Trudy

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    1. Dear, dear Trudy. It's been my honor to be your friend and share this life with you. We've touched and changed each other forever. I love you. xoA

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  4. Read this on my commute to work and can't think of a better start to the week! Thanks for sharing your stories with us...your warmth and love are all over them! Xoxo- Michelle

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  5. My Dear Sweet Sister: This IS one of those "feel good" stories even though the tears are streaming down my cheeks about now. I couldn't have told it better. It was my honor and pleasure to do that for Trudy. In turn I gained so much more from the experience. I love you and I love Trudy! Reenie

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    1. You lived it, dear heart. I just reported it. Whatta Woman you are! I love you. xoA

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  6. Replies
    1. You are welcome. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. xoA

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  7. Dear Annis, I am touched beyond words. The Lord's work has left wonderful memories on my heart. I am forever grateful. I love you to pieces. Thank you so much! (((Hugs)))

    May all your gardens grow,
    Jan

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    1. It's been my pleasure to tell this story, Jan. The love shown here has already affected so many hearts. Thank YOU.
      xoA

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