Our gardener is one of the kindest and hardest working men I know. Every Friday morning, he arrives in his old pickup truck with rakes, shovels, and tools piled in the back. Sometimes he has a helper but usually not. His tattered jeans, long-sleeved plaid shirt with a missing a button or two, and his worn-out work boots, reflect a man who isn’t interested in outward appearances. He’s content with his simple life and takes pride in working hard to make a living.
Our family calls him Papa. He reminds us of my dad, who we call Papa, except that our gardener happens to be Hispanic. Gardener Papa’s gentle voice, big smile that exposes some missing teeth, hearty laugh, and round belly make him seem jolly. His dark, loose curls bounce as he walks back and forth pushing the lawnmower. I don’t know how old he is, but I’d guess late 60s.
We originally hired his son, who I’ll call Ricky. But it’s a family business, and we are one of Papa’s accounts.
Papa doesn’t speak much English, and we don’t speak much Spanish, so communicating is a challenge. But we all make an attempt and don’t mind when the other doesn’t understand. Papa loves to talk, and my husband Alex and I enjoy our somewhat stilted conversations with him. He tells us about his family and mentions what a beautiful day it is, no matter if it’s 100 degrees or if it’s cold and drizzly.
Alex always gives Papa a drink, either water or Coke. We smile because Papa never opens it right then. He stuffs it in his pocket to save for later.
Even though we don’t perfectly understand each other, we try. And there’s something universal that we always have for each other — a smile.
Last Friday Papa didn’t show up. We weren’t worried because sometimes he comes on Saturday. I texted Ricky to ask him about extra work we wanted done. Ricky didn’t reply for a few days.
Papa had a stroke.
Today Ricky came by to mow our grass and let us know what happened.
Papa was working the day he had his stroke. He was cutting, mowing, and trimming when his face felt numb. He called his wife and she told him he had to go to the hospital. Papa fought that, saying he was fine and could finish his full day of work.
Ricky tried to reach his dad on his cell but, as usual, he didn’t pick up. Papa had a habit of not answering his phone, so just a few weeks ago, Ricky installed a GPS in his dad’s truck without him knowing. Thank God. Ricky was able to figure out where his dad was, and rushed to help.
Papa was taken to the hospital, where he stayed for four days. He’s now at home, recuperating.
Ricky told me something that melted my heart.
He talked about how hard it is to deal with customers because of cultural differences, especially for his dad. He said some people have been rude and impatient with Papa’s limited English skills.
And then he said this:
“My dad loves working at your house, you’re one of his favorite customers. He likes to talk with you and Alex and he appreciates the time you spend with him. He says both of you always seem happy. You guys smile a lot and are nice to each other and my dad thinks it’s great and says it’s like you’re teenagers.”
Really? I had no idea that’s how he saw us, and it made me feel so good. With the language barrier, we never really knew how much Papa understood or what he thought about us.
Sometimes we don’t realize how we affect others with our words and actions. Kindness doesn’t take a huge effort. It can show up in small ways — a smile, a conversation, or exhibiting patience and tolerance.
Ricky said his dad can’t wait to get back to work. I pray Papa has a speedy recovery and we can talk and laugh with him again.
I’m glad to know we’ve made a positive impact on his life.
It goes both ways.
First image courtesy of here
Second image courtesy of here
Third image courtesy of here
You never know the lives you touch by sharing a bit of kindness. May ‘Papa’ experience a full recovery.
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Thank you so much! xx
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You are so right! A smile takes so little to give and you never know how much it will brighten someone’s day.
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I know, it’s often those little things that make a big impact. And so simple! xx
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I am so glad Ricky added that GPS. Papa sounds like a real gem. I hope he makes a full recovery and you have many more special memories. 🌼
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Thank you! And I know, I was amazed when he told me about the GPS. Good timing!💜
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What a lovely story. I hope he recovers fully and is soon back with you. We have a gardener who has become a friend only it was the other way round with us, we originally had his father looking after our lawns, hedges and trees. That was about 25 years ago. Then the son joined him and eventually took over. Sadly, his father died his year. I look forward to our friend’s visit, we always have a cuppa outside and put the world to rights 😊
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I love your story, thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear about your gardener. How wonderful that his son took over. It’s one of those nice relationships that develops over time💜
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What a beautiful and sad story. I literally have goose-bumps reading this. You do touch so many hearts with a little kindness and it costs nothing. A smile goes such a long way. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and I truly hope Papa is going to be okay. I wish him a speedy recovery. 🙂 x
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Aw, thank you for your lovely comment. And yes, those small acts of kindness go a long way. Thanks again, I appreciate it so much! xx
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This is priceless! Yes kindness and a smile can make all the difference. I am not surprised about how he sees you at all 🌸🌸🌸
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Aw Lynn, you are so sweet. Thank you!💖
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❤️❤️
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
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Thank you🤗
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You are welcome!
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Beautiful post, beautiful photos.
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Thank you so much! And thanks for visiting here, I appreciate that🙂
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Really amazing post ! you have amazing feed ! knew to this blog life so please if you have time check out my page and let me know what you think !
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Thank you so much! Just went to your page, and I want to make sure it’s the right one… the last post is June 2007. Are you reactivating that one? I just followed 🙂
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dailymotivationlive.wordpress.com – i just started my account so isn’t that one
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Hm, that’s strange. When I click on your link, it takes me to a blog called Daily Motivation, last post is 6/30/2007. Very odd!
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yea thats very weird! surely if you just click my name on this message it will take you there ?
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No, because it’s dailymotivation.wordpress.com. Doesn’t have the word ‘live’ in it. So it takes people to the wrong blog😕
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its dailymotivationlive.wordpress.com
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Oh! I see what’s wrong! The link you wrote above is dailymotivationlive, but the one above, under inspiringyourworld, is just dailymotivation. Must be someone else’s older blog?
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My last post was on the 6th of November
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I just discovered your blog. Kindness is the trait I am most drawn to in others and one I try to practice as well.
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Me too. Thank you for visiting here and the nice comment. Take care!
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❤️ this post 🌸
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Thank you!🌸💖🌸
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I can’t belive Ricky installed the GPS when he did. It was a life saver. Speedy recovery for Papa. Yes, kindness has no borders. A smile, a helping hand, etc. can make someone’s life brighter. 🦋🌻💕
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I know, amazing what the timing was with that GPS. Papa came to work at our house last week with another man. Looked like Papa lost a lot of weight and he wasn’t moving as easily. Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery. Thanks for your nice comment💕
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That is a great story! And what an encouragement to hear how much he appreciates you guys. I just had a chance to read one other of your posts about having two older girls who both struggle with panic attacks..Sounds like our home…Our two youngest (31 yr old daughter and 29 yr old son) have both battled variations of this as well. PTSD for the son, due to multiple things over the years we were not even aware of. Anyway while I know the technology is out there to place gps trackers on vehicles, I’ve never known anyone first hand..what a life saver that was for that family. DM
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Thank you so much, DM! Glad you visited here, it’s nice to connect with you! Sorry to hear your children struggle with mental health. And yes, that gps was a lifesaver! Thanks for the nice comment. Take care, Jenny
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Such a heart-warming story, thanks for sharing it! x
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Thanks so much, glad you liked it!💜
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Wow, that’s very inspirational J,
Specially taking this for myself.
“Sometimes we don’t realize how we affect others with our words and actions. Kindness doesn’t take a huge effort. It can show up in small ways — a smile, a conversation, or exhibiting patience and tolerance.”
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Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it🙂and thanks for visiting here, it’s great to connect with you… your blog is inspirational! Jenny
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I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m a gardener too and have to say that a kind word from a customer goes a long way. I put the same amount of hard work into everyone’s yard but a friendly client always puts a pep in my step and makes me want to go the extra mile. A little while ago an elderly lady I visit once a month knitted me a beanie. She was concerned I’d catch a cold hehe. Cute. The next time I was there I cleaned her windows for free to surprise her.
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Oh, I love this! Thank you for the kind words, glad you can relate! You sound like an awesome gardener, with wonderful clients. Small acts of kindness mean so much… and then people feel good to pay it forward, like you did by cleaning the lady’s windows. So sweet! Thanks again for the nice comment! 🙂
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