Dying Man’s Daily Journal – Kindness of People

How often have I written of the true kindness, the loving and giving nature of people? I don’t know but it has been lots.

I experienced some of that first hand last evening and it is a story I really do want to share.

To begin, I have to go back about 5 or 6 weeks ago. Back at that time I was experiencing a lot of problems with my sleep apnea and my CPAP machine. I was sitting in the waiting room of the clinic that deals with the machines, awaiting my turn to be seen. There was only one couple in the waiting room. Being me, I struck up a conversation with them. We only chatted for maybe 10 minutes if that. Majority of the conversation I don’t recall the specifics of but:

I do recall  they were Nelson and Marie McKay from the First Nations Community (Reserve) of Cross lake. I related how I had lived in Norway House a similar community and really enjoyed my stay up north. It turns out Nelson was at the clinic, with his CPAP machine as he was having real problems getting used to sleeping with the mask, the high pressure wind blowing in your face. I do remember encouraging him to be patient with it and to stick to it as once you got used to wearing it, it was very well worth it.

Now I can’t really remember how it came up, but I do remember talking about how I missed the fishing up north and that I loved eating fish, especially pickerel. As I was being called in to my appointment Nelson quickly asked for my phone number saying he would be back in the city and would bring me some fish. I readily gave him my number, thanked him and basically rushed off as the nurse was waiting.

On the way home, I thought of how I had enjoyed our little chat and of the nice gesture, the thought of bringing me some fish. I guess at the time that is what I thought it was, just a nice gesture, a nice thought, bringing me some fish the next time he was in town. I suppose to be honest I thought that was all that it was, just one of those things we all say to be nice. I mean who really would go to all the trouble of catching, filleting, freezing and then transporting fish all the way to Winnipeg for a stranger. I mean that is really who I was to them. We had after all chatted for a grand total of 10 minutes if that. He had no idea who I was other than some guy named Bill.

Well obviously, the 10 minute chat wasn’t long enough for me to really get to know them, for the kind, loving and generous people they are.

Four or Five days ago the phone rang. It was Marie asking if I could meet her at the bus depot last night at 9:30. She was coming to town and had some fish for me. FANTASTIC. Naturally, I quickly agreed.

I was excited and I talked about this kind act many times over this past few days. Repeating to myself many times: 9:30 on Monday bus depost, 9:30 on Monday, 9:30 on Monday.

Now, I know I have mentioned my memory. I imagine all pretty much know what I am going to say now. Yup, I forgot, geesh. HOW COULD I DO THAT!!!!!!

About, 9:50 the phone rings, it is Marie. I instantly felt so very bad and almost fell all over myself apologizing. Off to the bus depot I went. Now you know this is the time you are going to hit every single traffic light, red. Now our initial meeting had been so brief, that on the phone we had to describe ourselves to each other, do we would recognize each other.

I arrived and there patiently waiting for me was Marie, her son and sister. Again I apologize profusely for keeping them waiting. I tried to offer some sort of payment for the fish, politely declined. I offer a ride, again politely declined.

I am truly overwhelmed by this kindness and generocity to a stranger that you simply learn likes to eat fish.

Nelson and Marie, I do thank you so very much. The stranger you know as Bill is in fact me. You are shining examples of the people I so often write of, people with kind and generous hearts. May God Bless You.