"We are so into our own lives that we forget how blessed we are"
I have had the pleasure of working a few really cool showbiz jobs the last few weeks. My run around car was loaded to the hilt with costumes and boxes. It was raining today and I stopped to get some videos on my way home. I noticed a homeless old man shivering under the 7-11. I had some extra cash in my wallet from working. I said, in my broken Italian/Spanish, “I will go to the car and get some money for you in a minute” He understood and started talking a mile a minute in Spanish. As I got my videos, I went to my car and got 5 bucks to give to him. In LA, you never know if a homeless person is really homeless, but this guy wasn’t high or drunk and he looked so cold and sad. As I gave him the $5 I said in English, “Sorry it’s not more, but it might help with food.” He didn’t understand but he grabbed me close for a hug and started to cry. I mean really cry. I hugged him back, telling him I knew how it felt to be homeless and there are people in the world like me who love him. When he called me “Madonna Maria” I started to cry too… knowing he was saying something to the effect of “you are like the mother of Jesus”. You never know what a little help can do. You never know what a simple smile, or a few bucks can do for someone. We are so into our own lives that we forget how blessed we are, and how we can all reach out in some way and help others.
Whether it’s volunteering in an animal shelter (Btw, since we adopted Cocoa, I will never buy a purebred dog from a breeder again. There are too many little fluffy lovers out there at the pounds and rescue centers who need homes!) or a rest home, we can all do a little more. If we do something every day, even if it’s just recycling our bottles and cans, it all makes a difference for our children and the generations to come. This world is a mess. If we can lighten someone’s load, or brighten someone’s day, we owe it to our world to do so.
I was so in awe of the gratitude of this sweet man today. He responded the same way I would if someone gave me $500,000 dollars! You just never know. So, don’t let an act of kindness pass you by. Give to the world, and the world will give back. And remember my friends, energy doesn’t disappear, it just changes forms. Let’s all try to put our energy into good, positive things. Together, we can help each other make our lives happier and our bodies and minds healthier.
I love you all. Keep me posted on what you want to read about and how I can help you.
All my love,
Malena
December 14, 2011 at 6:41 pm
I totally agree with your philosophy on life…give till it hurts and then give some more. After 2 cancer bouts within 12 yrs sort of changes the direction of your life and thinking….I met you at Kristie Beason’s wedding way back when and thought you were gorgeous and you still are. As you say, beauty is only skin deep but the beauty projected from within…lasts longer…..you are still beautiful in your picture. Hope all goes well for you healthwise….Flo ….
December 14, 2011 at 7:20 pm
My health is an uphill battle but psychologically I’m the type who never gives up so, its ok. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I hope you are well. Miles’ family is great and I do miss so many of them. Thank you for writing. It means the world to me.
Love always,
Malena