Paying It Forward

Last night I was so happy to be sitting on my couch, watching TV and doing absolutely nothing.  I know you know where I'm headed with this.  It was 7:41pm when my phone rang, a friend that lives up the street calling.  She asked if I was busy, and I thankfully said no, then told me that she and her daughter were parked outside and wondered if I had anything to make sugar cookies with.  Her little girl needed a dozen or so for school today, the commissary was closed and Walmart is an hour there and back from our homes.  I knew I did, had the ingredients anyway, and told them to come on in.  It didn't take me long to figure out that she wasn't quite sure how to make them either.

Hmmm...my wheels started turning and I offered to call my son, who works near Walmart, and ask him to pick up a roll of dough--the slice and bake type.  I suggested that this was probably the easiest option at that time of night.  Well, Sam didn't answer as he was working, so I quickly went into 'what-to-do mode'.  I knew what to do and didn't even hesitate to say, "we'll make them here, give me a few minutes to clean up the dishes from our hall party and we'll knock it out".  I could see the relief on their faces, which told me I had made the right decision.

They headed back up the hill so B could eat and shower, she had been to gymnastics, and I could get my itty-bitty kitchen in order.  By the time they got back to my house, the dough was made and board floured for her to start rolling.  I used my mom's recipe, but halved it since it makes A LOT, and we truly did knock-out 3 or more dozen cookies in no time.  The last batch she sprinkled with colored sugar to share with her big brother at home.  I think they left a little after 9:00, and I was back on the couch, with my feet up at 9:20.

While I was tempted, at one point, to give them what they needed to make the cookies, I felt it was more important to go the extra mile.  All week I've gotten help from others for one task or another, and helped some in return. As tired as I was, it was one of those times that I knew I would get back so much more than I was giving.  And, I did.  We talked and laughed for over an hour, I got to teach someone something new and do one of my favorite things--baking cookies--at the same time.

PLATTER of chocolate-dipped pretzels I made to help a friend yesterday afternoon

Tea rings my friend was making for gifts