Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty

I've been busy prepacking to move and doing the Fengshu thing. While cleaning my room I came across a few "Random Acts of Kindness" cards from Rustys visitation, so I tucked them into my wallet. Today at the Dollar General store I stood behind a couple doing a refund from another store and it was taking quite a bit of time. No worries, I'm in no hurry. The poor cashier. He looked haggard, confused and at times a tad irritated. "No worries, take your time kid. I'm in no hurry" were my thoughts..

He finally finished the transaction and looked at me with a nice smile and asked how my day has been. He totally went from frustrated to a pleasant and professional role. How refreshing. We chatted for a moment and right before I was set to leave a thought hit me. "This kid has some gracious vibes goin on. Ask him if he'll take a card." So I quickly explained why I give out cards, showing him my tattoo. I hope by now most of you know why I do. If not just ask. Anyway, after telling him about Rusty and his story I asked if he would be willing to take one and do the act of kindness in Rustys name. I could see his heart melt as a sincere lovely smile lit his face as he says " Of course". He randomly pulled "Buy a person the the medical field... nurse, EMT..... doctor... An energy drink. He says "I can do that. Thanks!" He thanked ME for giving him a random act of kindness to perform. I knew I read his vibes right. This is what it's all about. If you need ideas for cards of your own, just let me know. I'll be glad to help.

Well, good morning you fine people. I know I've really neglected Rustys act of kindness page for the last month or so but, that's because I'm trying not to neglect myself. So the other day I wanted to spread a little kindness. Please keep in mind it doesn't take much. So I was at a stoplight and the car next to me had their windows down. It was a nice day. So, I hollered out and asked the lady if she would do me a favor. After she got over her fight, flight or freeze response because I obviously startled her, she asked me what she could do. I said "Do me a favor and gone on out there and live your very best life!!!" With a huge smile on her face her reply was "You too girl you too!" We both drove away a little bit lighter in our spirits.

I have a lot of running to do and I'm not sure if I've shared with you or not but, Columbia has a very large homeless population. And because Rusty spent his time on the streets and he more than made up for that by welcoming people into his home to give them a place to lay their head and attempt to rebuild their lives, I think of him every time I see a homeless person. His heart was so big and full and gracious it could hardly be contained. Well anyway, I made a bunch of cute little flower clips that I thought would be a nice little gift for a homeless person to hand out when someone gifts them with money. They are adorable. And very inexpensive. But hopefully it's going to brighten some homeless persons Day by being able to give out a little novelty that nobody else has. Also, I always include snacks and this time I included a crossword puzzle book with a pencil (with an eraser) in case they get bored standing on the corner. It really doesn't take much folks just to spread a little bit of kindness today. Hope you all have the kind of day that you deserve. And I would just love it if you would please please share your random act of kindness with the page. TIA

What a touching video. Why can't we have more interactions like these in our world today?

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/n28d8sVvU9RzF1Z2/?mibextid=oFDknk

I live in the Midwest and temperatures are ridiculously low. The announcer on the radio the other day said "There is a wind advisory in central Missouri until 6am tomorrow (yesterday) at which time it will turn into a wind warning...Because basically, the wind is trying to kill you!" I laughed, great sense of humor but then again....

A lady came into my place of employment walked up to me and asked "Has anyone turned in a pair of women's gloves?" When I asked her what color they were, she stammered. She was stumbing all over her words when I happen noticed that she was wearing a pair of thin plastic gloves. You know, the kind that food service workers wear. My heart went out to her because, now really taking in her total appearance, you could tell she was houseless as she began to explain that she thinks that she got a bit of frost bite. My heart went out to her and it was then I realized why she stammered when I asked her what color they were. She hasn't left her gloves behind. She was HOPING that we had a pair that nobody had claimed. Unfortunately, after checking, there were none. I told her to stick around a bit, warm up and I'll see if I can get away and run to my car as I know I had a pair of gloves in there. I got super busy and was unable to step away to help her out but, I had also told her that I often help the homeless when ever I can and that I had actually carried a bag of winter essentials in my car for over a week looking for a lady to donate it to and finally have it to a man I saw one day. It had medicines, snacks, hygiene products and a blanket and small personal pillow among other things. She felt defeated in that moment. You could tell by the way she dropped her head and mumbled something about her constantly getting her stuff stolen (which is an everyday occurrence amongst the homeless). When I was a case worker for the homeless I can not begin tell you how many phones my clients went through because of theft as well as checks, IDs.. etc..... 🥺 I told her that if she came back the next day (today) I would put together another care package just for her. I again, packed snacks, medicines, plastic trash sacks, some warm socks, a rain poncho and a fleece blanket. She said she would come back for the bag. After approximately 15 minutes later I saw her walk out with a pair of gloves. That made me smile. Somebody stepped up. She didn't come back today as she said she would and it gave me pause to wonder, could she be in the hospital due to frost bite. I had 2 clients that lost parts of their feet due to frostbite. I know it can be extremely dangerous. So after work, I drove around for a bit to try and find her. I didn't find her but, I'm not giving up. I will continue to keep an eye out for her coming and going because, she needs this stuff. I want her to have this stuff.... For we truly are our brothers keepers. Please keep those in mind and prayers. This weather is extremely dangerous. Do something if you can. We are a nation of abundance. I don't need 5 blankets. I have plenty of Tylenol and snacks and shampoo. I even threw in some nice smell good lotion for her. 😉

Please remember these folks generally don't wake up one day and decide that they want to live on the streets. They have a story. They are human. They need us. You never know what a person is going through. Hope you all are enjoying the new beginning of a New Year. Love and hugs to all.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TTsgXSjSQuoCXr9u/?mibextid=jmPrMh&startTimeMs=10074

It's been the toughest year of my life. And I'm still standing. But not without the help of my tribe. I appreciate each and every one of you! May you're New Year be blessed beyond measure....

A special thanks to the few special people in my life....

If you've seen her, you know what to do. Her family is worried about her

UPDATE - Evelina was located safe in another city. Thanks to all that helped keep a look our for her.

IPD is attempting to locate the below missing person, Evelina Wagner. If you know where she may be, please contact Det. Winans at 816-325-7347 or by email at [email protected]

This one will be a bit longer because, I happened to be a part of it. And you know what a story teller that I am.

So, I'm getting ready too head out for the Chiefs game Christmas Day and I think to myself, what a wonderful opportunity to pass out some a Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty cards. So I slipped them into an empty cigarette box and threw them in my bag. Once at the game, I took them out of the box and put them in my back pocket. At one point during the game, I wanted to smoke a cigarette so I blindly reached in my bag a grabbed a pack of smokes and took off. Once I got to a good spot I reached in the box for a cigarette only to discover that I had the empty box that I had originally put the cards in. Not wanting to go all the way back to my seat, I asked a women there if she had an extra cigarette and began to explain why I was holding an empty pack. She reached in her pocket and pulled out her last cigarette for me. As I finished telling her about the cards and what they meant I asked her if she would be willing to take one as I pulled them out of my back pocket. She looked intrigued but like many others, looked like this might be some sort of set up so, I handed her the one of off the top of the pile, she read it and says "I LOVE THIS!!!! YES, I will do this on the way back to my seat." I caught a glimpse of the card and it said to give a stranger $10.00 and say.. something. I didn't see that part of the card. She walked off and I stayed to finish my cigarette. Once done, I was headed back to my seat when I saw that lady talking with another lady. I walked up to her and said "You weren't lying, were you?" And she says no... And she then looked at the other woman and said "This is the lady that gave it to me." I turned and smiled at the recipient of her act of kindness and saw not a $10 dollar bill but, a $20 along with the card. I looked into her eyes and said "Be blessed" as she just stared at the money and me as I was giving the lady who blessed her a big hug and huge thank you. As I walked back to my seat I had tears in my eyes as I whispered "That was for you kid." (I always called Rusty "kid".) So not only did I take him along with me for our first game together, he was there for a Random Act of Kindness in his name. I'm sure he was smiling down on all three of us in that moment.

Ok, so I promised a couple of more stories from the holidays.

I had a good friend of mine call to brag on his father. He asked to remain anonymous so, I will honor that. Anyway, Dad took him and sis out to eat at Strouds for dinner. Mmmm, chicken. My favorite. Anyway, as they were leaving they stopped to pay the bill and he noticed that his dad handed the waitress some cash and what looked like a check. He said "I thought that very strange but, didn't say anything." She asked if he wanted his change back and Dad said no. And she asked "Are you sure?" Dad said "Yes, c I'm sure" My friend said she didn't pay too much attention to the check tho. As they were getting into the car that young lady ran out with tears in her eyes... Holding out the check and again asked "Are you sure?" Dad says yes. She thanked him and asked if she could give him a hug. Of course!!! As Dad was getting into the car my friend asked his dad... "What the heck was that all about?" His dad replied that "Strouds was your mom's favorite restaurant. I have that lady $500 in honor of your mom." My friend was absolutely touched AND surprised because he hadn't seen that side of his dad before.

What a blessing Dad was right before the holiday where giving is the essence of that day. WTG, Dad!!! Be blessed restaurant worker.....

So, I haven't posted through the holiday. Hope each of you got to share loads of love and laughs making beautiful memories. Considering my life circumstances, I had a very enjoyable Christmas making memories with my loved ones. I have had several people share with me some Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty they did this season and I'm excited to share them with you however, I'm caught up at the moment just tryin to make it through another day. I'll post one now and a couple tomorrow. How bout that?

A dear lady friend who really really struggled though some tough medical issues recently asked for a card a bit ago. She was unable to do what was chosen due to her physical limitations at the time but, promised me that when she could, she would bless somebody in some way in honor of Rusty. And she did. A day or two before Christmas my girl handed out 5 $20 bills to 5 strangers to wish them a blessed holiday. I literally got goosebumps. After such a hard year what better way to go out than in good health and good wishes. Brenda I'm so happy for you to have been able to follow through on this. You are such a gracious gal, I didn't doubt you for a single moment. And doubly happy that you were healthy enough to get out there and do life again!!!! Woot woot!!!

I have several more......

I'll be back

So, I stop in at my local liquor store where I buy my ci******es. I recognize the guy behind the counter and mention that I believe he's the one that helped me last time. I don't have to go in often because I just don't smoke that much. Anyway, he says I looked familiar and I reminded him that I am the lady who lost her son and now passes out Random Acts of Kindness cards. A big smile lot up his face as he says... "Yes. And we took the (pig) ears to the dog park. It was so much fun."

His card was too take some treats out to the dog park ensuring that they are still wrapped and ask the owners if you can give their dog one in honor of Rusty (And Brody, Rustys emotional support dog). The way his face lit up was so heartwarming. He mentioned again how much fun it was. I'm assuming he enjoyed talking with the owners and playing with the dogs. It was evident that he felt good about what he had done so, I said... Don't stop! It's ok to make it a monthly adventure. He looked at me as tho he hadn't thought about THAT. And as I was walking away he says.... "I think I will!"

Just this..... This is what kindness is all about for it truly is better to give than receive. Thanks kid. You made my day!!!!

How profound.....

Instagram saw it first 🙏🏽 so many requests for the long version so here it is 🤍🕊️ The Dash - by Linda Ellis #euology #griefpoetry #spokenword #spokenpoetry #narrator #griefquotes #thedash

So, I was headed out to do some errands and while getting ready I was thinking about Rusty. One particular day came to mind. He had just gotten his new place and was getting settled in. I was able to stop worrying about him being on the streets... For the moment anyway. I got to get on with my life and on that day I was running errands much like I plan on doing today. I had gone and hit some sales and the discount food store and was at my last stop to get ci******es. Well, I had just came out of the Cigarette shop when I saw a young man in the parking lot. He asked me for a cigarette. Just brought to mind ANOTHER story. But, that's for another day. Lol..... I had just come out of the store with a carton of ci******es. Obviously, I have one. At that moment something that Rusty had told me long ago popped into my head.... He says "If you don't have any extra cash on you and you feel like being generous, we'll always take smokes.... Throw a few out there and they'll be grateful..." So, as I was opening the carton I had already decided to give him a pack. And as I was opening the cartoon he began his story.

Says he just got out of jail. "Got picked up for nothing. Been in there all night and ain't had nothing to eat."
I laughed out loud. "The police don't just walk around picking up people for nothing, kiddo." I handed him the pack of smokes and remembered he said he was hungry. " And before I go, let me get you a little something to snack on until you can get some real food in your belly." I opened my trunk and began filling him a bag of the items I had bought on discount... A couple cans of Vienna sausages, a meat and cheese stick. Some cheese it'z. And a couple of granola bars along with some off brand flavored seltzer water I had back there. As I handed him the bag of goodies and he said "Thank you so much." I looked up at him I said "But for the grace of God, you could be my son. And if you WERE my son, I'd want someone to help him. We should all be our brothers keepers. I hope this helps. Stay safe and you stay out of trouble and the cops will leave you alone" as I chuckled. After telling me thanks again he asked..."Can I give you a hug?" "Of course you can, young man."

So today, I packed a bag for a homeless person.... Remembering Rusty and what this page is all about. I needed to act today. Tis the season of giving and although I don't have much, there ARE some things I DO have in abundance. We all do. Because it doesn't take much. These folks can't carry around a household full of stuff. On the contrary. I went on the hunt to see what I had to give. I found a few items that will be much needed very soon. I picked a bag to pack stuff in and got busy. I put in a soft blanket and a small head pillow. There are hygiene supplies, a washclothe, facial moisturizing soap, and some things people don't often think about, some ibuprofen, bands aids, q-tips and pain cream. 2 pairs of thigh high socks that I hardly ever wore. I put some napkins, and trash bags in there. They can use the trash bags for numerous things. They can put them on the ground for protection, as a tarp, a rain pancho or to put bedding in to keep dry. Then they can use them for trash. Of course I put in some snacks. 😁 And I included a card from Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty to let someone know they are thought of, not forgotten and definitely seen. I always try to put something in there letting the person know just where the goodies came from. (Not me)

I know many of you drew cards to act on in Rustys honor at his visitation and others here online afterwards... And others, I know, you perform on your very own. Because I know my peeps. Please share with us. More than anything at this time of year and in my difficult time in grief... More than ever, I would love nothing more than to read stories of the wonderfully kind things you've done recently. This is your community in which to shine. Brag on yourself as I do. We NEED to see, hear and read GOOD in this often ugly world we live in. Pass on the love.

*Hind Note*

Before I began to run my errands. I also went to my old place of employment and donated 5 new puzzles that were needed badly for the adult unit. 👍

So I'm gonna encourage you to go through your stuff occasionally and see what YOU have an abundance of.

Haven't checked in for awhile but, y'all know the deal. I wanted to share a random act of kindness that happened in my life. Since I've been off work, some very very dear friends have chosen to give me financial support so I didn't have to worry about finances on top of grieving my son. I'm not going to make names because I don't think any of the people would want that. But I DID want to thank them for their Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty because it shows true compassion and love for another human being. This is what we need more of..... For truly they are their brothers keeper. I love you!!!!

I'm so glad that video went through. Now I can go check another task from the creators content check list on learn how to do this stuff... Lol. ✔️

So, if you noticed, I tripped over the phrase "Random Act of Kindness" and slowed way down to concentrate on the words to say them correctly in another moment...🤷 I'm so used to saying "Random Acts of violence*

You will probably continue to hear me struggle with that phrase and might even catch a complete slip not knowing what I just said. Caught myself doing it the other day.... So please let me explain to you why. 😁🤭🤣

One day Rusty was so mad at someone and he was going off the deep end. I drove out to see him, spend time with him and attempt to help him to deescalate his ever rising temper. After I get to his apt he goes back into a trade with the same things he had just said on the phone but hey, he needed to process some more. I'm cool with that. So, I just sat and listened to him let off steam when in mid sentence he looks over at me with furrowed brows and says, (very matter of fact and in a totally calm voice) "Don't people know that random acts of violence occur all the time? Everywhere? You just never know.... I'm just saying....."

And try as I might, I failed and began to l laugh.... Big jolly belly laughs. I laughed and laughed and he began to laugh.... we were literally crying from three laughter. So from that point on.... and this has been WAY more than just a few years ago, mind you but, I would say we said this to each other for about 8-9 years. That's just we how we would voice our frustration......

"Don't they know that random acts of violence happen everyday. In every town...... "

I'm posting on my wall today. I will most likely tell this story but I'm also going to work towards getting comfortable looking at his pictures without getting so emotional. I know if I expose myself in subtle ways, I will eventually become desensitized to a degree.... Anyway, that's what I'm hoping for. So because Rusty intertwined with several social groups, school, military etc.... I am going to "try" to do my own 30 day challenge. And maybe some of you might want to do it as well. Feel free. This would be a great idea anytime any time of year but, with the holidays right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better time to begin. So, beginning Dec 1st (2 days from now... 😉) each day I will be posting a picture of Rusty in different environments with different people and share my memory of that picture. I like writing and this way I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I will continue to journal my up's and downs when feeling led, but this will be an everyday post for the next 30 days up and beyond my regular activity. Again, if your care to join me.... Come on. My sister and I have noticed that this generation are better friends with their device than family and friends. They have not spent much quality time with family, much less want to hear stories of old. They don't spend time with cousins doing cousin things at Grandma's every summer... Most simply have not invested in the same familial activities we all did. Not when they're in the middle of cruising the world wide web. So, this will allow some of us to relive those tales of old not only for ourselves but, for those who have no clue that the act of story telling of a gift that should be embraced. It's our history. The chance to go back with fondness and share the more simple times we took for granted. Ok I'm done here duty more. Thankful that you all enjoyed the video. It was a fun experience and I'll do it more frequently. Oh and on a hind note... I had 3 guys at a store take some cards to perform. 😁❤️👍

In case you're unaware of the universal sign for "help".

Here are a couple of more...

Call 911 and order a pizza

If in a bar, go up to a group of ladies (or men) and simply say...

"Hey girls, sorry I'm late."

At least one lady will get it and take you in the fold of the group.

🚨ALERTA UTILIDADE PÚBLICA🚨 🌼 Bem-vindos ao meu cantinho de dicas para mamães de primeira viagem! 🍼 Se você está em busca de orientações, risadas e conexão com outras mães, este é o lugar certo! 💖 Siga para não perder nenhuma dica valiosa e junte-se à nossa comunidade de amor e apoio mútuo. Juntos, vamos desbravar a incrível jornada da maternidade! 🌟 SIGA: @ventrematernooficial #meuamor #mamaedeprimeiraviagem #filhosbênçãodosenhor #maedemenino #maedemenina #pai #mae

I'm not sure my posts are being seen. Can you guys tell me if they are, please

Having a rough time off it today. Missing my boy Rusty Plaskett something fierce. I know that it's expected that those who have lost loved ones feel the emptiness on holidays. I get it. Please remember those who have been lost and those who miss them. Hoping you all have a wonderful celebration with your loved ones today. Make those special memories count.

And sometimes a Random Acts of Kindness for Rusty would look like a call to a neighbor you haven't seen for awhile, or a text to a friend going through it. Time is the most precious gift one can give.

People who immediately reply to your call and text, are not desperate, maybe they understand how it feels like to be ignored. #friends #fyp #viral #motivation

For those of you who remember when I was working with Carol and Sherri..... Whenever Sherri would go home for a visit, Carol and I would drive around down in the city and pass out fresh fruit and water. Helping out our fellow homeless humans doesn't have to be expensive. Another thing I've done is give away a couple of trial size hygiene packs. And think about this..... Toilet paper. That's all.

Be safe ❤️🥐🥘🍔❤️🔥