Category Archives: GICEIVER WATCH!

Blessings you have received by witnessing others Giceive.

WHAT’S A SILVER DOLLAR WORTH?

Posted on by
Reply

A true silver dollar is hard to find these days. They have become collectors’ items. The Eisenhower Dollar, although technically not a silver one, is called a Silver Dollar because of its close resemblance to the real thing. So, what’s it worth? It can’t buy you a cup of coffee if you’re at Starbucks or most other places nowadays. You can’t put it in a slot machine. They only take paper money. It is legal tender, but a one dollar coin really doesn’t have much use today, even in Las Vegas.

However, to a local businessman its value has taken on a new meaning that is very special. What’s that you say? Well, it isn’t materialistic or numismatic. It’s actually something “money can’t buy”. But it’s also something that “ money can buy”.  Give up? It’s joy! It’s happiness. It’s gratification. Even love.  How can a Silver Dollar be such a panacea for the conflicts and stress we face and feel in today’s world?

To learn how it’s done, you only need to follow him around to observe him in action.  “Him” is Bob.  Quiet, shy, reserved.  He’ll greet you with a smile, chat a bit and then extend his right hand. Your mind doesn’t know exactly what the gesture is about, but your right hand automatically extends to meet his. You haven’t seen anything in his hand so you’re surprised when something round and silvery slides into your palm, your fingers react by cupping it.  Now your eyes are curious and look to see what it is that was mysteriously placed in your hand. It’s round and silver in appearance. It’s too big to be a quarter, looks about the same size as a fifty-cents piece but feels slightly heavier. Wait, is it a Silver Dollar? It is.  “Wow,” you say, “I haven’t seen one of these things in a long time.” Then the emotions start rushing in.

In my case it was going way back in my memory bank to my grandfather, a kindly Jewish man who came from the old country to the Boston area. A business man, he owned and ran a hardware store in Quincy. I was his only grandchild and a granddaughter at that. We didn’t live nearby, but drove to be with him and my grandmother for Thanksgiving every year. I apprenticed to be a businesswoman under him. He issued me my first social security card at 7, carefully typing my name and some numbers on a piece of paper in his office on the second floor of his store that overlooked the entrance and floor of commerce below. When I was older I would take the train to Boston and transfer to a commuter line to Quincy and stay with them. Every morning I went to work with my grandfather and helped in a variety of jobs. He was a kind and loving man who made me feel special and loved.

When Bob hands you an Eisenhower dollar he will tell you it’s for good luck. But it’s really more than that. It’s a blessing from him. It’s something “special” and “loving”.  But I haven’t told you about the other half of the coin, Bob’s reaction. Your smile, your amazement, your joy, your memories, your thanks. …they bring a special joy to Bob.

So what’s a Silver Dollar worth?  A lot if you live in Las Vegas and happen to encounter Bob.  It’s Bob’s hallmark, when you care enough to give the very best.

By Ellen

BEAUTIFUL CHILD

Posted on by
Reply

We were stopped at a red light on an unusually cold day.  A young man and a little girl were crossing the street in front of us, and I noticed how her walk was so determined, so robust, trying to keep up with the long strides of her companion.  It was only when my husband mentioned it that I realized the little girl was not wearing a coat and, in fact, was wearing a short sleeve shirt.  In that instant, I immediately remembered an event that took place about a decade ago.  During Christmas, our church had delivered gifts to a struggling family, including a very nice used coat for the little girl.  Her eyes had lit up as she tried it on, but almost immediately she went into her room and grabbed her old coat.  She rushed out the door and as we asked where she was going, she looked back and told us she was going to see her friend next door.  Curious, we all followed after her and found that she was giving her old coat to her friend. For weeks, her friend had gone to school in the cold weather without a coat.  What a joy it was to watch this little girl’s instant recognition of her friend’s need and her desire to fill it.  This beautiful child’s generosity exemplifies that our innate behavior, our natural instinct is to giceive!

THE DOLLAR MAN

Posted on by
5

Every day, everywhere he goes his pockets are full of Eisenhower dollars ready to be given to just about anyone he meets.  His goal is to bring out a smile and make a momentary yet memorable connection with people we often don’t acknowledge—waiters, cashiers, receptionists, tourists, people at the next table in a restaurant, those walking by us, business owners struggling during difficult times.  He does not forget that family and friends can also feel taken for granted and that a sign of appreciation can lift their hearts.  The Dollar Man, as he is called, is Bob and he happens to be my husband, the most generous person I know.  For years I have witnessed people who are stressed, unhappy or just having a bad day light up, share a personal story, and give him heartfelt thanks.  I have heard them exclaim with tears in their eyes how they will never forget him, how he has made their day better, how he has made a difference in their lives.  Just the other day when we were visiting a doctor for the first time, the receptionist was very professional, which means that she was efficient yet somewhat detached as she worked through the papers we had filled out.  Although she had glanced at us, there was no real connection…until Bob gave her the coin.  Like most people, the first comment is, “What is this?”  He then responds, “This is for you, for good luck.”  As tears welled up in her eyes she recounted how her father had given her coins that she had saved for years and how those coins had disappeared, possibly stolen by a family member.  It was apparent that this coin she now held in her hand brought back a wonderful memory of her father and eased some of the pain of that loss.  It is really amazing how many people tell Bob that their fathers or grandfathers gave them these coins and how precious it is to recall that memory.  This happens to be the case with our insurance agent who cries every time she receives a coin because it reminds her of her beloved grandfather.  Then there is the owner of our favorite Korean restaurant.  Her business has not been going well but every time Bob puts that coin in her hand, she give us many of those gracious Korean bows, expressing deep gratitude for his caring.   She tells us that this “lucky” coin gives her hope for the future.  To be able to give hope to someone by such a small gift is truly rewarding.  However, I didn’t always feel that way.  When my husband first started doing this many years ago, frankly, I was concerned about the cost and whether this special gift should be given out so freely, perhaps to someone who may not appreciate it.  Not fully conscious of the law of Giceiving then, I did not recognize the joy Bob was experiencing when he let people know they mattered.  I finally learned that lesson one morning while we were having breakfast at a restaurant and I happened to look over at the next table that was being cleaned off by an older employee.  Her face had beautiful character lines that made me understand how hard she had worked her whole life and how much care she put into her work, including cleaning that table.  My heart was moved to let her know how much I appreciated her, so I asked Bob for a coin.  When I gave it to her it was as though we were connected heart to heart, and it was I who wanted to cry!

Through my Dollar Man I have learned that every day we have so many opportunities to gladden someone else’s life with gestures that say, “I see you. I acknowledge you and you matter.”  In return, we receive something truly precious–a heartfelt connection with those who share this planet with us.

PS:  If you are one of the hundreds of individuals who have been gladdened by the Dollar Man’s giving, please share your story with us.

Update on the Dollar Man:  The doctor entered the room where Bob was being prepared for surgery carrying a small wooden box he said he always brought with him when he was operating. With a big smile he opened it up to show us all the “lucky charms” his patients had given him throughout the years.  Of course, Bob’s contribution was right on top.  The “lucky” dollar (not to mention the many prayers of those who know him) apparently did its job because the operation was such a success that Bob was well enough to be released the very next day.  As he was getting ready to leave, the janitor peeked into the room and asked if Bob was leaving.  When we said that he was, he stated, “What a shame.  You’re going to be missed!  You and your coins.”  There was no way Bob would have gone to the hospital without his coins!  His waking time in the Recovery Room and in the Intensive Care Unit  had been dedicated to chatting with the staff, asking them about their lives, their families, their jobs, and giving each one a coin.  Despite the fact he had just had a very serious operation, his love for people had taken over and once again he had made an impact on their lives.  How fortunate I am to continually witness the healing power of love being giceived!

HONORABLE GRANDPARENTS

Posted on by
1

Picture it…over half a century ago, a beautiful island in the Caribbean, children playing in an atmosphere of safety, where sugar cane was their candy and luscious tropical fruit, grabbed from a nearby tree, were their snacks.  The small town had no jail and no hospital and there were no locks on the doors.  This idyllic situation was viewed through a child’s eyes–mine.  My days were full of happy, playful times with my brother, as well as many cousins and children who lived nearby.  Yet, others may have perceived all this as less than idyllic.  My mother had contracted tuberculosis and had gone to a sanitarium in New York, had later been divorced from my father, and had left my brother and me with my grandfather and step-grandmother until she could get her life together.  So why was I so happy?  I attribute this happiness to the unconditional love I received from my step-grandmother and the sense of security that my grandfather provided.

I believe anyone who really knew my step-grandmother would call her a saint.  She took care of my brother and me, and through the years other children in the family as well, as though we were her own.  She exhibited so much patience and a sweetness of spirit that just being around her made me feel completely loved, completely whole. What she brought to my life was a solid foundation of love upon which I could stand through many difficult times.  Learning the essence of motherhood is another gift she gave that still remains with me.  To feel her nurturing love in my heart that I can then extend to my own children makes me aware of the eternal chain created by Giceiving.

My grandfather was a businessman and plantation owner and was considered to be a wealthy man.  He definitely was not a saint; yet, he gave me another firm foundation upon which to build my life. He instilled in me a sense of always being provided for. Although I did not know nor would I have understood at that age his view of money, I internalized the concept that when we give, we are taken care of.  I remember his generosity not only with his family but our poorer neighbors. I recognized even then that it was unselfish giving–a giving from the heart–and that somehow God would take note of it.  This awareness was transmitted to me without my grandfather ever uttering a word.  He was not a religious or spiritual man, but by example he taught me the Giceiving principle that has given me a sense of abundance all through my life.  By following his example of generosity, when difficult financial times have come, I find that place deep within me that assures me everything is going to be all right…and it has been!

Many blessings and gratitude go out to two of my greatest teachers in life!

Pit Bulls and Parolees

Posted on by
Reply

It’s interesting to me that as I focus more on Giceiving, people who are inspiring Giceivers pop up in the most unexpected places.  On Saturday night, I was channel surfing and came across the reality show Pit Bulls and Parolees on the Animal Planet network.  The name of it interested me since both subjects are seen as outcasts by our society.  The program revolves around Tia Maria Torres, who operates the Villalobos Rescue Center for Pit Bulls in California. She’s a tough cookie with a soft center who gives her employees (parolees from nearby prisons) an opportunity to regain their dignity by having a job that teaches them responsibility, cooperation, trust and unconditional love.  Most of us know the healing power an animal can have over individuals who have lost their way.  It was clear to me that these parolees return the trust and respect that is given them.  This works with the dogs as well since many become adoptable through the care and love given them at this sanctuary.  There is one case, however, where this was not the case.  One female pit bull had been found with her pups about a year ago and she remained aggressive towards everyone.  The concern was that one day she might attack one of the handlers, so they were considering putting her down–something that for them is a last resort.  At around the time of making this decision, Tia Maria received an e-mail from the owner who had “abandoned” the dog.  The owner was a young lady who was a drug user and who had been carted off to jail.  She absolutely adored her dog and, now sober, had been searching, desperately wanting her back.  Since public safety is a primary concern for the rescue center, Tia Maria was not sure whether this vicious dog should go back to its owner.  She did, however, arrange a meeting but warned the owner that the dog was not the same dog she had left behind.  Clearly, the dog was difficult to handle when she was taken out of the vehicle for the meeting.  However, when she saw her owner, a miracle happened! (They should have put this in slow motion!)  She ran to her owner and became the loving, face licking, playful dog she had once been.  Her personality literally changed in an instant!  It was wonderful to see the Giceiving of unconditional love shown on this program!

Renowned Giceiver!

Posted on by
Reply

Since this category has to do with individuals or situations we have witnessed that inspire us to Giceive, as a prime example I want to start with someone just about everyone knows.  For a quarter of a century, I have watched this beautiful lady help millions of people by her giving. She has blessed others from her own abundance, but her giving goes beyond that.  I feel she has helped many of us mature, overcome problems, seek help, let go of prejudices, not feel alone in a situation, find our passion…and the list goes on!  You may have guessed that this person is Oprah.  When she is giving and I see her expression, I can see the immediate receiving, which she calls “joy rising.”  That joy is also immediately transmitted to me.  What a gift!  I remember watching the Christmas she went to South Africa and gave gifts to thousands of children.  Joy was everywhere and I cried at the sight of it, feeling so blessed to be part of the experience!  Now she has a life class where she shares those times when joy was rising within her, perpetuating her Giceiving and ours.  Bless you, Oprah!