Good is All Around Us - From My Window 7/13/22

Janie Thibodeau Martin

It is easy to obsess about things that are aggravating; but it isn't healthy to be in a state of anger, distress or frustration all the time.  Last week I had a day where I was blessed to find the good all around me three different times in three different ways, leaving no time for negative energy.

Thursday morning at the crack of dawn I was at the animal shelter taking care of the dogs.  When the cat person arrived, I spent some time talking with her since she'd recently lost her mother very unexpectedly.  She's dealing with all the issues related to disposing of a lifetime's accumulation of "stuff" at mom's house.  Her mom collected angel figurines and loved potted plants, and she had a lot of both.  The volunteer's sister had the bright idea of dropping off a plant and an angel at each one of mom's neighbor's houses; not only a gesture of the friendship the close-knit neighborhood shared with mom, but also a way of "downsizing" a lot of possessions.  I helped care for a friend in Oklahoma who collected decorative birdhouses, and her brother did something similar when she passed away.  At a small memorial held in her home, all the birdhouses were gathered on the patio and each person was invited to take one home.  I have my "Deb bird house" in a place where I see it daily.  What a clever way to thank people, while downsizing her possessions, and done in a way that I know delighted Deb.

After my dog duties and chat, I shook off some of the dog hair from my clothes and jumped in my car to drive to my mom's. She and I took an outing to Marinette, and on our way passed by the house of a dear person we both know.  It happened that she was outdoors, and on a whim I pulled in to say hello, since I very seldom get to see her.  We were admiring a project she and her husband had completed, adding a beautiful front porch to their home.  She told me a story.  After the porch was completed she was sitting on it watching the world go by.  She saw someone walking by she didn't know, but she called out a greeting and said something to the effect that she admired the drive the person had to exercise.  The person slowed and responded that they were having some difficult things in their life and needed the exercise and fresh air as a reset.  Our friend being the person she is, the conversation continued, and the walker was eventually invited up onto the porch to "set and chat a spell."  The visitor stayed an hour.

This story says a lot about our friend, but wouldn't be one bit surprising to anyone who knows her husband or her.  What struck me about the interaction, was "when was the last time I had a meaningful conversation with a stranger?"  I really can't recall.  And that is a shame, and says something about how rushed I can get; and how the severe political discord has gotten a lot of us reluctant to engage.  On my long drive home later, I thought about how our friend's actions match a gospel message we hear in church often ?? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  We are to treat one another as brothers and sisters.   I bet the former stranger went back to her challenging situation with a bit more peace in her heart, because a kind person cared enough to lend her porch, her time,  and her ear.

The last event occurred as we drove through Menekaunee.  My mom pointed out a house and said that a coworker of my father's at Social Services had lived there.  This coworker was of near-retirement age when my father started there; at the time of the story my sister and I were probably about four and two years old.  This coworker and another older woman at Dad's workplace bought a lovely little toy piano for us, and gave to my father saying, "this will be from Santa," or words to that effect.  Mom suspects they knew my father's little family was just getting started and there wouldn't be a lot of money for Christmas that year.

I actually remember that piano, although I was only four.  It was a wonderful toy, and Laura and I enjoyed it immensely.  (Mom recalls it being wonderful for a half hour after which the noise drove her crazy.)  But Mom's recollection has to be more than 60 years old.  Imagine, if you do something kind for someone else, they may still remember it, and you, long after you have died.  If this sweet lady was looking down from heaven last Thursday, she'd know her gesture is still appreciated.  What an aspirational way to be remembered.

We can complain about the divisions among us, or we can resolve to do what we can do ourselves to heal them; and in the process we feel better too.

Lord knows we can't look to our politicians to lead us toward unity; nothing is further from their minds.

Commercial:  Well we again have a "spare" cat.  This one moved herself in with our horse a few months back.  She's a classic grey tabby with a brown nose.  She's personality plus; obviously previously a pet she likes laps, being carried around, and never met a stranger.  She helps us with all outdoor work and is fine with non-aggressive dogs.  My vet said she's around two.  She has now had two sets of shots, is FELV negative and has been treated for fleas.  She's already spayed.  I tried hard to find her owner without any luck and she had no collar or microchip.  I absolutely love her but we have six rescue animals already.  I am trying hard to find her a good indoor home before winter, and will happily give her to the right person, free.  You have to be able to convince me you'll love her like we do.  If you know anyone who is looking for a "ready to love" cat, reach out to me.  I can probably deliver.

You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address:  Janiethibmartin@gmail.com.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Roger J. Balthazor
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Marion  E. Carvenough
08-10-2022	Obituaries	James D. Chevalier
08-10-2022	Obituaries	William Frederiksen
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Jerry Koester
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Art LeSage
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Katie N. Luna
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Robert Murphy
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Fred E. Ott
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Mark A. Paris
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Ronald Paulsen
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Duane W. Schwendner
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Gerald Severin
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Alice L. Shaver
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Keith E. Van Eyck
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Cheri L. Vermeulen
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Gerald "Jerry" Wojcik
08-10-2022	Obituaries	Anthony G. Wontor
08-10-2022	Front Page	Charges Filed In Fatal Crash Aug. 3 On Oconto Falls Hwy. I
08-10-2022	Front Page	Shortage Of Jailers Remains Major Problem For County
08-10-2022	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board Discuss Building Options
08-10-2022	Front Page	Marinette County Voters Elected Miller Sheriff, Brazeau Court Clerk
08-10-2022	Front Page	Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc. To Celebrate 75 Years of Service
08-10-2022	Perspectives	Ken Stodola's Letter to the Editor
08-10-2022	Perspectives	Judy Alwin's Letter to the Editor
08-10-2022	Perspectives	Linda Gould's Letter to the Editor
08-10-2022	Perspectives	Give Them a Break - From My window for 8/10/22
08-10-2022	Perspectives	Country Cousin 8/10/22
08-10-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Payant Family Held 75th Reunion July 31
08-10-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Lakes Country Library Expansion Gets $25,000 Grant from WPS Foundation
08-10-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Port of Valhalla Grand Opening Scheduled for Sat., August 27th
08-10-2022	Sports	WIAA's KAGE RETIRES, BRITZ HIRED AS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
08-10-2022	Sports	Cougars Look to Reload to Defend Title
08-10-2022	Community - Crivitz	Operation Bandshell Fundraiser Aug. 13th
08-10-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Legion Post #413 Sells Flags
08-10-2022	Community - Crivitz	Town Of Stephenson Board to Meet Aug. 10
08-10-2022	Community - Crivitz	Fire Department Equipment Plan On Agenda For Crivitz Committee
08-10-2022	Community - Coleman	Pound Town Board To Consider Hired Clerk, Treasurer Positions
08-10-2022	Community - Coleman	Neil Diamond and Elvis Tribute at Equity
08-10-2022	Community - Coleman	Coleman Has Music in the Park Aug. 11
08-10-2022	Community - Coleman	Coleman Class of 1971 Reunion August 20th
08-08-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Magdalen Deschane on UM Twin Cities Dean's List
08-08-2022	Community - Wausaukee	First Annual Classic Car Show Saturday, Aug. 6th
08-08-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Goodman Historical Craft, Bake Sale Sept. 17
08-08-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Christian Music Duo, Blake & Jenna Bolerjack at Athelstane
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	Town Of Stephenson Board To Meet Aug. 10
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	Loomis Legion Auxiliary Brat Fray Sunday, Aug. 14
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Ski Cats 60th Anniversary Alumni Show on Saturday Aug. 6
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Board Okays Plan To Add K-9 Police Officer
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Am. Legion Post to Celebrate US Coast Guard
08-08-2022	Community - Crivitz	American Legion Annual Open House Aug. 17th
08-08-2022	Perspectives	"Gathering Wild Roses" by Roger Lanich
08-08-2022	Perspectives	Judy Reid's Letter to the Editor
08-08-2022	Perspectives	Pete Pfankuch's Letter to the Editor
08-08-2022	Perspectives	Derrick J. McGee's Letter to the Editor
08-08-2022	Perspectives	David Johnson's Letter to the Editor
08-08-2022	Perspectives	Engaged in Battles - From My Window 8/3/22
08-08-2022	Perspectives	Country Cousin 8/3/22
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Douglas R. Aagaard
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Bernadine F. Brown
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Steven J. Delfosse
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Albert W. Ewaldt
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Virginia Ferdon-Shallow
08-08-2022	Obituaries	George Hoffman
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Louise Kawa
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Mary J. Kleinke
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Jean La May
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Darrell R. Laylin
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Scott P. Piantek
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Ronald J. Renk
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Karrie A. Sadowski
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Gary L. Seidl
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Eunice M. Schultz
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Ronald M. Shearer, Sr.
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Sandra L. Mayou
08-08-2022	Obituaries	Martin G. Wellner
08-08-2022	Community - Coleman	Pantry Continues Food Distribution Procedures
08-08-2022	Community - Coleman	Location Changed for Coleman FFA Alumni Annual Auction Aug. 6
08-08-2022	Front Page	Wes Olson Now Sexton For Riverside Cemetery
08-08-2022	Front Page	City Streets & Drainage Committee Okays Permits
08-08-2022	Front Page	Aug. 9 Primary Contests For Federal, State, County Offices
08-08-2022	Front Page	Chase Kuffel Hired As Peshtigo City Engineer
07-28-2022	Front Page	Trygve Rhude Sworn In As Marinette County Supervisor
07-27-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Students Win Poppy Poster Contest
07-27-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Back to School Program Now Registering
07-27-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Niagara Town Board May Stop Renting Town Hall
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Wanna Go Hunting? DNR to Host Intro To Hunting Webinar Beginning July 28th
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Gary B. Schahczenski's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Michael Sievert's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Gerry Schoenfeldt's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Cathi Malke's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Les Gertz's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Jessica Olson's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Ellen Hanneman's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Amy Grandaw's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Linda Gould's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Bob Blackbourn's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Bonnie C. Beamer's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Jeff Jandrey's Letter to the Editor
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Family Matters - From My Window 7/27/22
07-27-2022	Perspectives	Country Cousin 7/27/22
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Arnold R. Belair
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Donald A. Bertrand
07-27-2022	Obituaries	James K. Beyer
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Carol J. Borths
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Michael J. Enstrom
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Ruth E. Karkkainen
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Judith A. Kirt
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Margie A. Jones
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Jacob J. Kaster
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Michael J. Mann, Jr.
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Marie Marquardt
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Jeffery L. Meyer
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Marcia A. Peters
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Jean Ann Schmidt
07-27-2022	Obituaries	Barbara A. Stoltenow
07-27-2022	Obituaries	George D. Witkoswki
07-27-2022	Community - Crivitz	Wisconsin Woodland Owners Assoc. Annual Picnic Aug. 13
07-27-2022	Community - Crivitz	Twin Bridge Ski Team Learn To Ski Day July 31
07-27-2022	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Okays $5,000 For Fire Station Plan Specs
07-27-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz VFW Gun Show Aug. 13th
07-27-2022	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Library Bakeless Bake Sale Aug. 11th
07-27-2022	Community - Coleman	Location Changed for Coleman FFA Alumni Annual Auction Aug. 6
07-27-2022	Community - Coleman	Coleman Fire Department Announces Bike Winners
07-27-2022	Community - Coleman	August "Remember When" Storytelling Aug. 3 at Lena
07-27-2022	Front Page	MCIDC Discuss Loan Payments
07-27-2022	Front Page	Crivitz Ski Cats State Water Ski Champions
07-27-2022	Front Page	Athelstane Prohibits Nearly All Parking On Town Roads
07-20-2022	Community - Wausaukee	2022 Hot Rod and Classic Car, Motorcycle Show July 30
07-20-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Dunbar Board Tables Town Fee Schedule Until August
07-20-2022	Community - Wausaukee	Register for Wausaukee Back to School Program
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Stuart Millan's Letter to the Editor
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Marshall Lund's Letter to the Editor
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Kristen Edgar's Letter to the Editor
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Bill Blair's Letter to the Editor
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Who is Smarter? - From My Window 7/20/22
07-20-2022	Perspectives	Country Cousin 7/20/22
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Dorothy M. Benser
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Stephen K. Boehmke
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Dr. James A. Boren
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Scott C. Krueger
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Kris A. Miller
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Michael J. Mann Jr.
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Michael Oczus
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Dennis A. Schiefelbein
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Douglas E. Stacie
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Samuel J. Schwittay
07-20-2022	Obituaries	John E. Swanson
07-20-2022	Obituaries	Kenneth James Vieth
07-20-2022	Community - Crivitz	Town of Stephenson Airs Dog Complaints