First attempt at a cane "Update"

[Graywolf71]

Well today was the day for me to take the completed cane to my disabled friend. As i got to the door i could see her limping to come see who it was, my nerves were buzzing. She was tickled to see me and greeted me, as always, with a hug and a peck on the cheek. I asked her where her old cane was and as she handed it to me i could see the damage, i was just in time for it wouldn't have lasted much longer.
She told me that she wasn't useing it for fear of it breaking but my question was the fear of falling with out one, broken hips aren't fun i hear.
Well as she started to hobble back into the house i pulled the cane out from behind the door and asked her if a new cane would make life a little easier. OH MY GOD...for an older lady she can wrap you up in a bear hug quick.

After i got back my breath and tested my ribs for damage, i handed her the cane and was greeted with a face full of tears. She sniffed and begun the testing process by hefting, palming the handle, thumping it on the floor and finally taking a stroll through the house and then past me and out the door.

I followed her out to see the show of her strutting around the yard with her new cane and her new found confidence. Upon her return to the house i received another hug, gentler this time but now i got a wet shoulder but i felt it was worth it to just to see the look on her face. That my friends was payment enough for my labor.

As i got home i wanted to tell my daughter about my sore ribs and wet shoulder as payment, but to my shock i was told by her that the phone had rung and she was told by my friend what had happened and that she was telling her friends what a wonderful craftsman i was. I now have more orders to make others for more under funded people, and i'm still going to give them away dispite their willingness to pay.

Who knows, some day i might need a hand out

Go out and make someone's day, their smiles are the true payment.

Michael Gray

[Banjo]

Thank you for sharing such an uplifting story. What a great way to start the day!

[Joy]

Amen! Thanks

[gene-messer]

Michael .. That's what life really is about .. not how talented or how good of carvers we are .. but the kindness that is shown to others through that talent ..

Thanks for a great story .

Gene

[chuckt]

A beautiful and inspirational story. Well done. Thank you for sharing!!

ChuckT

[squbrigg]

Feels good, doesn't it! When your skill and a little wood can improve someone's quality of life in such a visible way! Well done.

Bob

[Anthony Filetti]

Way to go Michael!!! Those are the kind of payments that stay with you forever, keep up the great work!

[TotemWood Tommy]

Good for YOU Michael!

I've sold some, donated some, and given some away. Most often it is the ones I have given away-due to situations like the one you describe, that actually stick in my clunky brain...

A good sturdy cane made with a bit of the stickmakers own spirit inside? Can be a great gift...

Thank you for sharing...

Good for you... 8-)

-Tommy...