Robert Hruzek of Middle Zone Musings is always challenging his fellow bloggers to new and interesting topics. This month, he’s got a topic that is near and dear to my heart: what I’ve learned from the generosity of others.
If anything, the allergic person is more dependent on the generosity of others than many. If that allergic person is a child, he or she depends on the fact that the parents of their school mates will not send dangerous food in someone else’s lunch - and that those other parents will keep that allergic child in mind when sending treats or goodies into the classroom. I’ve been fortunate enough to see that my child has often benefited from this kind of thoughtful generosity - arriving home with a gluten-free, nut-free cookie or a carefully chosen safe candy.
When people who do not know my son are willing to put my son’s needs before their own - that is generosity of the highest kind. That is compassionate generosity, with that special pinch of care and attention. It’s knowing what he needs to eat - and then sending something that everyone can enjoy.
In my own case, dietary restrictions of all kinds have been the order of the day for almost 20 years. The first thing that most people will ask me (once they know I have some specific dietary needs) is “Where do you want to eat?” While this may seem common courtesy, it is a particularly generous spirit that offers this to a woman like me who is likely to take them to some forsaken hole in the wall where she can get that perfect meal. Yet, I’ve been treated to this kindness many times in my life, even by people who know me well (and aren’t sure where they will end up once they make the offer!)
I also depend on the generous spirit of the chefs and wait staff who ensure my meal is free of inappropriate ingredients. I’ve had a considerate waiter or waitress come back to my table repeatedly to ensure that they knew exactly what had to be in my meal - and then go that extra step with the kitchen staff to create a truly delicious taste experience. These aren’t chain restaurants - these are places where I’ve come to know the people by name, because they gave me reason to want to know them.
I’ve learned that generosity isn’t just money or gifts or material things. It’s an expansiveness of spirit that becomes contagious and infects me along the way. It’s time and effort and care and attention. I’ve received these things more times than I can count and certainly more times than I deserved.
May your life be full of this particular kind of generosity, whether you have allergies or not.
