The Shirt Off Her Back
Shirt off one’s back
This expression “shirt off one’s back” means the ultimate in generosity and originated as best as I can tell in a novel written in 1771 by Tobias Smollett called Humphry Clinker.
I was the recipient of the literal “shirt” two days ago on my Birthday. I opened a surprise gift from my friend in Victoria and to my amazement discovered the exact shirt I had admired when I saw her last month.I was delighted that she had gone to the trouble to track down that same shirt and send it to me for my birthday.
It was only later that I realized this was her shirt. Laundered, ironed and carefully folded. Just like new. As it turned out she could not find the same shirt and in fact she couldn’t find any shirt that she wanted to give me, so she gave me her own. It was her favourite shirt. How I know that was because when I previously complimented her on that shirt, she told me it was her favourite.
So what do you do with such a special gift that money can’t buy? You humbly and graciously say thanks.
Years ago another friend was asked what he would buy if money was no object? His answer surprised us all. “Nothing,” he said. “Anything money could buy that I wanted, I could have.”
“What I want, money can’t buy.”
This was a sobering thought.
I received several gifts on the 13th that money can’t buy:
A new piece of music played by my 11 year old Grandson. He had practiced for three hours over the weekend in order to play Auroroa Borealis, for me, when I arrived in the morning. He told me the practicing was no effort because he knew how happy I would be to hear it. This was followed up by cinnamon and apple crepes made by his own hands.
Beautiful handmade cards with the loveliest of messages.
More delicious food prepared by loving hands
Flowers meticulously arranged from afar and with the help of an on-the-ground person.
Decorations hand drawn and decorated.
The finest of chocolate
Phone calls, zoom calls, emails and texts. Poems and kindnesses and beautiful cards galore.
We so often count the wrong things and leave out the most important things that can’t be measured by an accountant or statistician. In the end it isn’t our status, wealth or public profile that counts the most. It is the measure of small things that can go unnoticed or taken for granted that really count.
We don’t always believe this because the world is programmed to recognize the bright and shining things that can be bought and sold. They are beautiful and appreciated too. But in the end it is the small things that make the biggest difference.
May all of you have the experience of loving and being loved; of helping and being helped; of understanding and being understood and may you all treasure your birthdays – a privilege denied many.
Remember to sing while there is voice left.
Notes
Note 1:) My mother learned to swim the year she turned 75 to help with her arthritis. I thought the least I could do to honour her legacy was to go back to swimming to help with mine. So I did. My first time in a pool in about four years and it felt good.
Note 2:) So many people in my family and elsewhere have September birthdays. I send best wishes to all of my September readers. I wonder if it has something to do with New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Note 3:) These early autumn days are fabulous. One prescription and the only prescription I will ever offer is to get out in nature for 20 minutes a day, if you aren’t already doing it. It may change your life.
Note 4:) Thanks again for showing up here. You have my appreciation and gratitude. How lucky am I. Warmest greetings, Trudy
Dearest Trudy wishing you a continuing Happy Birthday. Sounds like it was a heartwarming one.
Much love
Sue
Thank you Sue. September is my favourite month not just because it’s my birthday. There is the quality of the air, autumn afternoons, the light, the changing leaves, the smell…so many things. I appreciate your thoughtful greeting. Warmest wishes, trudy
Delighted that you were well fêted on your birthday Trudy – may you continue to enjoy! xoxox
Thanks Janice.
Happy belated Birthday dear Trudy !
Helga
Thank you Helga. Hope you are doing well.
Dear trudy i had arms around you all day wishing you all that money cannot buy. Should put that on a tshirt.Sunday was the walk,virtual, for ovarian cancer.This year the t shirt says HOPE LIVES HERE.Left it hanging on outside of my closet door for a few days now. Little notes around me, so helpful to me. Including things like: Thanks; I do not have to do it – rather I get to do it..this was one from a very special lady I met in my life.Many years of great health Trudy.love you.
So kind of you Jean to always write such lovely, warm, and helpful notes. May you continue to cast your sunshine all over the place. Warm wishes, Trudy
Thank you for that warm hug! Back to you xx
I got it again across the miles. Thank you Karen.