A few weeks ago, I realized that my there was no clear path out of my garage because it was blocked by a dresser that used to belong to my Dad. For a moment I considered where I could move it to as it was a nice dresser and I “should” probably keep it. Then a thought come over me… and it went something like this, “Are you worried that you might need a dresser (in the future), and I won’t provide one?” Immediately I felt foolish for wanting to hang onto something that I really didn’t need. Within five minutes, my neighbors helped me carry the dresser to the curb, and the very moment we set it down, a couple walked by and offered me some money for it.
Then one cool morning, about a week later, I passed a homeless man as I went into Starbucks. I ordered a small coffee and then looked at the display case, remembered the man, and added a breakfast sandwich. Outside, the man was peering into his coffee cup as I walked up to him and waited for him to look up. When he did, he seemed a bit startled to see someone standing in front of him and acted as if he was expecting me to chastise him. Instead, I asked, “Would you like a biscuit with bacon?” He was utterly surprised and he almost moaned with delight as he said, “Oh God.” After I handed it to him, I wished him a good day and left. As I walked away, I thought, “It really was God, wasn’t it?”
Spaghetti Pie with Bacon and Peppers for Bill
Images, memories, and voices sprang into my head so often during the year that I gave away pies that sometimes I thought something was wrong if I didn’t feel “moved by the spirit” or “inspired” or “insert your own word for it here.” On those occasions, I just did my best to make a pretty pie, show up, and hope for the best. And often, the best did happen – the recipient was genuinely happy for being honored in such a way.
Mushroom and Pepper Quiche for my physical therapist, Heather
It’s been more than four years since I began giving away pies, and while I’ve slowed down quite a bit from making a pie a day to making one every week or so, I truly hope that I can continue to listen to those voices in my head and continue to feel the tugs at my heart. This project has been a wonderful journey and I hope to be baking pies… and sharing “pie” stories for a long time to come.
Spaghetti Pie with Spinach and Caramelized Onions for Ellie
I’d like to close with one of my favorite poems by Emily Dickenson.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin,
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Pie a Day Give Away 
WOW! And hugs, Donna
Thank you… and hugs back to you!
Good stories, good feelings, Karen. And I love that poem as well. It’s good to be reminded of it! Thank you.
Thank you Shirley… I appreciate you so much.
I love that you gave the man the biscuit! Who know how hungry he might have been. Sometimes we just get a feeling. Thank you for always thinking of others.
Exactly right Donna… and I wish I could always be present enough to notice those feelings… but sometimes I miss them entirely. Thinking of you and Silas and sending love.
That came at the right time.. I’m busy cleaning out my 98 year old aunts house and I have to realize not everything is the holy grail even if it’s 120 years old. Gotta say good by to this stuff!!!
It’s got to be more difficult to let go when family memories are attached. You might need a friend at your side to help you make the hard choices. Good luck, Colleen!
I hope you will be baking pies and sharing pie stories for a long time to come as well, Karen!! You’re always an inspiration.
Your idea that holding on to something could be a way that were not letting God provide for us, hit me. Good perspective. Thank you, my friend.