Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Kindness from Strangers, the Power of Blogging

Sacha is on his way home thanks to Lana, and family.

My brother Mat drove (six hours round trip) Sacha to my cousin Julie's place in San Francisco the night before he left. Thank you dear brother!

Sacha wanted to spend some time with his Budda Mere Julie before he returned to France. Though Julie couldn't take him to the airport due to work, and Sacha needed a ride at the first morning light (Five in the morning that is) I wrote on FACEBOOK:

"Is anyone driving to SF this week? Sacha needs a ride to the airport to catch a flight back home. I think he isn't looking for a ride because he doesn't want to leave… I understand that feeling. Anyone ???"

Lana is a blog reader of mine who came to Nantucket last March to meet me read the message and offered to pick Sacha up.

I had no idea of HOW EARLY until yesterday!

Today at five in the morning Lana arrived in San Francisco with goodies to munch on, and Starbucks for Sacha. Talk about KINDNESS!! TALK about the walking the talk. Talk about kindness from strangers… Sacha had never met Lana before today.

Blogging has many awards… Friendship is the best of them.

Lana MERCI BEAUCOUP!!

Comments

46 responses to “Kindness from Strangers, the Power of Blogging”

  1. Dawn @ The Feathered Nest

    What a precious soul Lana is!!!! I know as a mama, you are forever grateful too…and will you tell me when this son of yours grew into such a handsome young man???!! Lord, what happens to the time ~ hugs and love, Dawn

    Reply
  2. kim

    Isn’t it fantastic?! At the moment a dear friend of mine is battling cancer and undergoing grueling chemo. Her family is doing a fundraiser and I posted it on my blog and so many people responded and I’m just so blown away! My friend gathers so much strength from the lovely notes and comments that people are leaving and this is more important than the money, IMO. Anyway…yeah. The blogosphere can be a great community.

    Reply
  3. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    Yes. Still believing in the human race!! Good far out weighs bad.
    Welcome home Sasha…in several hours!!

    Reply
  4. nancy

    oh what wonderful news! a simple act of kindness gives you hope in humankind!!!!
    lana is so nice!

    Reply
  5. Anjanette

    Truly blessed! Safe travels Sasha!!

    Reply
  6. Laurie SF

    SFO-CDG 🙂

    Reply
  7. Diogenes

    Wow, that is so kind, especially at 5:00 am, LOL.
    Speaking of kindness, Corey I just received the sachets you sent. Thank you so very much!

    Reply
  8. Merisi in Vienna

    Kudos to Lana! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Franca Bollo

    It sounds like Lana drove him from Sheba’s place to SFO. Please tell me he flew out of Sacramento.

    Reply
  10. Paulita

    It’s so much easier to let our children venture out into the world knowing there are people like Lana out there. Merisi in Vienna, don’t think I didn’t make note of your name, knowing that my daughter is off to Vienna in January!
    Of course, I’m here in little old Columbus, Ohio if anyone ever decides to tour the Midwest.

    Reply
  11. Laura

    great story! Well if anyone every comes to the Washington DC area, we will help out too. I may not be as well equipped and Lana, but I’ll do my best 🙂

    Reply
  12. Alan from Chicago

    Wow That so nice

    Reply
  13. g

    i just said this morning, outloud, for no reason, to myself– that i believe for the most part people are kind generous giving (without wanting in return)of time talent riches of all sorts-in short PEOPLE ARE GOOD!i am happy for this relationship you have developed with each one of us corey giving of yourself daily and taking in kind when necessary-afterall that is what any relationship is… a give a take…FRIENSHIP AIN’T IT GRAND… you have a GREAT BLOGGING COMMUNITY of which it is an honor to be a part-

    Reply
  14. christine

    this post gave me such peace….i’m a mama too and the idea that someone would reach out to my child in such a kind way is beautiful.
    Thank you Lana and thank you Corey for creating this community.
    Christine
    Boston

    Reply
  15. Chris Wittmann

    So sweet of her to do that! Hope Sacha’s flight was as pleasant!

    Reply
  16. Jean Munroe

    Have to say I choked up at Lana’s kindness and at the community you have built through your blog to make such acts of generosity be manifested. You are a force to be reckoned with, Corey, and all for the good.
    Enjoy your son. Mine is already 46 and my grandson 15 and the years pass much too quickly.

    Reply
  17. Marilyn

    How perfectly wonderful to have Lana do this for Sasha and you, plus goodies and coffee – WOW!

    Reply
  18. dede

    Ahhh… the kindness of str-angles. I know it well.
    dede

    Reply
  19. Debra

    . . .just wonderful. Put me down for the Balt./DC area. Thank you, Lana, from all the moms out there. Hope Sacha is home safe & sound.

    Reply
  20. Brenda L. from TN.

    Thanks to Lana! What a wonderful, thoughtful and kind thing to do for a friend!!
    I know Sacha was so appreciative…and just WHEN did he get SOOOO grown-up and most important, just so darn handsome!!???

    Reply
  21. dede

    I meant str-angels. Wools!
    dede

    Reply
  22. dede

    WOOPS!!!

    Reply
  23. Laura @ 52 FLEA

    Love it! We are so fortunate to be part of this community and have friends all over the world. Through our blogs we have become one big family…and Sacha is another “son” to look after. 🙂

    Reply
  24. WR

    Lana is kindness personified and Sacha is growing up to be quite a handsome young man. I love the smile!

    Reply
  25. Shelley Noble

    How wonderful of Lana! Way to go!!!
    Almost any reader of this blog would be happy to help your family out if they could, Corey. You share so much of worth with us, we probably all feel as though we know and love you all well.

    Reply
  26. Zosia

    What a great story! What a great woman! What a golden heart, Lana!
    That reminds me of a story that happened to my partner, Grzegorz. When he was a student he travelled around Holland with a bicycle and very little money (this was in the late 1980’s). One day he got off a train with his bicycle and was looking at the city map trying to figure out where to go. He didn’t have any accommodation planned for that night. A man approached him and started talking to him about where he was from (Poland), where he was going. They started talking about travelling and seeing the world on a bicycle and then the guy asked where he was headed. Grzegorz said, he wasn’t sure because he didn’t have anything booked for the night. They guy reached to his pocket, took out the keys to his apartment and said: “I will be away for a few days. You can stay at my place. In case you leave before I come back, leave the keys with my neighbours.” and gave him the address.
    Unbelievable, I know, but it did happen.

    Reply
  27. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    I remember not so long ago a popular saying, “it takes a village……” spoken to us by a mom, and we all knew she was right. With three grown sons I thank God for the many people who influenced and protected my sons over the years. Let’s keep up the good work ladies and gents! Karen

    Reply
  28. Diane Belforte Lewis

    I don’t do facebook so I didn’t know……..next time call or email me, since I live one mile from the airport! Nice of Lana though!

    Reply
  29. Franca Bollo

    What!? Mr Franca Bollo doesn’t even drive Franca to SFO! She’s on a first-name basis with the shuttle drivers. Franca’s calling Lana next time she needs a ride from Russian Hill to SFO. Hi Lana!!

    Reply
  30. martina

    and you never know what you unexpectedly get in return. I have a favorite blogger who writes about creative design, crafts. She mentioned searching for some vintage Bergling art books. I had these books, a dear treasure that belonged to Dad. My heart told me to just loan them to her for free, which I did. She scanned the books, sent me a CD copy of them, as well as an effusive thank you note when she returned the books. Then, a few weeks later she sent me a huge huge huge treasure box of craft supplies, books etc. as a thank you. I was and still am stunned by the unexpected gifts.

    Reply
  31. martina

    Of course, you, Corey, are my absolute favorite blog writer!!! Welcome home Sacha.

    Reply
  32. Ullam

    Lana is an angel, and I can think of no one more deserving!
    Kisses,
    Ulla

    Reply
  33. Rhonda

    Love this story and yes, bloggers who are friends are the BEST!! This made me smile.

    Reply
  34. Michelle M in KY

    Dear Corey,
    How profoundly important this message is. Seems almost rare these days to see such genuine kindness. It’s inspirational. I hope that your boy has a safe trip and I know you will be elated to see his smiling face and to have your family back under one roof!

    Reply
  35. Nikki ~ Picnics in Provence

    How utterly delightful

    Reply
  36. Petra Leaford

    What goes around comes around, keep spreading the love. Love your work, it always makes me happier to read your blog, and I’m sure Lana has gotten a lot out of your blog posts as well.

    Reply
  37. Lia

    Lana…beautiful spirit
    Corey…another….
    my singing heart…..thank you for your wisdom
    It is what we put out
    will return.
    Arohanui lia

    Reply
  38. Jackie

    Love the internet! If he’s ever on the east coast give me call!

    Reply
  39. Amylia Grace

    I love how putting yourself out there and blogging gives rewards far beyond monetary ones. I’ve had such blessings in my life thanks to the power of blogging and the kindness of (virtual) strangers turned fast friends! Hope we meet face-to-face soon as well! 😉

    Reply
  40. Lisa Johnson

    Awesome! When the picture first came up, I thought, “who is that celebrity with that woman?” A second later I realized it was Sacha. Love this story!
    XO,
    Lisa

    Reply
  41. Jill Flory

    That is awesome! And tell that son of yours he just gets more handsome all the time! If he’s still unattached in about 7 years I might let him meet my daughter!!!

    Reply
  42. Peggy Braswell

    What a grand story + how special Lana is! Being a mom, I know you are forever grateful to Lana. Bloggers are just the best! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  43. Tracy

    That is just wonderful. Thanks Lana. Sacha sure looks different today from the earlier post this week.
    Good Story.

    Reply
  44. Marie-Noëlle

    The kind od story I LOVE !!!
    That picture taken by Sacha is great !

    Reply
  45. Jenna

    Lana is indeed a mensch. They both have such beautiful smiles.

    Reply
  46. jackie

    I know Lana and that is exactly what she would do……she is a sweetheart and does it out of the kindness of her sweet little heart! She is a true friend!

    Reply

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