The Season of Giving

This column is dedicated to acknowledge examples of positives that express the community spirit of Columbus – our town.

After suffering a stroke seven years ago, my daily travel is generally in a wheelchair. It is restrictive to say the least, but I’m really fortunate that my husband, Bob Stiles, is stronger than the average guy in his eighties. It helps that he enjoys navigating through mud and up high curbs. The antique week in Warrenton/Round Top gave him numerous opportunities to display his prowess.

As we shopped, (I, in my wheelchair), we encountered great examples of kindness. After buying a large fig leaf rubber plant, it was especially thoughtful to have a young clerk insist on carrying the plant out to our vehicle. In the same venue, a lady, (appearing to be as old as I), opened a door and assisted in getting the wheelchair over the threshold. Earlier in the day, while shopping at the Red Barn during a deluge, a merchant cordially carried my purchase outside to our van as we “wheeled” on down the aisle visiting with friends who kindly complimented our energy and presence. Sadly to say, at least four fellow merchants had passed this last year.