Many small things add up to create a feeling of understanding.
Before she died, Mom had made arrangements to have the patio sliding glass door fixed. The service man came, fixed the door and did not charge anything for his time and effort. He was someone who did not know us and was doing what he does to make a living and put food on his own table.
When Phyllis, Ernie and I went to the gem and mineral show in Tucson (Phyllis Rautenberg and Ernest Schneck Jr. are Phyllis Schneck's other two children), Phyllis and I spoke with a vendor who gave us each a necklace out of the goodness of her heart, remembering when she lost a family member to violence. Once again, someone who did not know us personally.
The owners of the New York Giants sending flowers to Mom's memorial gave the feeling that they cared about losing a loyal fan.
We received crocheted "angels" from dozens of people all around the country to let us know Mom was being remembered and that we now had a very special angel watching over us.
This does not include the friends, family and co-workers who have been with us as support through the entire ordeal; people who are willing to listen and comfort us when we need it.
I am sure with time I could come up with many more examples. What all this shows me is that for the most part, most individuals are good, caring, loving and yes, God (whatever entity they consider to be their God) fearing people.
Good still conquers evil the majority of the time.
Betty Jean Offutt is one of three adult children of the late Phyllis Schneck, 79.
