Em algum lugar no oeste do Tennessee, não muito longe de Graceland, nove mulheres — ou "As 9 Vovós", como preferem ser chamadas — se reúnem na escuridão da noite. Às 4 da manhã, elas começam sua rotina diária — um ritual que ninguém, nem mesmo seus maridos, conhecia há 30 anos. Elas têm uma única missão: criar felicidade. E tudo começa com doces caseiros.
“Uma de nós começa peneirando a farinha e outra lavando os ovos”, explicou Nana Mary Ellen, a porta-voz designada para a sociedade secreta delas. “E outra pessoa garante que as panelas estejam todas prontas. Nós revezamos, dependendo do que nos apetece fazer naquele dia.”
“Mas não se esqueça de dizer que a vovó Pearl está no comando, porque ela é a mais velha!”, acrescentou ela com uma piscadela e um sorriso.
Nas próximas três horas, as 9 Nanas (que se consideram irmãs, apesar do que algumas de suas certidões de nascimento possam dizer) prepararão centenas de bolos, como parte de um grande projeto para ajudar os necessitados. E então, antes que alguém sequer consiga vê-las, elas desaparecerão de volta às suas vidas cotidianas. O único vestígio que poderá permanecer será o aroma celestial de baunilha, limão e lima, pairando no ar.
Até mesmo o motorista da UPS, que recolhe centenas de encomendas de uma só vez, não faz ideia do que essas mulheres, com idades entre 54 e 72 anos, estão fazendo. Ele fica feliz apenas por receber um abraço e uma sacola cheia de mimos especiais. O que ele não sabe é que faz parte de um plano genial delas. Um plano que começou há 35 anos, quando as "irmãs" se reuniam para o seu jogo de cartas semanal — algo que seus maridos chamavam de "Broads and Bridge" (algo como "Jogos de Cartas e Bridge").
“A Pearl diz que foi tudo ideia dela”, brincou Mary Ellen, “mas, pelo que me lembro, estávamos sentadas relembrando a Vovó e o Vovô e todas as diferentes maneiras como eles ajudavam a comunidade.” A Vovó e o Vovô são os avós que criaram quatro das mulheres, incluindo Mary Ellen, depois que a mãe delas faleceu; e acolheram Pearl como se fosse sua filha quando os pais dela precisaram de ajuda.
“A vovó Ruth lia no jornal que alguém tinha morrido”, lembrou Mary Ellen, “e mandava um de seus bolos especiais. Ela não precisava conhecer a família. Só queria colocar um pequeno sorriso no rosto deles. E começamos a pensar no que poderíamos fazer para fazer a diferença dessa forma. E se tivéssemos um milhão de dólares? Como o gastaríamos?”
Então as mulheres começaram a fazer um brainstorming.
“Uma das irmãs sugeriu que todas começássemos a lavar nossas próprias roupas e usássemos o dinheiro economizado para algo útil. Confesso que protestei a princípio. Tem algo na lavagem de roupa que eu simplesmente não gosto. Mas eu estava em minoria! Então, entre nós nove, juntamos cerca de 400 dólares por mês e nossos maridos nem perceberam. As camisas deles ficavam impecáveis.”
E então as mulheres começaram a escutar. Elas ouviam as conversas alheias — todas com boas intenções, é claro — no salão de beleza local ou quando faziam compras no supermercado. E quando ouviam falar de uma viúva ou de uma mãe solteira que precisava de uma pequena ajuda, elas se ofereciam e pagavam anonimamente uma conta de luz ou compravam roupas novas para as crianças.
“Queríamos ajudar o máximo possível”, disse Mary Ellen, “sem prejudicar nossas próprias famílias, então começamos a usar cupons de desconto. E usávamos selos verdes. Lembram deles? Usávamos selos verdes e sempre íamos à loja de departamentos Goldsmith's às quartas-feiras. Toda semana eles tinham uma grande promoção e você podia gastar 100 dólares e sair com 700 dólares em mercadorias.”
As avós descobriam onde a pessoa morava e enviavam um pacote com um bilhete que dizia simplesmente: "Alguém te ama" -- e sempre incluíam um dos bolos especiais da vovó Ruth.
Quanto mais pessoas eles ajudavam, mais ousados se tornavam.
“Demos um novo significado à expressão ‘passeio relâmpago’”, disse Mary Ellen, encantada. “Passávamos de carro por bairros de baixa renda e procurávamos casas com ventiladores nas janelas. Isso nos indicava que os moradores não tinham ar-condicionado. Ou então, víamos que não havia luzes acesas à noite, o que significava que havia uma boa chance de a energia elétrica ter sido cortada. Depois, voltávamos antes do sol nascer, como ladrões furtivos, e deixávamos um pequeno pacote de presentes.”
Durante três décadas, as boas ações das senhoras passaram despercebidas – até que, há cinco anos, o marido de Mary Ellen, a quem ela carinhosamente chama de “Encantador do Sul”, começou a notar quilometragem extra no carro e grandes quantias em dinheiro sendo sacadas de sua conta poupança.
“Ele me mostrou extratos bancários e todos estavam destacados!”, disse Mary Ellen, relembrando o horror que sentiu. “Tentei explicar que tinha feito algumas compras, mas ele tinha uma expressão no rosto que eu nunca tinha visto antes — e percebi o que ele devia estar pensando. Liguei para as freiras e disse: ‘Vocês precisam vir para cá imediatamente’”.
Após 30 anos de sua missão secreta, as 9 Nanas e seus maridos se reuniram na sala de estar de Mary Ellen e as irmãs contaram tudo. Elas revelaram aos maridos sobre a lavanderia, as escutas telefônicas e até mesmo as visitas surpresa de carro. E é aí que a história fica ainda melhor, porque os maridos se ofereceram para ajudar.
“Eles ficaram admirados por estarmos fazendo isso e ainda mais admirados por nunca terem sabido. Sabemos guardar um bom segredo! Todos, exceto três, estão aposentados agora, então às vezes eles nos acompanham em nossas rondas. Na nossa região, tudo o que você precisa para pagar a conta de luz de alguém é um endereço, então mantemos os homens ocupados anotando números.”
Não demorou muito para que os casais decidissem que também era hora de contar aos seus filhos adultos. E foi aí que a felicidade começou a se manifestar de uma forma ainda maior. Os filhos incentivaram suas mães a começarem a vender os bolos da Vovó Ruth online, para que pudessem arrecadar dinheiro e ajudar ainda mais pessoas. E logo elas estavam recebendo mais de 100 encomendas por dia.
“Na primeira vez que vimos os pedidos chegarem, ficamos pulando de alegria”, disse Mary Ellen, rindo. “Estávamos tão animados que até fizemos uma roda! Depois, chamamos todas as crianças e perguntamos: 'O que vamos fazer agora?'”
Foi então que as 9 Nanas transferiram sua operação secreta de confeitaria de suas casas para a cozinha comercial de um restaurante de propriedade de um de seus filhos, onde podem entrar antes do amanhecer e sair antes da chegada dos funcionários. Elas até contrataram uma "coordenadora da felicidade" (cujo codinome é "Sunny", é claro). A identidade dela também precisa ser um segredo, para que ela possa ajudar com as escutas.
“Nós a fizemos jurar segredo – os pais dela acham que ela trabalha com marketing. Mas, na verdade, se você parar para pensar, ela trabalha com relações públicas e passa muito tempo procurando pessoas para ajudar no supermercado!”
Hoje em dia, graças ao sucesso online, as 9 Nanas conseguem realizar projetos ainda maiores. Recentemente, doaram mais de US$ 5.000 em travesseiros, lençóis e produtos de higiene pessoal para um abrigo para sobreviventes de violência doméstica. E, em agosto, celebrarão o segundo “Mês da Felicidade” consecutivo, enviando gestos de agradecimento a uma pessoa em cada estado que tenha feito a diferença em sua comunidade.
E aquele milhão de dólares que elas tanto desejavam? Estão quase lá. Nos últimos 35 anos, as 9 Nanas contribuíram com quase 900 mil dólares em alegria para a comunidade local.
Mas isso não significa que estejam ocupadas demais para continuar fazendo as pequenas coisas que tornam a vida um pouco mais feliz. Às vezes, elas simplesmente pegam a lista telefônica e enviam bolos para completos estranhos. E se as avós veem alguém no supermercado que parece precisar de uma ajudinha, não é incomum que elas comecem a encher o carrinho de compras de um desconhecido.
“Nem todos têm a sorte que nós tivemos de ter a vovó e o vovô para cuidar deles e consertar todos os seus problemas.
“Essa é a nossa maneira de retribuir”, disse Mary Ellen. “Queremos que as pessoas saibam que existe alguém que se importa o suficiente para fazer algo. Queremos garantir que a felicidade aconteça.”
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Thank you for sharing☺️☺️☺️
I am the bread lady of my neighborhood... take to those who are sick, sad, or just need something homemade to warm their heart. I also teach others ( in their home or mine..but they bring all the ingredients so they know what to purchase the next time!). I am amazed how much fun they have going home with their own bread, cinnamon buns or whatever fun thing they want to make. The kneading is such a great stress reducer they soon learn! The little kids in the neighborhood call it Missjody toast....cinnamon bread . I use coffee cans for bread pans.
It is just a little way to help. I love the process, the smells and the ability to make another smile! I give it all away.
mentioned your wonderful story in my blog post "Love Will Win In the End
http://www.ahhthesimplelife...
Thanks!
How clueless are these reliant husbands? LOL.
Wow, what a great story.. There's still some wonderful people out here.. Thank God.
I didn't read all of the comments, just enough to see the thread take a left turn.
Awesome work to the 9 Nanas here, and their families that stood behind their efforts. There is so much malice and condemnation these days. Stories like this give me hope.
PO Box 7189, Tacoma, WA. LOL. I love these women and their dedication to community...their love of life, and their whimsy!
How did such a cute story all of a sudden become a bickering match over the value of pets and people?! Wow. Thank you for such a great story that highlights that there is still much good in this world. That there are people who want to give to their communities. Thank you!
I think everyone is missing the point here. You're all arguing about M's comment, left a YEAR ago, which by the way was quite nice. Obviously these strangers wanted to help regardless of cost and I find that rather noble. But more importantly why is no one saying what a wonderful thing these 9 Nanas did? These women are awesome. Stop bickering and pay it forward. Sheesh.
This brought tears to my eyes. I myself am a mother of twin 6yr old daughters and I had them when I was 17. I have been through so much in the last 6 years. If it wasn't for people like the 9 nana's I am not sure what I would have done. There was a time I was living from couch to couch. By the grace of god I am now in my own home. I work and go to school full time. It gives me faith in humanity to know that there are fantastic people like them in this world.
Imagine everyday, feeling so good about yourself because of something you've done. Great job ladies and gentlemen! You inspire me! Now I will sit here and think about what I can do. Anonymously of course. =) God bless you all!
This is one of the most heart lifting articles I have ever read. Kudos to the 9 Nana's and all their efforts! If only more people could understand that we don't do good by others for the credit, we do it for the happiness! Every time I am able to help some one else, I will think of these amazing women and their supportive families and the happy community they have been caring for! <3
Wow, you all get so touchy when it comes to pets. Grown adults bickering like children.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that the story is touching. We don't know what the pet meant to this person, and for these women to step up and help up is admirable. However. If your pet helped you through the toughest parts of your life, when no one else cared, and you want to spend $3000 to get your pet the help s/he needs, do it. At that point, your pet is irreplaceable, because it's honestly become more than. But let's say this isn't the case, and you have children, and your young child ALSO needs an operation, for example, who would get priority? Your pet, or your child?
How awesome is this what a testament you you all.
Nice thought, but once again...Is it wise to eat homemade food from complete strangers? Would you do it?
Get out there and volunteer, people!
OK,EVERYONE LOVES THEIR PETS !!! THIS WHOLE STORY TURNED FROM THE THE NANAS TO ,LETS GO BACK AND FORTH ABOUT OUR PETS ,AND THEIR WORTH,MOVE FOWARD!! THIS WAS A GREAT STORY. PLEASE READ IT AGAIN,THEN IF YOU SEE SOMEONE THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP " HELP THEM". IF YOU CAN!! :)
You are missing the message here. It is about WHO YOU ARE. Some folks can and will help. Some folks understand love in many ways, some folks have "their" priorities right, others don't.
I was a single mom and raised 2 children alone. We had pets who were family members. The pets and children had medical as well as all the other necessary comforts. We did not live extravagantly, we lived with "Faith". My daughter and I now have an animal sanctuary with some 60 plus dog, cats and farm animals. Our lives are RICH in love, respect, honor and reverence. WHO ARE YOU? Are you RICH?
What's w/ the website? Happiness-happens.com link takes you to a page w/ 1 sentence & nothing else - no links or anything to click through...
The point of this whole story was about the GOOD THINGS these nine women and their families did, not a debate over people's feelings toward their pets!
Y'all are missing the point.
Create happiness, don't pick at each other! ♡
Just read the thread below in respect to the value of pets and it seems obvious to me that the arguement is about how rich one is. If you can afford to pay for your dogs cats surgery one will irrespective of the cost. If you are wealthy and still put your animal to sleep then you should nt of had a pet. Its called responsibility of care. I d rather keep my dog alive at the cost of $3000 than blow it on a holiday or buy a new 50 inch flat screen TV. Its about priorities surely?
Daily Good: "News that Inspires" and a bickering comments thread that make you realise why the World is the way it is #irony
wonderful wonderful wonderful!
i am literally bawling right now. i've never heard such a beautiful and heartwarming story of hope, love, and selflessness. This is so inspiring. i've always wanted to do more and be more for people but i've been sick since i was 7 years old. In the last few years after i was finally diagnosed with Cushing's Disease and Acromegaly. i had two brain surgeries and had my adrenal glands removed (in order for me to stay alive - long story) It's been almost 4 months now and i'm the healthiest i've never been so well in my life. As i continue to get better i want to more than anything to help my community and bring smiles to the faces of as many people as i can. i want to spread God's love, as He loved me. i am a servant at heart, but my body wouldn't let me serve because i was too sick. i'm very happy to be able to begin to do what God called me to do, serve. Thank you with all of my heart for doing God's work and sharing this story with the world. Alicia
Wow such a great story taken over by the great pet debates, spend your money how you want and these ladies showed where their priorities were. Helping others is its own reward. So forget about what you would or wouldn't do for a pet and realize its people who where helped.
I love animals. Don't take me wrong for saying: " Is their love really unconditional?" Don't they love us for feeding them and taking care of them? Just saying...
I tried going to the website but all that showed up was a white screen with the words "Folks as young as two and as old as ninety-two want to know they matter". I was really looking forward to seeing their website or even ordering a pound cake. What gives?
Barnabas 19:11
Thou shall not hesitate to give, neither shalt thou murmur when
giving, but thou shalt know who is the good paymaster of thy reward.
....
These women were doing the work of God by secretly giving all of those years.
Why is this feed ALL about pets? My goodness. I would just like a moment to celebrate the 9 Nanas. Let's all think of what we can do to be like them!
Oh My goodness people. Pet bickering isn't the point of this beautiful article! Why limit your love? If someone wants to help an animal in need that is wonderful! If someone wants to help animals in need that is wonderful! Generosity and love for animals and/or humans is not what is hurting people! People being mean and unkind is what is harmful. Here is a challenge: Let's all turn off our bloody computers and do a random act of kindness for someone today or tomorrow. These women are an inspiration--not cause for arguing over what is worth loving!
I always find it very interesting when people argue over whether they would or wouldn't pay to save a pet. It's easy to see who does or doesn't have a soul.
It's juvenile and rude to tell others that what they do with their pet(s) is wrong. Just because you talk the loudest or the most doesn't make you right.
We've paid thousands upon thousands of dollars, many times, for vet bills, surgeries, and general care for our greyhounds. Greyhounds that we SAVED after their racing careers were over and they would've been killed. Our dogs live lives better than a lot of people, because they deserve it and because we love them. One dog had a $9000 surgery just a few months after we adopted her. This same dog lived for 16 years (almost unheard of for a grey) and in those years we spent enough to put a child through college.
We've had 7 greyhounds and they're worth EVERY CENT we've spent on them. There's nothing we won't do for them and fortunately, we're able to do so.
[Hide Full Comment]People don't even want a stranger to breathe on them these days, yet they will eat a random cake? Really???
This is just awesome! To think they could keep this secret for so long and just think of the thousands of people they helped or brought a smiles to.
So where can I buy one of these pound cakes???
What an amazing set of ladies.
their website doesn't work. :(
Wow amazing! Each time I lose faith in humanity it is people like this that make me get it back.
You all are missing the point of the story. Yes, there are varying views about pets and the Church that can be raised, but you're missing how much good these ladies have put forth in their communities--not for themselves.
I spent $4000 on my dog at the Vet and the only thing I asked of her was to give me 4 more years of love and devotion. She lived about 4.5 years and got cancer. She was worth every penny of it. And I never regretted it. We are just avg. people who paid $100 a month until it was paid in full. Don't tell me she wasn't worth it missy!!!!!
I had me a Blue Healer about 20 yes ago that came down with a cough that wouldn,t quit so I took her to my vet who proceeded to tell me that it can,t posebly be lung worms as there aren,t any fox in the hood and he turned a deaf ear when I told him that we take her camping with us all the time. So a grand later at my request or should I say I demanded that he check her for lung worms,because a dog can only get lung worms by eating the feces of a fox. So low and behold the test come back positive and he says the cattle wormer he has to give her will kill her or cure her and she has to spend a couple nights there so I said do it she,s gonna die for sure if you do nothing, 2 grand later I have my piece of family and my happy back. Now I don,t have much money but money isn,t what makes me happy, my dogs make me happy and I would have paid 3 times that amount. Now Sydney died of cancer at the age of 7 nothing I could do about that curse, and I,m never without a couple of dogs in my life. I live on 2 acres and great full for it and have lived here for 25 yrs so I have my own pet semetary of which I am honored to have. So Jennifer if you can,t put as much love into an animal as you would say yourself or family then I wouldn,t own an animal.
[Hide Full Comment]Thank you for sharing this story. It is people like this that give me hope for humanity and inspire me to be better than I am.
Remarkable!! If only...
I read articles like this, and being the skeptic that I am, while I applaud charitable efforts, I wonder if these stories aren't being published to distract people from the very real issues related to poverty and hardship that we seem to just refuse to eradicate, and blame on the poor themselves. It looks to me like an easy way to justify eliminating the few government supports we have in our social safety net, in favour of private charity.
If we collected the Just Rent of the products of Nature equally, then we would have a ready source of wealth with which to fund an unconditional Universal Basic Income. Maybe we should think about being less distracted from the real issues by tasty cakes.
I tried to go to the website to buy a cake but the site isnt working :( these are amazing ladies!
1. I always hear my wife getting up at 4.
2. This IS media hype.
3. Call me skeptical, sorry.
This is such a marvelous story. Okay, Oprah, this one needs to be made into a film. How about it?
Every community should have a group of "Nanas". I know ours sure needs one.
Thank YOU!!!!!! Nanas!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't read to much into this just say thank you!!!!
The link happiness-happens.com no longer works. Since this article is over a year old, have they stopped or gone out of business?
I loved the story of the 9 nanas- I am the type who would love to help all the world, although I am a middle income homemaker. Keep up the great work and the love as long as you can. Kudos to those great hubbys.
Why don't stories like this get features on every major outlet? These are the kinds of things people need to see over and over. Think of the other person first (regardless of religion, background or whatever).
It's a lovely gift of sharing and kindness.
Why it is necessary to ferret out who they are?
Accept that there are many who help others and prefer anonymity.
They help those who really need a rainbow in their day!
It doesn't get any better than that.
great story we could all learn a little from. Shame our leader don't share their vision
This sounds like the backbone for one amazing book! Someone needs to write a book/novel about these women! Honestly though...well done. I can only hope that I, along with my generation, can aspire to do such great things as you women do.
I have something in my eye. -sniffle-
You ladies are just plain awesome, if i lived close enough I would keep the secret and have many years volunteering:)
These women are certainly commendable, but when I tried to access their website, I only got a simple one line quote. Are they real?
That the husbands "didn't know?"
Not buying it. And it's a shame: that fib casts doubt on the rest of it.
My Great Aunt Rose (who also lived in West Tennessee oddly enough) used to do something similar. So inspiring. http://techguerilla.com/the...
I am wanting to order pound cakes to help support them, but the when I click the website link it take me to a page with a quote and nothing more. Is this happening to anyone else?
This is the true joy of giving, when the giver does not even get to see the reaction of the receiver, nor expect or receive praise! What wonderful women!
Wow this made me cry!