在田纳西州西部，离格雷斯兰不远的地方，九位女性——或者如她们所愿，自称“九位奶奶”——在夜幕降临之际聚集在一起。凌晨四点，她们开始了每日例行的仪式——一个长达三十年无人知晓的秘密，甚至连她们的丈夫也毫不知情。她们只有一个目标：创造幸福。而这一切都始于烘焙食品。
“我们当中一人负责筛面粉，另一人负责洗鸡蛋，”她们秘密社团的指定发言人娜娜·玛丽·艾伦解释说。“还有人负责确保所有锅碗瓢盆都准备就绪。我们轮流做，看当天我们想做什么。”
“但你一定要说娜娜·珀尔说了算，因为她年纪最大！”她眨了眨眼，笑着补充道。
接下来的三个小时里，这九位奶奶（尽管她们的出生证明上可能并非如此，但她们都自认为是姐妹）将精心制作数百个磅蛋糕，这是为了帮助有需要的人而精心策划的。然后，在任何人还没来得及看一眼她们之前，她们就会消失在各自的日常生活中。唯一留下的痕迹，或许只有空气中弥漫的香草、柠檬和青柠的迷人香气。
就连每次都要取走数百个包裹的UPS司机，也完全不知道这些年龄在54岁到72岁之间的女士们在做什么。他只是很高兴能得到一个拥抱和一袋特别的礼物。他不知道的是，他其实是她们精心策划的一部分。这个计划始于35年前——当时这群“姐妹”每周聚在一起玩牌——她们的丈夫们把这种聚会戏称为“女士桥牌”。
“珀尔说这都是她自己的主意，”玛丽·艾伦打趣道，“但我记得当时我们围坐在一起，回忆着外婆和外公，以及他们过去在社区里做的各种好事。”外婆和外公是这四位女性的祖父母，她们的母亲去世后，包括玛丽·艾伦在内，都是由他们抚养长大的；珀尔的父母需要帮助时，他们也收养了珀尔，视如己出。
“露丝奶奶会在报纸上看到有人去世的消息，”玛丽·艾伦回忆说，“然后她就会寄一块她特制的磅蛋糕过去。她不必认识死者家属，她只是想让他们脸上露出一点笑容。我们开始思考，我们能做些什么来做这样的事。如果我们有一百万美元，我们会怎么花呢？”
于是，女士们开始集思广益。
“姐妹俩中有一个人建议我们都应该自己洗衣服，把省下来的钱用在更有意义的事情上。说实话，我一开始是反对的。我就是不喜欢洗衣服。但是人少势众！所以我们九个人每个月能省下大约400美元，而我们的丈夫们却一点儿也没察觉。他们的衬衫看起来也没什么问题。”
然后，这些妇女开始偷听。她们会在当地的美容院或超市购物时偷听——当然，她们的出发点都是好的。当她们听说有寡妇或单身母亲需要帮助时，她们就会匿名帮忙支付水电费或给孩子们买些新衣服。
“我们想尽我们所能地帮忙，”玛丽·艾伦说，“但又不想影响到我们自己的家庭，所以我们就开始收集优惠券。我们还会用绿色印花。你们还记得吗？我们会用绿色印花，而且我们一定会在周三去戈德史密斯百货公司。他们每周都有大促销，你可以花100美元，买到价值700美元的商品。”
奶奶们会找到那个人住在哪里，然后寄一个包裹，里面附上一张纸条，上面只写着“有人爱你”——而且她们一定会在包裹里放上一块露丝奶奶特制的磅蛋糕。
他们帮助的人越多，就越大胆。
“我们赋予了‘驾车巡视’这个词新的含义，”玛丽·艾伦兴奋地说。“我们会开车穿过低收入社区，寻找窗户上装有风扇的房子。这说明住在那里的人家没有空调。或者我们会发现晚上没有灯，这意味着他们很可能被停了水电煤气。然后我们会像飞贼一样，在太阳升起之前回来，送去一些小小的爱心包裹。”
三十年来，这些女士们的善行一直未被发现——直到五年前，玛丽·艾伦的丈夫（她亲切地称他为“南方魅力先生”）开始注意到汽车行驶里程数增加，并且他们的储蓄账户中被取出了大量现金。
“他拿出银行账单，上面还做了标记！”玛丽·艾伦回忆起当时的惊恐说道，“我试图解释说我买了一些东西，但他脸上露出一种我从未见过的表情——我意识到他当时肯定在想什么。我赶紧打电话给姐妹俩，说：‘你们都得马上过来。’”
在秘密行动持续了30年后，九位“奶奶”和她们的丈夫齐聚玛丽·艾伦的客厅，姐妹俩坦白了一切。她们告诉丈夫们关于洗衣、偷听，甚至驾车路过枪击的种种行径。而故事也由此变得更加精彩——因为丈夫们主动提出要帮忙。
“他们很惊讶我们竟然在做这件事，更惊讶的是他们竟然毫不知情。我们真是太会保守秘密了！除了三个人之外，其他人都退休了，所以有时候他们会和我们一起开车挨家挨户地收钱。在我们这儿，只要知道地址就能帮人缴水电费，所以我们就让他们忙着记电话号码。”
不久之后，这些夫妇也决定是时候告诉他们已经长大的孩子们了。而幸福也随之以更大的方式降临。孩子们鼓励他们的母亲们开始在网上销售露丝奶奶的磅蛋糕，这样她们就可以筹集资金帮助更多的人。很快，她们每天就能收到超过100份订单。
“我们第一次看到订单纷至沓来的时候，高兴得跳了起来，”玛丽·艾伦笑着说。“我们兴奋极了，简直像在玩绕圈游戏！然后我们把所有孩子都叫来，问他们：‘接下来我们该做什么？’”
就在那时，九位奶奶把她们的秘密烘焙行动从家中转移到了其中一个儿子开的餐厅的商业厨房里。这样，她们就可以在日出前偷偷溜进去，在员工上班前溜出来。她们甚至还雇佣了一位“幸福协调员”（当然，她的代号是“阳光”）。她的身份也必须保密，这样她才能帮忙窃听。
“我们让她发誓保密——她父母以为她在做市场营销。而且，仔细想想，她其实是在做公关，花很多时间在超市里找人帮忙！”
如今，凭借在网络上的成功，“九位奶奶”能够承担更大的项目。最近，她们向一家家庭暴力幸存者庇护所捐赠了价值超过5000美元的枕头、床单和个人护理用品。今年八月，她们将连续第二个月举办“幸福发生月”活动，向每个州一位为社区做出贡献的人寄送礼物，以表达她们的感激之情。
她们曾经梦寐以求的一百万美元？她们离目标越来越近了。在过去的35年里，这九位奶奶为当地社区贡献了价值近90万美元的快乐。
但这并不意味着她们忙得没时间去做那些让生活更快乐的小事。有时候，她们会拿出电话簿，给素不相识的人寄送磅蛋糕。如果奶奶们在超市里看到有人似乎需要帮助，她们也会主动帮陌生人把购物车装满。
“并不是每个人都像我们一样幸运，有爷爷奶奶照顾他们，帮他们解决所有问题。
“所以这是我们回馈社会的方式，”玛丽·艾伦说。“我们想让人们知道，有人关心他们，愿意为此做些什么。我们希望确保幸福能够降临。”
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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!