Man’s simple act of kindness meant the world to woman with Parkinson’s disease
By Heather Holeman/KFOR,
2 days ago
OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — “It’s the little things in life that really matter,” Liz Marshall told News 4, after nominating the driver of a Waste Management collection truck for a Pay It 4Ward award.
Liz has had Parkinson’s disease for 30 years and uses a scooter to get around. So, the driver’s simple act of kindness meant the world to Liz.
Liz has had Parkinson’s disease for 30 years and uses a scooter to get around. Photo: KFOR.
Liz is known as “The Butterfly Lady,” and her unique butterfly creations are handed out wherever she goes, in the hopes of lifting up others who might need a smile.
Liz shows KFOR some of her handmade butterflies. Photo: KFOR.
“It brings me so much joy to lay them in someone’s hands and see them smile. It makes my day,” Liz said. But her butterflies gave Liz something in return for her generosity, after Parkinson’s stole the use of her hands ten years ago.
“I could not dress myself, could not feed myself, and I started to work with paper, and slowly my hands became stronger. I feel so blessed that these little pieces of paper have given me my hands back,” she said.
In the six years that have since passed, Liz has lost the ability to walk, which is why one man’s simple act of kindness meant everything to her.
Liz is now the one paying it forward to Terrance Davis, the driver of a Waste Management collection truck. Terrance saw Liz sitting on her scooter, and without waiting to be asked, he carried her cans back up her driveway, asking Liz where she would like him to place them.
Terrance Davis is surprised with a Pay It 4ward from First Fidelity Bank. Photo: KFOR.
“I was sitting out on my porch and he brought my trash cans back up my driveway, and I knew he was busy, he was on a route,” she said. “Our lives are not about our walk. Our walk is about making someone else’s walk a little bit easier. He made a valuable impression on my heart. So, I hope we can do the same for him today. And I hear the trash truck!” as the sound of beeping could be heard down the street.
But before Terrance arrived, First Fidelity Bank’s Marissa Mindieta presented Liz with the $400 to give to Terrance.
“It’s always nice to pay it forward to someone who’s done something nice for you that didn’t have to take time out of their day, on their busy schedule. So, on behalf of First Fidelity Bank, here’s $400,” Marissa said. “I can’t wait to see his face!” Liz said.
Just minutes later, Terrance pulled down Liz’s street to collect her trash, when he was surprised by Liz and our News 4 crew.
“Look at that big smile!” said News 4’s Heather Holeman, as Terrance approached. “We have a program called Pay It 4Ward. What you did was so touching to Liz that she called us, and she has a gift for you.”
“On behalf of First Fidelity, I’d like to present you with $400,” Liz said. “Oh, my goodness!” gasped Terrance.
Liz continued, “For your kindness. You moved me to tears. I hope this blesses your hands.”
“It does, it really does. I appreciate that a whole lot,” Terrance replied.
“You don’t even begin to know what a blessing that was to me that day that you noticed me on the porch. Because when you’re disabled, a lot of times you become invisible, and even though you had a lot going on — you were dodging trash cans, and kids, and cars, you made an effort to stop, and that meant the world to me,” Liz said.
“Not a problem. Not a problem at all. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do so,” Terrance said smiling.
Waste Management also rewarded Terrance with another financial gift for his good deed.
And, of course, Terrance also went home with a few of The Butterfly Lady’s signature butterfly gifts, in exchange for his gift — that, to Liz, was monumental.
“And my gift came that morning in the presence of a green trash truck with an angel on board,” Liz said.
Liz Marshall hugs Terrance Davis, after honoring him with a PayIt4Ward award. Photo: KFOR.
Terrance leaned down to hug Liz and said, “It was a blessing to meet you, Liz.”
“Thank you for your kindness,” said his new friend. “It is the little things that matter the most.”
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
