Archive for » 2008 «
My son’s two-year birthday is swiftly approaching. He is an exceptionally energetic child (I know, what two-year-old isn’t?), and sometimes I imagine myself a popular swing set at the playground. I’ve been climbed, pushed, jumped, slid and pulled on. I’ve been hung from and flipped onto and off of. I’ve been rocked back and forth and spun around until I am dizzy. Quite frankly, I’m having trouble keeping up with the role all by myself.
So, I began my search for an assistant…ok, an actual swing set. Days of searching led me to several conclusions. Swing sets are expensive (even before you add lumber and, well, swings), and they are
a lot of work to prepare for use. I could not believe the price paid for something that I always took for granted while growing up.
I was beginning to think my only relief would be daily trips to the park (which aren’t so bad, but…)
Then, out of the blue, I received a call from a friend. Her husband is a mover by trade. He moves pianos, pool tables, expensive art, and SWINGSETS! She was calling to say that her husband was asked to dispose of a used swing set (it was in excellent condition, but the family wanted a new set for their new home), so he wanted to bring it to us! And, not only did he bring us the set, but he worked for one entire Saturday helping my husband (ok, my husband helped him) put it together!!
We now have a wonderful swing set in our back yard to entertain my little one for years to come! Upon looking for a picture on line to assist in the building, I discovered that this swing set sells retail
for $1500+. Thanks to my friend, it was FREE! And, because Random Acts of Kindness are priceless, we can double our new treasure!
Anonymous, Florida
The other day I dropped by the grocery to pick something up…couldn’t find it. I went to the front desk and asked the woman behind the counter if she could tell me which aisle it was on. She said, “Not only can I tell you, I’ll show you.” I told her that wasn’t necessary and she could just tell me which aisle, but she insisted. We went straight to the product and I thanked her for going the extra mile. We chatted and before long, she asked the for the recipe I was going to do that day which contained the item I was seeking.
Now when I go into this HUGE grocery store, I hear that familiar voice hollering over the crowds, “Hey Queenie!”
Yep, it’s her. What a great way to start your shopping experience…with a warm smile and a wave!
Queen JJ
allthingsroyal.com
allthingsjawjaw.com
My dad is now walking with a walker. I’m always taking him to doctor appointments, the food store and lunch. I have been so moved by all the kind people who slow down, stop, wait, or offer to move their cars for us when we’re fairly pinched in. People are good and getting Dad around has been a great reminder.
The other day, a young kid waited about 3-5 minutes while I got Dad settled in the car. I kept thanking him and he kept smiling. It gave me a real boost and allowed Dad and I to talk about what a nice kid he was.
Dotsie
www.nabbw.com
www.boomerwomenspeak.com
This morning at the supermarket, there was this elderly man in a wheelchair, who could not find some Scotch tape which was on sale. I helped him look, and the advertised tape was just not on the tape shelf with all the other stationary supplies. So asked people around me to help us, and before you knew it, we attracted a mini-crowd. Next think you know, a store employee stopped by to assist him further.
I learned that sometimes one moment of kindness can have far-reaching effects.
Josie
It must be my week to get amazing stories of kindness and love from friends and family. I got this story yesterday from a friend who knows I look for these stories and it is “all about me” (grin) when I do! It raises my energy soooooooooo much when I hear about them or read about them. It is so easy to forget how much responding to that “inner voice” means when we’re in a rush to get things done or make a living. And it is my belief that when we slow down and listen, we can make this kind of difference in one person’s life…and in the lives of millions, maybe even billions!
The Cab Ride
I arrived a few minutes early and honked the horn. There was no response at the address, so I walked to the door and knocked. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90′s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940′s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated’.
‘Oh, you’re such a good boy’, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’
‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly.
‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice’.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued. ‘The doctor says I don’t have very long.’ I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. Let’s go now’.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
‘How much do I owe you?’ she asked, reaching into her purse.
‘Nothing,’ I said. You have to make a living,’ she answered.
‘There are other passengers,’ I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. Thank you.’
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
You have such a great heart and I know, I truly KNOW, you’re making a difference in at least one life today. Thank you and keep up the great work. Each of us taking 1 moment to be kindness, to ourselves or others, lifts the energy and spirit of the entire world.
Love and light, hugs and blessings
Jerilynne