The other night at the movie the woman next to me was very kind. She knew I was alone and wanted to make sure I parked near the mall door and said if I felt uncomfortable going into the garage alone I should find a security guard to escort me to my car. She said she did that one time. I was fine but it was kind of her to offer that information. The mall closed earlier then the movie.
When the burdens of the world weigh down on me
I am often reminded
that there is still much kindness around me.
One time
that has always stayed with me
was on a very cold,
winter’s day
when I drove to town for an appointment
and I parked on the street
in front of the building I needed to go to.
It had snowed 5 or 6 inches in the night,
but the parking spot was covered,
but packed down.
I don’t remember why I didn’t wear boots that day,
or a scarf or gloves,
so suffice to say
I was not dressed
for an extended period of time
wandering around in the snow.
After my appointment
I came out
and found my car buried in snow,
as the plow had been by
and covered my car with tightly packed snow
from the blades scraping it off the street.
There was no shovel in my car,
and only a lightweight, plastic brush for the windshield,
but I had to do something.
I tried to pull the snow off with my hands,
which soon lost feeling,
which soon spread to my feet . . .
More than a few men
walked by me
without so much as a glance
as I started work.
My chest and skirt
were covered in snow
from my attempts to free the car
and I was close to tears,
when two ladies
came across the street from a coffee shop,
snow shovels in hand.
Laughing
and talking to each other,
it seemed to take no time
for them to dig the snow out
so that I could drive out of the parking spot.
Before I could say anything,
they saluted me,
grabbed their shovels,
and went back to their table in the cafe.
Those women
might not remember that kindness,
but their kindness has stayed with me
all these years,
and has made me aware
that there are always opportunities
for me to pay it forward. ♥
I love that the women saluted you when they were finished! What a lovely story. A good reminder to look for the helpers and not focus on the ones who just pass people by.
My husband and I were just starting a multi-day bike ride in Japan. We started early as it was very hot weather. In the town we started, we became lost and confused. A Japanese man with a motor scooter tried to help. Language was a barrier. We kept going. An hour later, in the hot sun, the man found us elsewhere, still lost, but even hotter and more stressed. He indicated for us to follow him on his scooter. He scootered at our slow bike pace for maybe 20 minutes to lead us to the actual start of our ride, stopping once to – it turned out – buy us ice-cold bottled water from a vending machine. We wished we could thank him more. His generosity turned a stressful day into a gift.
Actually Wednesday, when I went to the county corner office for my passport. I had an issue because I have an unique situation, but the lady made me feel very understood and safe to share it. We connected on a personal level, she walked me through every step in an almost motherly way, and even told me she would be working at the office I needed to get to the next day. She did not need to be so kind or helpful, but she was, and she did not even have to try, it was just her. It is so nice to see those people still exist <3.
Last Sunday I was taking a walk on a drizzly day, down a country lane in rural Vermont . I was wearing a red rain poncho and flip flops since I had no rain boots. Not much traffic was passing on this muddy backcountry road.
To my surprise, a pickup stopped and the driver smiled and gently asked me if I was okay, and did I need a ride to somewhere?
I smiled and replied that I was just taking a rain walk so he drove on. Really thoughtful of him to ask me, a stranger if I was in need of help.
For all he knew, I could have been a raving lunatic!!
I’m not sure this was the last time I was moved by the kindness of a stranger (btw, there are no strangers 😁) but it moved me and stuck in my head.
I was doing my Saturday chauffeur gig, driving a Sprinter van, shuttling people up to a hilltop vinyard wedding, from their cars parked down below. Beautiful evening, perfectly nice people, easy gig.
Mostly wealthy people. Everyone dressed up.
The one guy in the crowd who kinda stood out, was a very old (older than me, anyway) Latino guy, dressed in his best compesino attire. Clean and shiny cowboy boots, perfectly pressed blue jeans, crisp fancy shirt, bright cowboy hat, the whole nine yards. He had deep creases from working outside and his hands looked rough and calloused. Definitely the only guy all evening who look like he worked with his hands. And he certainly stood out among the seemingly softer crowd. It was pretty late in the evening when I dropped him and his companion off at their car. As he got down out of the van, he immediately went for his wallet, and started to get some bills for a tip. He was the only guy all evening that even made a gesture. It was the only time (that I can remember) that I thanked a guest and declined the tip. It broke my heart. Many feelings came up.
Charlie, I have known many men and woman who work with the land. Most if not all have some of the kindest hearts I have witnessed. I believe dear Sparrow is right. 🌞
A good story—thanks.
And I’m interested and curious. If you feel fine about saying more, what about this brought up feelings for you? Clearly you were touched at a deep level, I think?
No, I don’t mind, Maeve.
I think it’s the fact that this guy, who I’m assuming, worked so hard for his money, was willing to share. That’s all.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he “saw me”, as we are both working people.
This job is very interesting. I get to interact with a large swath of people.
From the ultra wealthy to regular working people. There’s a lot of waiting around and probably too much time to think about the human condition.
Recently my husband went in to hospital for minor surgery. From the moment he arrived, the nurses treated him with such kindness and positivity, keeping up a constant cheerful chatter and asking him about himself. It was beautiful to watch him cheer up because of them.
The freeway merge before my exit is a particularly rude and aggressive slice of road. I try to let people in front of me to merge, because our exit often grinds to a halt while the rest of the freeway zooms by. The other day, someone actually waved thanks! I was tickled. My expectation for kindness on the road must be really low these days. But honestly, I love when people wave thanks, it’s rare.
You know, I have been trying to think of it, but cannot come up with something. Perhaps I was not grateful! It is a prompt for me to be more present to the small (and large) kindnesses of people that happen everyday.
My 82 yr old sister had to go to the ER yesterday. She was there alone. I felt awful that I was not there with her, but I’m 3 hours away and I know how an ER can be. But she reported that the staff was so kind, helpful and friendly. She was there over 6 hours and never felt alone.
I went into a local surf shop the other day to get a screw + plate set for one of my boards, and this teenager who was working was so kind, answering my questions about local surf spots, telling me some places to check out. He was so welcoming and willing to chat about waves with my 53-year-old self! I really appreciate when young people don’t treat older people like we’re “old.” It is easier, I believe, when you share a passion for something like surfing 🙂
I’m the stoic archetype. Once a week or two ago when going out walking at the mall with my parents, there was a man name Mike who approached me. A lot of familiar people at the mall walk. He came up and talked to me. He told me about his visit to Chicago last summer. It was nice having that. My energy attracts people from my parents’s age.
Now, that I’m beyond business ventures, Paw Mu’s collective system comes easier. My ego hates it, but it’s good for me. A couple advice from her that jumps out are to not go alone and stay closer to older people than people within my age bracket and younger based on this mall walk reflection, 2 things that jump out for my peers: work and netflix.
Good morning from Simi Valley, CA. A young child, about three or four, from Poland that was holding a toy dog in a yellow cloth bag at the hotel breakfast nook yesterday morning in Kingman. She engaged in a hand gesture communication after I asked about her cute dog. My wife recognized the character that the stuffed dog portrayed and that lit up the little girl’s eyes. Her and my lovely wife Cheryl spoke the same language. It was obvious she did not speak English. After a brief conversation with her father we found out they were from Poland on holiday in the American west, a road trip. The kindness of both the daughter and the father to engage with us, was a kindness all parties felt.
Peace, Love & Light
Last night. We were locked out of the back entrance of the hotel. Someone was having a little party and they invited us to cut through their rooms so we didn’t have to walk about 100 yards to the front. They were funny and kind. I was with the whole family and we marched like a line of geese through the rooms.
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The other night at the movie the woman next to me was very kind. She knew I was alone and wanted to make sure I parked near the mall door and said if I felt uncomfortable going into the garage alone I should find a security guard to escort me to my car. She said she did that one time. I was fine but it was kind of her to offer that information. The mall closed earlier then the movie.
When the burdens of the world weigh down on me
I am often reminded
that there is still much kindness around me.
One time
that has always stayed with me
was on a very cold,
winter’s day
when I drove to town for an appointment
and I parked on the street
in front of the building I needed to go to.
It had snowed 5 or 6 inches in the night,
but the parking spot was covered,
but packed down.
I don’t remember why I didn’t wear boots that day,
or a scarf or gloves,
so suffice to say
I was not dressed
for an extended period of time
wandering around in the snow.
After my appointment
I came out
and found my car buried in snow,
as the plow had been by
and covered my car with tightly packed snow
from the blades scraping it off the street.
There was no shovel in my car,
and only a lightweight, plastic brush for the windshield,
but I had to do something.
I tried to pull the snow off with my hands,
which soon lost feeling,
which soon spread to my feet . . .
More than a few men
walked by me
without so much as a glance
as I started work.
My chest and skirt
were covered in snow
from my attempts to free the car
and I was close to tears,
when two ladies
came across the street from a coffee shop,
snow shovels in hand.
Laughing
and talking to each other,
it seemed to take no time
for them to dig the snow out
so that I could drive out of the parking spot.
Before I could say anything,
they saluted me,
grabbed their shovels,
and went back to their table in the cafe.
Those women
might not remember that kindness,
but their kindness has stayed with me
all these years,
and has made me aware
that there are always opportunities
for me to pay it forward. ♥
a beautiful random acts of kindness story – thank you for sharing. and I’m sure those men who did nothing will get their karma – universe knows.
🙂
I love that the women saluted you when they were finished! What a lovely story. A good reminder to look for the helpers and not focus on the ones who just pass people by.
A vivid depiction, Sparrow, and a special memory – thanks for sharing.
🙏
My husband and I were just starting a multi-day bike ride in Japan. We started early as it was very hot weather. In the town we started, we became lost and confused. A Japanese man with a motor scooter tried to help. Language was a barrier. We kept going. An hour later, in the hot sun, the man found us elsewhere, still lost, but even hotter and more stressed. He indicated for us to follow him on his scooter. He scootered at our slow bike pace for maybe 20 minutes to lead us to the actual start of our ride, stopping once to – it turned out – buy us ice-cold bottled water from a vending machine. We wished we could thank him more. His generosity turned a stressful day into a gift.
What a lovely story,
dear Misty! ♥
This morning by the Council on Aging driver who took me to the doctor’s clinic in KC, MO.He was a very kind man.
Actually Wednesday, when I went to the county corner office for my passport. I had an issue because I have an unique situation, but the lady made me feel very understood and safe to share it. We connected on a personal level, she walked me through every step in an almost motherly way, and even told me she would be working at the office I needed to get to the next day. She did not need to be so kind or helpful, but she was, and she did not even have to try, it was just her. It is so nice to see those people still exist <3.
Amen!
Last Sunday I was taking a walk on a drizzly day, down a country lane in rural Vermont . I was wearing a red rain poncho and flip flops since I had no rain boots. Not much traffic was passing on this muddy backcountry road.
To my surprise, a pickup stopped and the driver smiled and gently asked me if I was okay, and did I need a ride to somewhere?
I smiled and replied that I was just taking a rain walk so he drove on. Really thoughtful of him to ask me, a stranger if I was in need of help.
For all he knew, I could have been a raving lunatic!!
Willingness.
I’m not sure this was the last time I was moved by the kindness of a stranger (btw, there are no strangers 😁) but it moved me and stuck in my head.
I was doing my Saturday chauffeur gig, driving a Sprinter van, shuttling people up to a hilltop vinyard wedding, from their cars parked down below. Beautiful evening, perfectly nice people, easy gig.
Mostly wealthy people. Everyone dressed up.
The one guy in the crowd who kinda stood out, was a very old (older than me, anyway) Latino guy, dressed in his best compesino attire. Clean and shiny cowboy boots, perfectly pressed blue jeans, crisp fancy shirt, bright cowboy hat, the whole nine yards. He had deep creases from working outside and his hands looked rough and calloused. Definitely the only guy all evening who look like he worked with his hands. And he certainly stood out among the seemingly softer crowd. It was pretty late in the evening when I dropped him and his companion off at their car. As he got down out of the van, he immediately went for his wallet, and started to get some bills for a tip. He was the only guy all evening that even made a gesture. It was the only time (that I can remember) that I thanked a guest and declined the tip. It broke my heart. Many feelings came up.
Charlie, I have known many men and woman who work with the land. Most if not all have some of the kindest hearts I have witnessed. I believe dear Sparrow is right. 🌞
I’m not surprised,
dear Charlie . . .
those who have less
are usually the ones
who give more.
Blessing to both you
and the work-worn gentleman. ♥
Hi Charlie. So the poor guy tipped and all the rich people “forgot.”
A good story—thanks.
And I’m interested and curious. If you feel fine about saying more, what about this brought up feelings for you? Clearly you were touched at a deep level, I think?
No, I don’t mind, Maeve.
I think it’s the fact that this guy, who I’m assuming, worked so hard for his money, was willing to share. That’s all.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he “saw me”, as we are both working people.
This job is very interesting. I get to interact with a large swath of people.
From the ultra wealthy to regular working people. There’s a lot of waiting around and probably too much time to think about the human condition.
Recently my husband went in to hospital for minor surgery. From the moment he arrived, the nurses treated him with such kindness and positivity, keeping up a constant cheerful chatter and asking him about himself. It was beautiful to watch him cheer up because of them.
I hope your husband has a smooth healing process 🙏🏼
The freeway merge before my exit is a particularly rude and aggressive slice of road. I try to let people in front of me to merge, because our exit often grinds to a halt while the rest of the freeway zooms by. The other day, someone actually waved thanks! I was tickled. My expectation for kindness on the road must be really low these days. But honestly, I love when people wave thanks, it’s rare.
You know, I have been trying to think of it, but cannot come up with something. Perhaps I was not grateful! It is a prompt for me to be more present to the small (and large) kindnesses of people that happen everyday.
My 82 yr old sister had to go to the ER yesterday. She was there alone. I felt awful that I was not there with her, but I’m 3 hours away and I know how an ER can be. But she reported that the staff was so kind, helpful and friendly. She was there over 6 hours and never felt alone.
I hope she’s feeling better, Katrina.
I went into a local surf shop the other day to get a screw + plate set for one of my boards, and this teenager who was working was so kind, answering my questions about local surf spots, telling me some places to check out. He was so welcoming and willing to chat about waves with my 53-year-old self! I really appreciate when young people don’t treat older people like we’re “old.” It is easier, I believe, when you share a passion for something like surfing 🙂
♥
Aww, that’s really sweet!
I’m the stoic archetype. Once a week or two ago when going out walking at the mall with my parents, there was a man name Mike who approached me. A lot of familiar people at the mall walk. He came up and talked to me. He told me about his visit to Chicago last summer. It was nice having that. My energy attracts people from my parents’s age.
Now, that I’m beyond business ventures, Paw Mu’s collective system comes easier. My ego hates it, but it’s good for me. A couple advice from her that jumps out are to not go alone and stay closer to older people than people within my age bracket and younger based on this mall walk reflection, 2 things that jump out for my peers: work and netflix.
Good morning from Simi Valley, CA. A young child, about three or four, from Poland that was holding a toy dog in a yellow cloth bag at the hotel breakfast nook yesterday morning in Kingman. She engaged in a hand gesture communication after I asked about her cute dog. My wife recognized the character that the stuffed dog portrayed and that lit up the little girl’s eyes. Her and my lovely wife Cheryl spoke the same language. It was obvious she did not speak English. After a brief conversation with her father we found out they were from Poland on holiday in the American west, a road trip. The kindness of both the daughter and the father to engage with us, was a kindness all parties felt.
Peace, Love & Light
I’m sure the Polish family
went home
with stories of the kindness offered,
dear Joseph,
by you and your lovely wife Cheryl. 🙂
Last night. We were locked out of the back entrance of the hotel. Someone was having a little party and they invited us to cut through their rooms so we didn’t have to walk about 100 yards to the front. They were funny and kind. I was with the whole family and we marched like a line of geese through the rooms.
“…we marched like a line of geese through the rooms.”
I can just picture this,
dear Avril!. 🙂
lol, that line stood out to me too, nice visual.