We may never know how our acts of kindness impact others. There were acts of kindness I received over the years that served as stepping stones for my very survival. In recent years, I’ve contacted and thanked those I could find. A few were in my life for years, others only moments. Just a few minutes of kindness from one stranger many years ago managed to make a permanent impression on me.
Immediate confusion hit me when I woke up. My five-year old brain was having trouble remembering the strange room. The view out the tiny porthole revealed ‘big water’ outside. There wasn’t anyone else in the room with me and I could feel my stomach rising to my throat.
Slowly, I remembered boarding the ferry with my parents on our way to Juneau to visit their friends. As I climbed down the bunk ladder, I wondered what to do. Because of previous incidents with mom and dad, it occurred to me they might have left me for real this time. I felt tiny, alone and frightened.
It was a distressing dilemma. If my parents hadn’t really left me for good, I’d get in big trouble for leaving the room. But, if they were really gone, what would happen to me? The fear of getting in trouble was agonizing, but the fear of being alone prevailed.
I hesitated a moment before opening the door to look outside. A hallway led to a man sitting behind a desk. Relief flooded me; at least I wasn’t entirely alone on this boat.
It occurred to me I shouldn’t say too much to him. Just in case mom and dad were still around, I’d better not get them in trouble. I remember thinking of a solution to my quandary and feeling quite clever. I put my shoes on with the laces purposely left untied. When I got to his desk, I asked for help tying them. In my child’s mind, this was the perfect plan to garner the attention I needed without exposing my situation.
He nicely obliged tying my shoes while making conversation with me. I don’t remember what we talked about, but I do remember feeling safe and cared for. This was a novelty for me. I actually felt like I mattered to someone. All too soon, though, he had to call someone to find my parents. They were, of course, in the bar.
While it may have been the end of a happy moment, it was the beginning of a lifetime appreciation for kindness. Such a seemingly small act laid a foundation for me. I remain grateful for the example he set and try my best to pay it forward.
How about you? What acts of kindness have you given or received? I’d love to hear your story.
Nov 23, 2013 @ 18:00:53
You remember feeling safe and cared for. GOD, that is so essential. This is a lovely moment, Denise. Really wish he could read it!
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Nov 24, 2013 @ 07:05:59
Wouldn’t that be amazing if he read it and recognized himself?
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Aug 07, 2012 @ 09:52:45
All through my young married life, my Grandma Millie (who lived on the East Coast) would send me hand written letters always accompanied by a small stack of coupons and a $20 bill hidden in the middle of that stack. Her sweet messages & loving support touched my heart and instilled a strong desire in me to want to “pass it forward” and keep her acts of kindness alive and well.
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Jul 02, 2012 @ 22:16:11
Esther, what a beautiful and touching story. Your life was truly touched by angels. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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Jul 02, 2012 @ 19:37:54
I had finished college but family emergencies and extreme financial distress had kept me from finishing the clinical internships I needed to be able to take my board exams. It appeared that all my hard work would be for nothing and I was distraught. Almost hopeless.
Then twice, several weeks apart, I received a $10 bill in a plain envelope with a typewritten address and a postmark of a town where I knew no one. Even in 1970, $10 was no great sum. But it did pay my water bill before they turned it off and paid for a few groceries. More importantly, it meant someone cared.
Many people did me many kindnesses back then, some probably saved my life. But when I think of random acts of kindness, I always think of those ten dollar bills.
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Jun 27, 2012 @ 17:46:07
Hi Denise,
It’s true…we never know how one simple gesture might impact the life of another person. It’s a good reason to put our best self out there all the time.
By the way, I love the subtitle of your blog: “From surviving to thriving”!
Linda
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Jun 28, 2012 @ 12:09:32
Linda, thanks for your perspective and encouragement!
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Jun 27, 2012 @ 13:48:49
Recently my duaghter and I have been having challenging days at work. She started a nanny job recently. One day the child yelled at her and called her an idiot. This hurt my daughter’s feeling deeply. So I wrote her a note and suggested she invision a force field around her the words just bounce off. If that did not work she could invision she was on the streeet and she was walking buy a window- the child could yell hurtful things out of the window. All she had to do is look higher on the building and Insane Asylum was on the building.
Since then, we have been writing each other encouraging notes. I told her I did not feel like I have been a good mom. I went to a workshop they suggested writing down 100 reasons why you are a good parent. She left me a note yesterday and she said I need to give myself a break I am a good mom- she turned out great! That made me feel good. Even if I do not feel I have been a great mom( I have made so many mistakes), she still thinks I am.
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Jun 28, 2012 @ 12:06:00
Lynn, I love how your encouragement to each other is paying off so quickly!
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