Do you recall those moments when someone, possibly a stranger, paid you a compliment or helped you in some way? Do you remember when you helped someone in need, or gave a true compliment to a stranger?
Simple, human, kindness.
I recall the pouring rain when I was leaving the library and, of course, my umbrella was in the car. A man came under the portico, his black umbrella completely drenched. He knew immediately that I was waiting for the rain to diminish and offered me his umbrella. I asked him how I would find him to return it and he said “Keep it.” Another woman waiting just as was I, turned to me and we both were quite surprised. I walked her to her car under that black umbrella. Later I donated the umbrella to a resale shop to help families.
Simple, extraordinary, kindness.
Attending a nighttime family gathering in Peoria, I was leaving a bit early because I knew I would have a long drive home in the dark, in the rain, alone. My cousin Nancy’s husband, Larry, of 53 years was waiting for me at the front doors of the restaurant. He said simply “I will walk you to your car.” I really was quite thunderstruck at his mannerly deportment. Not something I have experienced in a long time. A gentleman. Making sure I got to my car safely. I shall not forget that moment. Ever.
Consideration for others.
It was an ordinary Saturday when I saw a car stopped on the side of the road. I parked my car and approached. It was a woman with children in the back seat. I told her I could take her to the Sears garage area which was just a few blocks away. She said how surprised she was that I had stopped to help her because she lived in Chicago and that assistance would not have happened there. It was daylight with many cars and individuals moving about so I felt nothing was untoward with the situation. I was glad that I could help her.
Our brothers and sisters are here, too.
I was a regular reader to the first graders at Nicholson School in Montgmery, a part of the West Aurora School District 129. When I was handing out my cookies as treats, the teacher, Veronica, said that a certain little boy would eat his treat as soon as I gave it to him because he was always hungry. She later told me where the motel was where the family was living. Five children and parents in a one-room motel room without kitchen. I took them food from the food pantries for about a year before they vanished. No one could tell me where the family had gone. Then I was given to understand that three of the children had been adopted. I could not stand the thought of all those children under the age of six were hungry. I took a photo of the children clutching a box of cereal, a loaf of bread, some juice, and when I look at it, I still smile.
Whatsoever we do for the least of our breathern, that we do unto Thee.
When I see a smartly-dressed elderly woman, I try to compliment her. There is always a huge smile of gratitude and I then wonder how long it had been since anyone had paid her a compliment on her looks. Whatever the age, humans like to be told they look nice.
Kind human interaction.
I was in line at JoAnn Fabric to buy canning jars when the woman behind me saw them and said she didn’t know what to do with all the canning jars she wasn’t going to use. I said that she could give them to me because I would use them. We both laughed. I asked her where she lived and she said off Eola Roadand I said we could meet at the library where she could give me her unwanted jars. Do you know how expensive those jars are? It was an unselfish gesture that I have remembered.
On this page I give you a bouquet of violets to share with others. By your words. By your deeds. By your kindnesses.