I saw a tweet about random acts of kindness that either changed people's circumstances, or changed them personally. With everything that's happened this year, and who knows what other trials will come our way, it's good to see, remember, and do random (or planned) acts of kindness. I have been the recipient of such unexpected kindness in dark times.
Photo by ATC Comm Photo from Pexels
When I was 21, my boyfriend and I went out for pizza, planning to meet up with his brother, sister, and their companions. Walking into the bar, I was accosted by a nasty drunk. I asked him to leave me alone, and after an exchange of angry words, I walked away, but he picked up his beer bottle, hitting me from behind, and fractured my skull. Just like in the movies, all hell broke loose- a bar fight. Being unconscious on the floor, some guardian angel dragged me out of the chaos over to a corner. I never did find out who pulled me to safety. All these years later, I still wish I could have thanked that person.
Another unexpected kindness happened when a giant bag of peanuts on my counter tipped over- turning on the toaster oven. On top was a huge bowl of Halloween candy, which caught fire. I came in the back door, instantly choking on the smoke. The local police and firefighters took care of everything, but the smoke damage was so bad we couldn't stay there. My husband was away on business, I was home with two small children, with my mom visiting. Being frazzled and rattled over the whole incident, we went to Wendy's for dinner. After I ordered, I realized I didn't have my purse- or wallet to pay for the food. My kids were hungry and tired. On the verge of a breakdown, I asked the manager who waited on me to put the meal aside, I would go home for my wallet. The kind manager told me not to worry about it. With tears running down a smoky face, I thanked him. I wish now that I had written to the company to commend this man for his kindness.
The most recent kindness was in May, when I fell off my bike. A family, sitting outside on their deck, saw me fall, and came running to help. In the middle of a pandemic, they didn't hesitate to come to my aid. With a head wound, which bled profusely, and a broken arm, I was a mess. They brought a chair for me to sit on, paper towels for my head, and then called my husband for me. This time, when I felt better, I left a pretty plant with a Thank You note on their doorstep.
There is too much vitriol- either over politics, wearing masks, racial injustice, going back to school, and so many other subjects. I hear people talking about how they don't want to engage on social media, or even go certain places because of violence, verbal assault, and plain rudeness. Just looking on social media, anyone can see this is true.
I don't think anything I say, like 'Be kind' will make much, if any, difference. But how about we all do one random or planned act of kindness. Donate to a food bank. Buy a homeless person a meal. Walk away from someone who wants to engage in arguments. Arrange a socially distant get together. Do something positive. It won't change the world, but for one person, the world might be a better place. Kindness shouldn't be random.
Love multiplies when we divide it.
Char
