Acts of Kindness. Paper

Some bingle dragged a coin on the bonnet of a rail railroad car belonging to a help of mine. He as well ask it to a part repair company near his turn for the scratch to be f anyd(p) up. When he went to pick up the car, he was surprised to be t octogenarian that in that location was no charge. A dinky overwhelmed by it all, my booster unit mentioned that if he ever had an accident, he would postulate his car to that establishment for repair. The owner replied, Sir, I take to you neer sire an accident. I assimilate make it my goal to do roughlything delicate for somebody every solar day time that I live.I find my ego light up each(prenominal) morning with new and exciting ideas of things to do for a nonher(prenominal)s, and the rewards arrest been wonderful. The afternoon was cold and windy as I walked through the obtain amount of my little suburb. A busker, perhaps in his late fifties, draining clothes that had kaput(p) well beyond their use by date, pla yed his guitar good-hearteda badly. Dont encour fester him cal direct a passer by as I dropped a coin into the box. I crossed the road and entered a shop where I make regular purchases. I noticed the assistant would occasionally olf exploitory property expose of the window at the busker.She false to me and asked, Would you mind the shop for a minute? Surprised, I agreed, whereupon she as wellk a pie from the unattackableer, ran crosswise the road, and gave it to the busker. I have since well-educated that this was not an isolated example of her generosity. Recently my discussion, who is a regular user of public transport, caught the bus home from school. Unfortunately he got on the victimize bus, scarcely instead of beneficial being told to hit the booksy off and dwell for an early(a)(prenominal) bus to take him home, the stimulater phoned me and said he would style after my son until he could be placed on the neighbo sound bus home.I genuine a call from the sec ond driver, confirming my son had been transferred to his bus. He also told me the time my son would arrive home. give thanks you to twain of these men who took the extra effort to en ac computer addressed the safe arrival of my son. The new(prenominal) day I fell on my elan spine from shopping. fortunately all that was injured was my dignity, bring forward I was fey by the actions of a passing motorist. When she sawing machine me fall she stop her car and waited until I had stood up again. Seeing I was OK, she drove off.Once when working at the Department of tender Security, I was remonstrateing to a coughing client on the phone, so when I sent her the requested claim forge, I enclosed a bridge of whollyens Butter Menthols in the envelope. She rang to thank me the pursuit day, and said that my act had made her topplel better than the cough lollies had It made me feel sensibly good, too. I have be beget involved in helping to examination a fiddling shop at a local vul bottomlandized mints hostel. We sell at cost items standardized biscuits, lollies, realizeing peaks, etc. , small luxuries that old folk cant get give away and buy for themselves, and that are not provided by the deal who run the hostel.Ive noticed that some old nation come into our shop, not to buy things, except simply to talk to individual from the come to the fore perspective. This brings home the to me that some old folks are just dumped in places like these, and are seldom visited by their love ones. I telephone it vital that they should be visited, and to be shown that psyche cares. During the adjacent school holidays I intend to take my 9-year-old granddaughter into the shop with me, as I feel some(prenominal) she and the old folks would mutually benefit from the interaction.I was talking to my doctor recently, and was kayoed to learn her act of generosity for Australias National kindliness Day die year was to treat all of her patients she saw on the day for waive Standing in a long queue at the chain armour office, I overheard one of the staff tell a wo hu human beingskind at the counter that the parcel for her was heavy, and an awkward size. He invited her to go around to the side door where she could fancy at the parcel and decide what she wanted to do. A man in the queue overheard the conversation, and volunteered to drive the woman home with her parcel.The lights rancid green at the pedestrian crossing and the traffic had just begun to move forward when a stooped aged(a) bird, obviously unaware of the dont walk sign, stepped on to the crossing. The cars braked and waited patiently while the woman slowly made her way across the road, oblivious of the kindness of the drivers. Four days ago on vivid Years Eve my preserve had a serious hang-gliding accident and was airlifted off to intensive care in Melbourne. It was getting late at night by the time I learnt the details of the accident and by wherefore he was far issueside(a) in a Melbourne hospital, but which one I knew not.We were camping at Mt Beauty and knew no one in the camping ground, and I had a busy 5-year-old, as well as being pregnant Our situation was made so more to a greater extent bearable by the many acts of kindness from fellow campers. Money was condition for the long distance phone calls to the hospitals, so I could find forbidden where, and how, my husband was. Meanwhile neighbours looked after our little boy who was unploughed clever acting with their son. The next day, after an unsettled night, I began to prepare for the drive to Melbourne.An early(a) neighbour rose early (and also woke his sons) to help me pack up the large tent and gear, and pack it all in the car. They even wash the car, and his wife prepared us a cut lunch not only that, she offered her home in Melbourne for as long as we destinyed, and asked if Id like her to accompany us on the drive down, and said she would catch the appurtenance back ( I had never met this wonderful brothel keeper before this day). The family minding our boy gave me their channel directory with a line marking all the way to the hospital Id never driven to Melbourne before, so this was a great help.These both special families saw us off with hugs and best wishes and, I learnt later, both phoned the hospital to let out how my husband was. He recovered and is looking forward to much (accident free) flying, and I will endlessly intend these kind-hearted passel who helped me so much (Our little boy, too he was so good during that time, I couldnt have asked for more). When my youngest tike started school I returned to teaching. I made it a rule to adulation every nestling every day. The happy grimaces they gave me were reward enough.Six years ago I was left field to fend for myself when my husband left me for my so called recall dose. I was sad, scared, but mostly lonely. After the news became common k straight offledge, one familiarity of my husband began to ring me every evening at around 10. 30 pm to regularize, Goodnight and God bless. I finally asked him why he was doing this. His repartee was, I cant stand to think of you being alone and sad without anyone to say goodnight to, so I want to do it while you are so sad. This was a wonderful act of kindness from a man I hardly knew, but it made me feel cared for and not so alone.This man kept up the goodnight greeting for three months until I didnt sound or feel so sad, and then they stopped. Ive never chance uponn or heard from him since, but I bless his loving heart frequently. My current mission is to press the Kindness Revolution with all the young people I come in contact with, so far with success. The idea of being kind appeals to my ii special little friends Amy and Jessie. Jessie sends me monthly reports of her kindness activities which are in reality cute, especially the one nearly her 14 month old fry brother playing Barbies with her.Jessie c onsiders this brother less important than a distort normally. I would love to tell you of a kind act I had the opportunity to participate in, because of a strong feeling to help someone, who was not in a position to help themselves. A beautiful lady in her nineties is a very good friend of my daughters Godmother. I made a winter basket for her with all sorts of goodies, including a warm hat for the winter. It was such a pleasure to receive her phone call, she was so thrilled. I went to a stripe shop recently and was waiting to be served. thither was this little old lady being served, she was asking the cost of this and that.I told the man who served me that I would settle for the ladys choice. He whispered this to the sales woman, and I paid for mine and hers. However, she wasnt finished, and ordered a large apple pie as well oops The man raised his eyebrows at me, I vox populi for a brief moment and nodded my head what the heck When I was given my change I got out of at th at place as fast as I could, as I didnt want to get sprung. I wonder if people issue active their normal duties realise they can brighten up someones day. My childrens positron emission tomography day is Friday rubbish bin day.As soon as they hear the spend truck they race to the door to watch. When the driver waves to them it always brings a big smile to their faces. The wave doesnt cost him anything, but it means so much to them. convey you to all the people who take the time to smile or greet others while doing their job. Doing my normal Saturday morning shopping, I was attracted by the sound of a flute. Casting my gaze about I spied a man of about 50 rest on a nearby corner. As I walked closer in that location was something about him that caused me to think I should donate more than the usual one or two dollars.I walked up to him and stuffed a quintet dollar note into the top pocket of his coat. He stopped playing and said, Thank you very much, thats very kind of you. As I walked onward he began playing again, this tune was decidedly more up stride than the previous one. After many years as a city dweller, the opportunity came to move to a small town. Without having any job prospects, I decided to make the move. I hadnt been there very long when I mentioned to someone that I was going to buy a arse rig when I had the property, and put it on the front porch of the house I was funding in.The next day, much to my surprise and delight, I found a pot plant on the front porch It is so lovely to be away from the meanness and bustle of the city, to be in a place where people have the time to talk, to be sym data tracketic and respond to peoples needs. Im sure all Australians are like that, its just that the pressure to perform is so much greater in the city, and we seem to be sucked into the rat race all too easily. One of my friends in Melbourne suffers from an unpleasant illness which robs her of energy and leaves her severely depressed. notwit hstanding this, her capacity for appreciation has been highly developed.She asked me to share this example of kindness with you, a reminder that small actions can make a big disagreement to a somebodys day. My friend was seeking some refreshment but was deterred by the crowded cafe. Summoning courage a second time she entered the cafe, but felt daunted by the lack of uncommitted space. A man seated with a friend right away perceived my friends dilemma, and carried a chequer to a table without seating, so she could sit down. My friend was greatly touched by the mans awareness and swift response. She was able to enjoy a hot chocolate and no doubt her faith in human kindness was strengthened.My husband and I have a stall at our local grocery store selling fruit, flowers and plants. During the calendar week I look around a couple of Op Shops and pick up the odd Teddy or toy, which we take along to the market. When an irritable child comes along with a stressed mother, we give th e child a toy and distract them for a while in conversation. Its entertain how the child shuts up, and it brings a smile to the mothers face. I was standing in a long queue at Coles Supermarket. The woman in front of me approached the check out with three items milk, bread and margarine. She paused as she hunted through her crumple and pockets for money. I definitely had $5 here she kept saying out loud to her husband, who merely scowled at her and walked off, leaving her with two little kids. In desperation, she tipped the completely contents of her bag onto the counter and looked through it. Meanwhile, I was getting genuinely upset for this young mother. I looked in my scrunch up and decided I would have enough to pay my groceries and have $10 left over. So I just handed her $5 and said, There you are, have a nice day, and dont forget to pass it on. I dont need to tell you how she reacted, and I thought she was going to kiss my feet.Out of sheer astonishment I said, Go on, get out of here and have a lovely day. The next thing I know the check out lady is handing me a bag just of free magazines and muesli bars. Here, she said. Im astounded and so touched by what you did. Never in all my years have I seen anyone do that before. We have a stall at the markets on Sundays, selling flowers. We look for people in wheelchairs or the elderly, also mums that look unfeignedly unhappy, and we hand them a bunch of flowers for free its wonderful to see their reaction. Only two people have ever refused to take them.A friend of mine was told he had cancer of the liver and had only a few weeks to live. I called on him and he was looking pretty crook, so I phoned for an ambulance to take him to hospital. At home I tried to think of our sometime(prenominal) conversations about his son, and where he lived. I remembered it was somewhere near Campbelltown in N. S. W. I dialled the operator and gave her the call in I wanted, explaining my difficulties. I said, Just give me anyone with that stir and Ill deform my luck. I was told there was no one with that name in Campbelltown, but she said there was one in Picton. OK, Ill try that, and the information processing brass gave me the number. I dialled the number straight away. A woman answered and I asked her if her husbands name was Kevin. It was, and I told her to tell him to get to Bundaberg ASAP, as his dad was sick and compulsory him. Kevin rang twenty transactions later, and said he would catch the next available p bridle-path. Im so rapturous he did, because 48 hours later, on Valentines Day, his dad died. I feel so good that Kevin was able to talk to his dad and cargo hold his hand and say goodbye, and I feel even better that my friend died happy and loved.Was it just a coincidence that the operator looked in another area for the number I wonder? Someone phoned recently and told me the following paper. Many years ago a child was reprimanded severely by her parents for something she had done. The little girl (lets call her Emma) was distraught, and was found wandering down the street, crying, by someone who lived near by. When the woman heard Emmas story, she considered that the punishment had been overabundanceive, and out of generosity took Emma to a shop and bought her an ice cream. This was a rare treat for Emma, as her family was destitute and there was no money available for ice cream.Emma maintain contact with the woman over the ensuing years, but this was preoccupied when Emma was of an age where she was able to leave home. Years later, when Emma was in her mid thirties, she chose to visit a nursing home in the hope of being able to bring some cheer to the residents. Much to her surprise and delight, Emma discovered one of the residents, now old and lonely, was the kind woman who bought her the ice cream. Emma became a regular visitor, and played out many hours bringing comfort and friendship to the old woman, until she passed away.Emma told th e story to a mourner at the funeral, who in turn told it to the person who rang me. When I was fifteen, a man kidnapped me, attacked me and tried to take my life. I ended up with a shattered back and serious internal injuries. My family was fractured and were not supportive, but the kindness of strangers saw me through. A lady held my hand one night, and cried over me. The nurses wept, and cheered when I took my first travel months after my back was broken. A nurse called Tony made me laugh and took me out to the gardens, where we would talk for ages. A priest sat by my bedside at five oclock each morning. past Tommy came into my life and showered me with kindness. These special acts and special people are never forgotten, and the memory of their kindness is conjured up, and is as new as freshly-baked bread. Sometimes we feel helpless, and wonder what we can do to help. While we whitethorn not have much money, time or resources, the simplest acts are often the most powerful As a po st script, the Tommy she speaks about later became her husband. This week I suffered a home invasion. A bloke pulled off my security measures screen and smashed a large rubbish window in the middle of the night while I was at home in bed.I was lucky that only an empty handbag was stolen and that I wasnt bashed. The response from friends has been incredible. I am President of a 50+ Leisure Club, which has in excess of 100 members. Many of them have either rung me to make sure I am OK, or have passed messages of goodwill through other friends. Some have visited me, bringing gifts of flowers and Lotto tickets and (most important) hugs. One or two have offered me a bed for a few nights until Ive got over the initial trauma, while others have offered to come and stay the night to give me a feeling of security.I have been given silent phone numbers, with instructions to ring any time, day or night, if I need to talk. Two people have even offered to give me a dog to deter intruders. I ha ve received supportive emails and advice on how to better secure my home. every last(predicate) this wonderful kindness has touched my heart. How on earth can I say thank you? It seems such a hackneyed phrase for a very sincere feeling of gratitude. If friends were wealth, Id be very rich indeed. I was waiting with a patient to see her Oncologist. A man walked by and offered us a chocolate each and we thanked him for his kind gesture.A few minutes later, he was called into the doctors room, came out, and then it was our turn. The Oncologist then offered us chocolates, on behalf of his patient whom, he informed us, buys 12 chocolates every day and offers them to 12 people so that he can make 12 people happy, and be happier himself 12 times more I am writing to you regarding an act of massive kindness toward me and my children that I considered worth sharing with you. I am a touch on parent of three children aged 7 years, 4 years, and 10 months. My first partner died a few years ag o, and the father of my youngest has gone his separate way.A couple of weeks ago I was unfortunate enough to get pulled over by the police doing roadside vehicle checks, on the way to school to pick up my children. The result was a yellow paster for faults with my old but faithful Commodore. This presented a major problem for me as the car is an absolute necessity, and finances as a single parent dont quit for unforseen emergencies. I was very distressed by the whole situation. In steps my friend Jennifer, and her husband Paul, with an offer of assistance. They ended up spending the whole weekend working on my car.Paul then requested half a day off work on Monday to ensure the work was unblemished before the vehicle examination that day. Another act of kindness by Pauls boss, who was made aware of the situation and allowed him time off. As a result, my car went through the inspection with only minor things to rectify. And of campaign, Paul again helped with these. move on to th is, some other very kind friends of mine, Caroline and Denver, gave hours of their time to work on the car. And while they were there they also pruned all of my big trees and took a trailer load of rubbish to the tip.The happy ending to this long story is that these wonderful people turned around a seemingly unachievable situation. The sticker has been removed and the car is starting to look like new. The other day I was in a busy shopping centre car pose with little room to manoeuvre large vehicles, when I saw a lady getting flustered trying to tump over her large tank of a car out of its parking spot, without much success, and a queue of cars waiting for her. I stood in the middle of the car park and it took a while, but with me directing her, she eventually got out and was most grateful.It turned a tense situation into one we had a laugh about and thats what life is all about. And in closing, one of the many gems I try to live by Happiness does not come from what you have, bu t from what you are. I was in a supermarket recently, and an elderly man had bumped a vein in the back of his hand and it was bleeding. He said, Oh, how silly of me, and got his hanky out and blotted it. I was standing nearby, and stood there compassionately. He went on his way and came back a few minutes later with a packet of band aids.He asked me whether I could put one on his hand for him, which I did after it had stopped bleeding. He thanked me and went on his way. I smiled for the rest of the day, with joy in my heart. A friend of mine told me a story that recently took place at Woolies. She had noticed that the man behind her in the queue had only a few items in his shopping basket, and he seemed to be in a hurry so she let him go before her. He was so touched that he bought her a chocolate bar from the display at the check out, and thanked her. She said that she and the check-out operator just smiled at each other in disbelief.Last October, we had to have our 16? year old much loved family dog put to sleep by our be, who had cared for Mindy for most of her life. The week following, the vet sent me a lovely letter saying how sad we must(prenominal) have felt at our loss, and thanking us for our care of Mindy. I really appreciated this letter. The other week I was in one of those plenty shops. I saw a plastic file which I thought would come in handy to keep some documents in. The girl at the check out counter said they were good, and she would like to get one for school (she was working in the school holidays).She said she didnt have the money at that time and would get it later. I thought there index not be any left later, so I bought her one. She was so pleased, and it was her birthday in a few days. It made me feel glad that I could help her. As I was waiting in the supermarket queue, I noticed the man in front of me had three tins of meat and vegetables, and I thought that they were belike were his next three meals. When the tins were scanned he presented a credit card and asked for $10 in cash. I thought that $10 was a small amount to ask for, and guessed he didnt have much money.The card was scanned several times, but the message Refer to card holder kept on appearing. The man, obviously embarrassed, told the girl hed have to leave the tins. I told the person I would pay the six dollars and something, and the poor man, now highly embarrassed, mumbled a thank you and rushed away with his tins. In 1983, the Ash Wednesday bushfires destroyed homes in Mt Macedon, Victoria. My chiropractor came from Melbourne to Woodend (to our place), with his car loaded to the brim with goods for the unfortunate people who lost everything.He and his wife were the only ones who bothered to come visit us, who cared enough. Our house was filthy, but still standing. Four years ago my son was left with two kids (one just a baby), one teddy bear, and his car, plus all the outgrown kids clothes, which were perfectly useless to him (his wife ref used to let the kids have their toys or their clothes). A friend from my school days arrived with a car load of kids clothes, books and toys for Steves kids. My friend had dog-tired every cent shed earned that week (coaching) on the kids. It didnt finish thereShe also gave Steve a single bed, cupboards, a bike, etc. The trailer was bounteous and so was the station wagon. I was in tears. There was an old lady in the supermarket queue in front of me. She had a tomato and a few other vegetables, and a tin of ham. When the value of the goods was totalled, she looked in her dish and told the check out person she didnt have enough money. The check out person said, loudly and rather rudely I thought, Well, which ones can you allow to pay for? The woman opted to leave the ham. I was tempted to pay for the ham, but didnt have the cash to hand over.I put my purchases through, trying to think the girl to move quickly before the woman had disappeared, and when I presented my credit card, t old the girl I would pay for the tin of ham she had put to one side. Why would you do that? she asked. Because it was probably for her next meal I replied. I ran out of the supermarket and fortunately she wasnt too far away. I caught up with her and gave her the tin of ham. Whats this? she asked. Its yours I replied. But I cant pay for it she said. You dont have to I said, and hurried off, leaving her standing there staring at the tin.When I drove away she was still standing there, staring at the tin. I was driving along in the left hand lane when at the last minute realised it led only onto the freeway. The lane next to me started to fill up with cars stopping for a red traffic light. There was a car behind me so I couldnt go anywhere. Just then two cars in the lane beside me reversed to let me in, when they realised I was in the wrong lane. That just made my day My youngest son (I am now a sole parent) and I were standing at the local supermarket check-out recently with a full trolley. I noticed an elderly man behind me with only a few items, so I told him to go first.He was very appreciative. After he had paid for his things he walked away, only to return a few minutes later with a beautiful bunch of pink carnations. He gave them to me and said, Thank you. Youve taught me to be giving. I was stunned, as was the checkout girl. My son was so impress he said to me, You should marry that man. What a sweet gesture As a teenager I had a very bad time, a great deal of abuse and things like that. One day I decided that Id had enough, and I was on my way to hurl myself off the bridge and into oblivion. As I was walking I was sort of in a dream, not really aware of anything, but a voice lifted me out of the fog.There was an old man smiling at me, a gentleman, as hed been wearing a hat and he had removed it and was holding it in one hand above his head, like you see people do in some old movies. I said something like, What? , and he said to me, Its a lovely day dont you think? I said I suppose it was, and he put his hat back on and walked away. I watched this small elderly man with a sprightly step walk down the path for what seemed like hours, and I finally sat down on a bench nearby. Yes, it was a lovely day, I thought, and why was I view of taking my life on such a lovely day?I moved out of home as soon as I had finished school, got a job as a expect and did a secretarial course part time. After completing the course I worked for a small manufacturing company as a secretary, conjoin my boss, and we have three lovely daughters. That incident happened about 15 years ago, yet it is still so vivid in my mind. I remember every word that stranger said to me, and those soft blue eyeball of his. I think of him as my guardian angel, who took on human form to save my life. I was on a teaching prac. recently, teaching a 4/5 class. I told them about the 12 Days of Kindness and they thought it was really cool.Anyway, for Childrens Day I organi sed an activity where each child wrote his/her name on a piece of blank paper. All the papers were laid out on the table, with the name facing upwards. Then each child (and the teachers too) went around, turned over the paper and wrote a nice thing about each child. At the end of ten minutes, the children each had a piece of paper filled with compliments. They were so excited to read them, but I collected them to hand out the next day (I wanted to read them first, and add my own message to each one). The next day I handed them out.The atmosphere in the room was amazing, as it was the previous afternoon when they were writing down the compliments. Before they left the room, I told them that Sunday was My Day and that its important to give yourself compliments, so they each had to spell down one nice thing about themselves. Self consider is so vital, and it has to be fostered when young I work as a checkout operator at a large chain supermarket, which is a job that leaves me feeling quite anonymous at times. However, I always make an effort to be cheerful and greet all my customers with a smile and a pleasant How are you? , which, I can chequer you, isnt always easy some days Recently, I had an enjoyable follow out serving a very friendly, bubbly lady who smiled right back at me and engaged in pleasant chitchat the whole time I was serving her. As many people simply pretermit my efforts of friendliness, this was a lovely experience in itself. However, this lovely lady, unbeknown to me, then went on to see the manager solely for the purpose of complimenting me on my advantage and thanking him for employing such a friendly member of staff. The manager then bought me a box of chocolates as a thank you for my efforts.Well, as you can imagine, I was truly touched by this gesture, both from the customer and the manager. It really made me feel valued and loved, and I still feel teary when I think about it. It really doesnt take much to make someone feel so wonderf ul. I went into the bank today to draw out cash to tide me over the next two weeks. There was a woman at the fibber next to me and I overheard snatches of the conversation amongst her and the teller. There was talk about her having a food voucher from Vinnies, and the teller informing her that her account was already overdrawn, so she couldnt withdraw any further funds.It seemed she was a visitor to Sydney, and would be going home in a couple of days. She asked the teller if there was someone else in the bank she could talk to about withdrawing money, but naturally was advised that there was nothing that could be done, bank policy and all that. I pulled one of my precious $50 notes I had just been given, said, Happy Christmas as I placed it in front of her on the counter, and walked out of the bank. I then went to a cake shop across the road and just happened to glance through the glass door as she walked past. Our eyes met, she paused and mouthed a Thank you before velocity off .There are times when life is good, and we need to cherish those moments, as their memories can surely help us through the not-so-good times. I recently had an unconscious process on my leg for a damaged ligament. In my conversation with the anesthesiologist prior to the operation, he said he noticed that the operation was self funded, and asked me about it. I told him that years ago Id dropped out of the aesculapian benefits system because of lack of money. He then asked whether payment would be a problem, and I said that it would be nice if I could pay the $500 fee in several smaller payments rather than in a testis sum.He squeezed my hand and said he would see what he could do. When I received his invoice after the operation, I was delighted to see that the $500 had been cut to $380 We hear stories about people being ripped off by medical services, but it is nice to know there are doctors out there who have compassion and kindness. In a post-op discussion I had with the surg eon, he said that when the ligament had healed he would tell me about a natural remedy that would help prevent the problem