“Story telling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” – Robert McAfee Brown
This week Patti’s topic is Telling a Story. She says, “the story you tell is totally up to you. Document an event like a birthday, a meal you enjoyed or a visit to a favorite place. Share a photo that conveys an emotion–happiness, sadness, awe, humor–to name a few. Show us a memory of a place, time or person.” I decided to tell story from a few years ago that I will probably never forget. It is about rewarding random acts of kindness toward strangers. I wrote about this a few years ago so a few of you may remember it.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – I Sean Patrick Flanery
When a friend’s eightieth birthday arrived, she decided to celebrate it in a different way. Instead of having a party she wanted to take that money and have it given away to strangers who showed unsolicited kindness or is experiencing a personal hardship. Once receiving this gift, the individual learns that the money is from my friend who is celebrating her special birthday.
To put her plan in action, she bought twelve blue envelopes and put $80 and a self-addressed envelope in each one. Then, she asked twelve friends if we would be willing to take an envelope and give her money away to someone who would least expect it and then write a note giving her the details.
My husband and I were on a two-day road trip and we stopped at a hotel for the night. Since he had recently undergone back surgery it was necessary for me to handle our luggage. As I approached the hotel door, a lady and her dog were sitting close by. She noticed I was juggling several bags while my husband was casually walking a few steps behind with our two dogs. Realizing how this scene must have looked, I mentioned his recent back surgery. Immediately, she did all she could to help with the door to make it easier for us to get inside.
When I returned to thank her for helping, I learned she was experiencing a string of bad luck. She was a registered nurse and had to retired after being injured on the job. Later, she had hip surgery and then a year afterwards her house was flooded during a massive storm and she was forced to relocate. Fortunately, she was able to live at the hotel until her new home was complete.
When giving this lady the money from my friend and telling her the story behind it, she was so appreciative and kept saying over and over again, “Thank you, thank you, this means so much to me”.
I have a feeling she has probably never forgotten this random act of kindness from strangers who care; I know I have not forgotten how grateful she was. This has made me even more aware of the impact small acts of kindness can have on a person and how even a smile can go a long way to brighten up someone’s day.
“Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” – RAKtivist
Be sure to check out Patti’s post and read her many stories by clicking here.
“People don’t always remember what you said or even what you do, but they always remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou