Stories of Kindness from Around the World

An Umbrella to Brighten a Day

On my way to work I would see this older man sitting beside the road and waving at everyone who passed by. I noticed that he sat there every day even if it was raining or very hot outside.  
 
One day while going to work I remembered that I had a beach umbrella at my house, so I turned around, got the umbrella, and took it to him. He was so happy and for about another six months I saw him sitting beside the road waving at people from under the umbrella. 
 
I later found out that the man had passed away, but I hope that the umbrella made his days more pleasant while he was making everyone else's days more pleasant.
 

4840 Reads

Sunday Night Kindness Deliveries

Last night was date night with my little girl. She wanted to conduct another Kindness "Special Ops" Mission for our evening. That afternoon, we made up some kindness envelopes full of a smile cards, a few dollars and a special note. She decorated the outside of the envelopes with smiley stickers and the words "Open me, I’m a gift for you!" She wanted to go to the mall and secretly place envelopes around to spread some Christmas smiles. When we dropped our first one and walked off without being seen, the look on my daughter's face was priceless. She was beaming and had a joyful kick in her step. I love how she loves our kindness missions! For the next one, we sat down at a table for a minute, ready to scurry off and leave our envelope behind. The heavy sea of people around us made it challenging. My daughter is ... Read Full Story >>

2578 Reads

Rice In Chennai Station

I was having something to eat at the central railway station in Chennai when I noticed an old man entering the canteen. He asked the man behind the counter for some food but, as he obviously couldn't pay, none was forthcoming.

So, I indicated to the canteen worker to serve some rice and paid for it without the old man noticing.
 
The old man had the food and left. And I was left with a warm feeling of love and compasion.
 
"It is in giving that one receives." Thank you Saint Francis of Assisi!

2178 Reads

Teaching English Helped Him Be Seen Again

  I am an Iranian man who has been battling cancer for the past two years. A transpant has meant things have been better over the past six months. It means I have a lot more time to spend online learning new things.   I have a friend in England who is really feeling home-sick. It's making him quite depressed. He would tell me that he didn't want to do stuff, he just wanted to be left alone, and so on. But I didn't want to leave him in his depression.   So, I asked him if he could teach me English! Even though we were far apart we could communicate by Skype. He jumped from his seat towards the computer in his enthusiasm! "Yes! I'd really like to do that! Can I do that? Please?"   Now, after a few lessons, I can see him becoming happier and more energetic again!   In am sixty-two years old and ... Read Full Story >>

4941 Reads

A Smiling Face at the Store

I needed to get some supplies to clean the house this weekend, so I headed over to a local store. While walking through the aisles there, I realized that I wasn't smiling at anyone. That was out of character. I almost always smile at strangers with the hope that it might brighten their day a bit. But in that particular moment, my mind was focused on events that had bothered me earlier in the day. Not really in the mood to smile, I thought, Oh well, and continued through the store. When I went to check out my things, I was met with a very long line. People were stocking up on Christmas gifts and things for the holidays. To help minimize the first line, a second register opened up. I quickly switched over to the it. After a few moments, I began to notice that all the people in front ... Read Full Story >>

5934 Reads

More than Money at the Bus Stop

A story a friend shared with me: While going to the office, I found an old man lying by the side of the bus stop. He seemed very sick and poor. Instinctively, I gave him some money. After a few minutes, I realized that he was probably too sick to get up and buy something with that money. I was thinking about how to help him when my bus arrived, halting my brainstorm. I quickly got on and rode off. However, that night I couldn't sleep. I felt very angry at my own heartless and selfish behavior. How could I just walk away from that man without a thought for his suffering? I felt restless and very upset.  The next morning, while waiting at the bus stop, I hoped to run into him again. But he wasn't there. I thought he may have gone to the sidewalk to sleep for the night. I ... Read Full Story >>

2810 Reads

With A Little Help From My Brother

Living off welfare, I couldn't afford the train ride to see my mom these last few months.

She has Parkinson's disease, and I'm worried that she has been hiding how she is really doing from both my brother and me, in order to keep from being a burden.

I've also been missing her. I haven't seen her for months, being occupied with my training and my life and now, the money problem.
Last weekend, I talked to my brother. I've been feeling a strong pull to visit my mother, so I asked if he'd be willing to give me some money to pay for the ticket. Without skipping a beat, he said, "Yes."

Then, on top of that, he announced that he would pay for a train ticket for me to visit our mother once a month for the next couple of months. I was so blown away! What a kind-hearted, above and beyond generous gesture! I'm so grateful, and so looking forward to visiting my mother.

1840 Reads

Warm Ears, Warm Heart

Earlier this week, one of my colleagues asked me to help her with a project at work. Even though I happily agreed, as the week went on, I found myself getting swamped with other tasks and not having time to help her out.

This morning she came by my desk and I thought, "Uh oh! I am in big trouble for not completing that piece of work for her!"

Instead, to my complete surprise, she gifted me with a handmade ear warmer! I was blown away by her sincere offering, and the fact that she expected nothing in return. It is inspiring to work alongside her and learn from her generosity.

1710 Reads

A Tribute to Rodney: Ten Things to Live By

I just lost my stepson last week.  He was 37.  I had been with him for 9 years and two years ago, when his father died, I became his guardian.   Rodney had down syndrome and was delightful. Today is his memorial service and we plan to have some readings along this very theme.  It reminds me of how lucky we were that Rodney taught us this in person.   I wrote a poem for him, that I'll read at the service and then we're going to listen to the Beach Boys and have root beer floats (two of his favorite things).  Thank you for this. Ten Things to Live By As Taught by Rodney Throw back your head and enjoy life Laugh until the tears come Dance while the music is playing Give hugs to anyone who needs one Taste everything good Cuddle the animals Never pass up an opportunity for a friend Smile really big Remember to say you're sorry AND ... Read Full Story >>

15.3K Reads

A Daily Phone Call

Everyday, I call my mum and ask how she is doing.   On most days, she complains of pain and aches and low energy.  I listen and ask more questions about her eating and sleeping.  She describes her life with very little joy and a sense of dread. This conversation goes on for several days. One day, she decides to visit her health care provider and take extensive tests.  She decides that she will wait for the answer and the tests will determine what her life will be. I listen and mention that, each day, we have an opportunity to enjoy the moment.  Every day, I ask her, "What are your thoughts today?" She tells me more about her unpleasant days and nights.  Finally, she receives the report from her doctor.  All the pain that she has been experiencing is not due to any disease or turmor. There is no condition that can explain her ... Read Full Story >>

1735 Reads

Kindness Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, my daughters have two hours of softball practice.  This is when I head around the corner to the library and work on my weekly class newsletter, grade papers and visit HelpOthoers.  I also do acts of kindness.  I have put homemade smile cards in library books and also left money with a 'please enjoy this random act of kindness' note at the reference desk to pay someone's late fines. Tonight, I attached a homemade smile card and Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) card to a small bag of Lindor chocolates.  As I walked into the library, I headed to my usual area near the reference desk and placed the bag on a table.  I sat in a comfy chair near the table and did some work. It was so interesting how quickly the library staff noticed! I heard at least four different workers say something like, "Hey, did you see that?" as they ... Read Full Story >>

9950 Reads

A Lesson In Kindness From My Mother

I was at the drugstore getting ready to leave when I saw an old lady standing at the main entrance. She looked like she might be lost, so I asked if she needed any help. She said, "Yes, please. Where is the drugstore window? I need the get some medication but I don't see very well."  
 
I took her by the hand and led her into the store. I helped her get her medicine and helped her get the money from her purse to pay for it.
 
I asked her how she had managed to get to the  drugstore and she told me she had walked from her house, which was four blocks away. I offered to take her home and she agreed to let me. She told me she was a widow. She had no children and lived by herself. She was 95 years old. 
 
I helped her to her door and she told that she was so blessed to find people like me who would help her. In truth it was all down to my mother who had passed away five months before. The time I spent caring for mom taught me a lot about compassion. She taught me the real love and kindness aren't just reserved for family, but are meant to be shared with everyone.

13.6K Reads

A Different Kind of Pep Rally

A group of us decided to start a Kindness Pep Rally, where we hold signs with messages like, "Honk if you love someone," "You Are Awesome," "Kindness is Good for the Heart," and "Dont Give Up, Ok?" We are well into the third week of it, and still going strong! Our "Pep Squad" began two weeks ago with two friends, and today something amazing happened! An hour into our "Pep Rally," a total stranger stopped by to chat. During the conversation, the stranger revealed that her name was Amanda and that she had just moved to the area. She said that she was touched by what we were trying to accomplish.  "This may sound strange, but I believe that meeting you and seeing the amazing thing that you both are doing is a sign that I belong here in this city. I want to become part of this."  We shared that our next event would be holding signs that ... Read Full Story >>

10.4K Reads

"You Look Nice Today!"

About seven years ago, whenever I would notice that someone looked nice, I started telling them that they looked nice. Shorty afterwards, I came up with an observation: If you tell five people during the day that they look nice, at the end of the day, six peole (you have to count yourself!) feel great. Over the years, I've had many fruitful experiences with this. Here are a few: One day, I was riding around town with a friend when we rolled to a stop at a traffic light. As we waited for the light to turn green, a man walked across the crosswalk. He looked very together, so I called out, "Hey, you look sharp today!" Pointing towards a building, he said, "Thanks, but I was more sharp in there." His comment puzzled me. But before I could ask about it, the light turned green, and we drove on.  I ask my friend who was driving, ... Read Full Story >>

7763 Reads

Smiles In The Snow

Here in the Mid-west we have been experiencing unusual amounts of snow lately. This has resulted in large amounts of cars being stranded on the roads, some with people still in them!  
 
My husband took his four-wheel-drive truck, and a few smiles, and hit the roads to help those who were stranded.  

He came home later, delighted at how happy people were to see him - and how amazed they were that he didn't charge a penny for his help!  

1460 Reads

A Hand To Hold

For a couple of days now, it's been difficult for me to get up in the morning. It's both because I'm having trouble going to sleep at a decent hour, and because I'd much rather stay in bed where I feel safe and won't have to face the daily challenges. Minor ones compared to what most people in the world face, I grant you, but still. Finally, I got to school in time for the last one and a half hour of classes. My usual seat was taken, so I sat besides a really nice woman, a bit older than me. The subject triggered her telling me about some health issues she'd had some time ago, and I took her hand to show my empathy. It was a bit forced, because I got the impression that she's got a thing about telling generally bad stories to garner attention, but anyway, that's what ... Read Full Story >>

1755 Reads

A Semper Fi Hair-cut

My husband, a retired Marine, went to the local barber shop (on yesterday to get a hair-cut.
 
There was a young Marine in the chair next to him. Upon the completion of his haircut the young man presented a debit card to pay for the barber's work. The card didn't work and each subsequent card the young man presented didn't work. He had no cash on him so my husband paid the bill for him.
 
He simply told the young Marine that many had assisted him in his time in service and he just wanted to pass it on.

1774 Reads

"You Raised A Wonderful Child, Mom."

I feel like I am always either at school, sports practice or a game, so I have to find different ways to do little acts of kindness.     My good friend and co-worker has a mom dealing with cancer who is living with her during treatment. I decided to send this mom - whom I've never met - a card thanking her for raising such a wonderful person. I told how her daughter was such being a good listener, someone who I can share my troubles with, and someone who makes me laugh.   I was a little uneasy about it afterwards and wondered if my friend would think it strange.     Tonight while sitting at basketball practice I received a text from my friend. She wanted to tell me that the card I sent her mom was one of the most beautiful things she had ever read and how lucky she was to ... Read Full Story >>

11.0K Reads

The "Take What You Need" Sheet

Last week I made a tear-away sheet for the staff at my school. I secretly hung it up for teachers to take what they need by way of the tear-off slips - strength, courage, patience, understanding, etc.
 
The principal asked for digital copy and shared it with the other principals in the county!
 
Today I was at my daughter's weekly softball practice. There was the  usual questioning of what kindness acts I had done during the week since I'd last seen them. Then one of the moms said she had thought of me earlier when she was at her daughter's school. Walking by the teachers' lounge she had noticed a tear-off sheet just like I had described to her. She was excited to see that two "needs" had been torn off and she couldn't wait to share that with me.
 
A perfect example of the "ripple effect." From me to my colleagues, from my school to another school, to unknown teachers who may then share the kindness with others because of what they've taken from the sheet to make it a good day.  
 
Yeah! 

5520 Reads

Making Last Memories

She was fragile and well on in years. 
 
Her original care taker had broken a limb and was unable to perform her usual duties but someone else was holding the fort while she recovered.
 
We visited her for the Christmas Barrel drive. She was weak, and unable to talk, but she was able to hold our hands. We dropped by to give items that were donated by lots of people around the island. 
 
It was a team effort. We also visited an orphanage, single parents and a young disabled man.
 
It was not long after our visit that she passed away. I'm glad she was able to experience kindness and we were able to experience her humility and grace. The entire team was touched and very happy to have made a positive contribution to her last days (with the help of the young woman who was nursing her.) 
 
We were also thankful for our fellow islanders who opened their hearts to give to the less fortunate in the way that they did.
 

1837 Reads




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