Stories of Kindness from Around the World

"Take your Time"

Recently, my husband and I went to Symphony Hall in Boston to see a nearly sold out performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto. We arrived close to the start of the concert and a hurried crowd formed behind us at the stairs to the entrance.

Ahead of us, an elderly man, probably in his late eighties, struggled with the help of a cane to navigate the climb. A young man in front of him, probably in his late twenties, opened the door - and held it open - for the couple of moments it took the older man to reach the top of the stairs. He could have suggested that in the future, the ramp might be easier. But he didn't.

"Take your time," the young man said quietly. 

The older man nodded in appreciation.

"Have a lovely evening," the younger one said, and then followed him in. 

As I watched this interaction, I couldn't help but be touched by the young man's display of patience, understanding, and acceptance.


1531 Reads
  • Posted by sbonifant16
  • Feb 11, 2013
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A Heart-Tug At Christmas

I had seen my old friend working at our local Wal-Mart for several months. She always stopped to say hi, then hurried off saying she had to get back to work.   Through our brief conversations I discovered she had been down a pretty rough road but somehow had maintained her positive and cheerful outlook on life. One day she told me she was living in an apartment building that well known for alcohol and drug problems, but was all she could afford.  A few weeks later there was a fire at the apartment complex and all residents had to move to a hotel until they could clean it all up. As she would tell me these things she would always point out that it could be worse and ended with a positive point about her situation.    I felt a pull in my heart to do something to help, because I had ... Read Full Story >>

4196 Reads

48 Roses

Last week, I took my four children to visit their Grandma at her nursing home. All the people there love to see the kids.

Each week, my kids pick a pay-it-forward act to do. This week, they decided to hand out roses. So, on the way to the nursing home, we stopped at a flower shop. We picked up 4 rose bouquets (48 roses), and continued on our way to the home.

When we got there, the kids immediately began giving out those 48 roses. It was so uplifting to see their generosity put a smile on the faces of 48 unsuspecting and very happy ladies! :)

975 Reads

Treat Or Treat - No Trick

I spent a lovely Halloween with my family! 

We bagged up lots of treats and toys, tied ribbon around the bags and knocked on neighbours' doors. When they answered, instead of collecting treats, we gave all the children bags of treats and wished them all a good evening. 
 
It was a great feeling and our children learnt again that giving is so much nicer than receiving! 
 
What fun! And with the disguises we wore the neighbours often didn't even realize who we were! 

 

1188 Reads

The Shivering Man's Prayer

So many people today know how it feels to be on limited funds. I do my best to help others. Whether paying bills or at the grocery store, I am always looking out for those who need help. And today I was blessed to be able to help a homeless man.

He was sitting outside the grocery store, shivering. You would think that in Arizona people wouldn't get that cold but this man was really shivering. 
 
My hubby and I were putting our groceries in the van and I saw a folded blanket just laying in the middle of the seat. I grabbed it, our 8-piece chicken dinner and a bottle of juice and gave them all to him. 
 
He was so thankful that he stood up and hugged me. He said, "God bless you, sister!" Then he hugged my hubby and said, "God heard my prayers!"  
 
I was so touched that a tear ran down my cheek. As my hubby and I returned to the van he smiled and said, "God heard his prayers and sent you, an angel, to help." 

 

2005 Reads

Help After A Hurricane

The woman in front of me at the check-out told me all her food had been destroyed by the hurricane!
 
She told me she only makes enough money to buy food for her lunches at work and for her dinners, so she can't replace all the other stuff she lost
 
I told the checkout clerk to charge her food to my account.  
 
The woman hugged me and cried. She said no one has ever done anything like that for her before. I told her she could pay me back by doing something nice for someone else.
 
She made my day! 

 

927 Reads

Stopping for Kindness at the Intersection

I was driving home on a very hot afternoon and about to approach an intersection. One of the major traffic lights had gone out, and a police officer was standing in the middle of approximately twenty lanes of very busy traffic. Despite the fact that he had no hat or shade to shield him from the blazing sun, he was upbeat and doing a fabulous job. I needed to stop at the pharmacy on the corner, and while I was there, I wanted so badly to get some water for the officer! I had some hesitation, though, since it was a little out of my comfort zone to interact with a stranger in this way. I debated, struggled, left, drove partway home, turned around, went back to the pharmacy, got water, and then found myself contemplating how to hand it off to him in the busy intersection. I knew that he might not ... Read Full Story >>

1955 Reads

God's Little Blessing Has A Breakdown

  Some time ago I was at the emergency room at one of the local hospitals.   While waiting there I saw a woman in a wheelchair crying softly. Not knowing what to expect, I went over and asked her if she was okay.     She said she wasn't and started crying a bit louder. I asked her if there was someone with her and she said no.    She began to tell me about how her family had let her down. She also told me that she felt she was having some kind of breakdown and that she needed help.      I stayed there with her for about 45 minutes and listened while she talked about her crumbling life. Eventually, she asked why I would take time to stop and help someone I didn't even know. I told her that she was one of God's little blessings and that I acted the same way I would ... Read Full Story >>

1428 Reads
  • Posted by kissmonster802
  • Feb 8, 2013
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A Breakfast Bonus

I went to buy breakfast sandwiches for my husband and son on Saturday morning. 

As I was standing in line a homeless man in front of me was counting his pennies to see if he could afford a cup of coffee. I told him to put his money away and added his coffee and another sandwich for him to my order. 
 
He was so grateful and I felt great starting of my day helping someone less fortune. A by-stander said he didn't realize there were still nice people in the world and I told him it was a great feeling - and something he could try any time! 

 

738 Reads
  • Posted by Miss_cubias
  • Feb 8, 2013
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Chicken Soup And Smiles

I have a new co-worker who is a young, single man. He works hard and puts in long hours. 

He was suffering with a head cold and not feeling at all well. I made chicken soup for my family and decided to bring some in for him as well. 

He was so grateful and thanked me saying it meant more to him than I would ever realize. That made me smile!

698 Reads

Happiness Shared

"Happiness Shared" was the title of an e-mail I received from a website I really enjoy. It inspired me to contact two friends and invite them over for a craft day. 
 
I was very excited about sharing  craft ideas and baking cookies with friends!
 
Then one friend messaged me saying that she was depressed and thought she should not come because she would only bring us down. 
 
I sent her a quote  that inspires me when I have a day like that. It is, " Think about how you want to feel today and do whatever it takes to make it happen."
 
She decided to come after all and we had a great visit! Went out to lunch and planned more days of fun together. Our joy was contagious!
 
This not only showed me how happiness is shared but also reminded me that getting together is an act of kindness. It is so nice to have someone to share your day with especially when you are down or you live alone.

5938 Reads

Bluebell's Blessings

Our local hospital has a small chapel where many people go to pray for loved ones who are ill or undergoing treatment. During my own bout with breast cancer I took solace there. I don't think of myself as a religious person as much as a spiritual one, but there is a wonderful and comforting energy in that chapel.    I was grateful to have a place to contemplate what my diagnosis could mean in my life and meditate on the best way to approach it. In the end I had the best possible outcome!   Last summer we went on vacation and I picked up a few small rocks that had been made smooth by the water. I wasn't sure what I would do with them, but I brought them home anyway. Again I felt comforted by them. They have been sitting on a shelf ever since.   When I joined this group a couple ... Read Full Story >>

840 Reads

Recycling For Rugby

I was recycling the other day when I met a young girl with her dad. They had a huge amount of cans with them and I asked what they had been collecting them for. They said their rugby team was trying to go on a trip so they were doing all kinds of things to raise funds. 

I asked how much they had raised. The dad said they were about half way there and then, in a quiet aside, the told me the best thing about it for him was getting to spend time with his daughter.
 
I thought that was beautiful. As I had already received $16 dollars for my cans I handed them to the girl, telling her to enjoy her special time with her dad and to enjoy the trip.
 
She looked at me, kind of stunned, and shouted, "Thank you," as I walked away.

 

1053 Reads

Wake Up Buddy

My friend lives and works in another city and travels home every weekend to spend time with her ageing parents. 

 
The only problem is - she always misses her flight back early on Monday mornings and is late for work! 
 
So, I volunteered to be her "Wake up Buddy" and give her a call each Monday morning in plenty of time to make her flight. 
 
She need never miss a plane again!

 

1280 Reads

It Only Takes A Minute

My neighbor of thirty years is stressed out waiting for the results of a biopsy.

I put a wonderful CD of soothing music on her doorstep, along with a note inviting her to visit. When she did visit we looked at photos, I gave her a massage and we had a lot of laughs together! We both enjoyed the time and she seemed much less stressed. It was a small investment of time and effort for some wonderful results.
 
Thanks to the messages on this web-site I appreciate small acts of kindness more. I feel better about myself as well, realizing that my daily small acts of kindness actually matter.
 
Blessings to all!
 

 

 

 

4483 Reads

Kindness At The IRS

I went to the I.R.S. today to settle some tax problems.

I was the first one in line standing outside by the door. As I waited people were coming to work. Since I believe in being kind and considerate as people approached I opened the door for them. Some of them had children with them, some were carrying briefcases and other items. 
 
By the time it was for me to go inside an hour had passed and I had probably  opened the door twenty times. 
 
I went to meet with the I.R.S. agent and she was one of the nicest women I have ever met. Things turned out really good and I thanked her over and over again. 
 
When you  do the right thing God remembers! Being kind and considerate is what  life is all about.

 

1301 Reads

$10 Of Gas Takes You Smiles Further

I was on my way back to from a trip out of town and just a few exits from the one I needed.   I thought I'd better not push my luck, so I pulled off the motorway to get some gas. I had $50 and figured I would use $40 to fill my tank. Since I was going inside anyway to pay for my gas I would use the rest of the money to grab a few snacks.    After  I handed the cashier my money she said, in a rather nasty tone, "That one wasn't approved either." I realized she was talking to someone else. I turned and saw an older lady turn, with her head down, and exit the store.     The cashier handed me my $10 change and said, "She's already tried two cards."    Leaving the store (without snacks,) something told me to give the older woman the $10 change. I ... Read Full Story >>

2307 Reads

Scrapping Those Memories

One of my neighbors has MS and while I was visiting him today he complained that he was bored.  So, I went back home and collected four scrapbooks, one for his wife and each of his children. Since he was placed on disability he has the days to himself. I suggested he could make scrapbooks for his family with pictures and little notes from him.    We were both surprised by just how much he remembered about each of his children since they were born. As we talked there were tears of happiness brought about by memories he hadn't thought about in years.    Now that he has the time he's going to find all the little trinkets and pictures and place them inside each book. And if he needs some help, he knows I'm only a short walk away.    He was so excited about starting that he went into his bedroom and pulled out all ... Read Full Story >>

3433 Reads

Visiting My Ex

I visited my ex-wife today. 

She is wheelchair bound. 
 
We split up years ago and there were some bitter and difficult times along the say. But it as her birthday recently, so took her a birthday cake, some flowers and perfume. She was genuinely happy. 
 
I always find it a humbling experience when I am with her. She bears up so well and inspires me every day. Whenever I think I have something to worry about she comes into my mind and I realize that I have choices I can make while she doesn't have any real choices except to keep going. 
 
I was feeling so low today but this was the best thing I could have done. 
 
When I got home she called me to thank me. It all made the world seem a better place and reminded me of the value of caring. 

 

1328 Reads

Pre-paid Adoptions

My wife and I purchase miniature candy bars and sell them at her place of employment to raise money to prepay for the adoption of a shelter animal. 

Her supervisor knows she does this and is very supportive. She works for a quarry and and there are dozens of trucks come in every day. The truckers have always been very generous.  
 
We have been doing this for the last two years and to date we have been able to pay for the adoption of 63 animals! 
 
I can only imagine the people's surprise when they are looking to purchase a pet, they decide which pet they want, and they are told it has already been paid for!

 

1431 Reads