Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Depression Didn't Stop My Act Of Kindness


--by debbe530, posted Jul 23, 2016
The last 5 weeks turned me upside down. I talked about chronic depression June 5. In an attempt to treat it we induced an episode of hypomania. Something I have also experienced before but never this profound. Enter mood stabilizing drug and BAM! Another adverse drug reaction. Finally, finally I am starting to return to my version of normal. First, thanks to all of you who sent notes. Your encouragement helped so much. I have felt like my ROAKs have significantly decreased. I haven’t made any smile packs for over two months.

I had a horrible few days of pain and being freezing cold. I'm not sure why. But Friday I had to go to Trader Joe's - a site of many ROAKs. I met Hosiah, a wonderful man,who was trying to reach ripe plums from his wheelchair with an already full basket in his lap. He is currently living at a rehab center post stroke. He pays $26 every two weeks for a medi-cab to take him shopping. No family here. Sheesh. So I took him home and gave him my number. Despite the new pain issues, we and a random helper in the parking lot finally managed to collapse his very nice wheelchair and get it in my trunk. It was much easier to get it out. He's a really interesting guy and only 4 years older than me.

I flexed my kindness muscles big time in a tangible way that I have not for a long time and it felt good. It is time to get back to being a kindness conduit. Hosiah called this afternoon so I would have his number. Like me he is a tad forgetful sometimes. We made sure he had a SMILE card with my number on it when I took him in with 5 bags of groceries! He said he would have called last night but he couldn’t find the card. He found it under the phone today. 
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Readers Comments

horsegirl21 wrote: Sorry you have had such a difficult time in the last 5 weeks. Glad that you seem to be stabilizing and Kudos to you for giving Hosiah a helping hand and sharing your phone number for future trips. :))
mish wrote: Kudos for flexing your kindness muscles so magnificently, dear Debbe!
kiwicat wrote: Im glad you are coming out of this hard time. Big hugs.
Bluelobster wrote: good for you for making the effort to stay on this site!! Admire that.
alisamom wrote: Wow that's a great act of kindness! I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, I hope they will find the right medication for you soon. I know it's often a matter of trial and error until you find the one that works for you. Please keep us updated! :)
leoladyc728 wrote: so lovely of you to help Hosiah. I know how much he appreciated it.
splain wrote: you have had a tough time these last few weeks. Yet you still find it within yourself to be kind to others. Love seeing you back here.
bountiful wrote: Glad you are feeling stronger, take each steps with new vigour and keep your energy peaking xx
kjoyw wrote: I so admire you. Also so happy to see a post from you. This one is just wonderful! Thank you.
mindyjourney wrote: So glad you are feeling better and back in the kindness game :)))). YOu are SUCH a kindness force, my friend :). Let you wings soar <3

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