Earlier today I went to a large shopping mall with my toddler to meet a friend for coffee. Walking into the centre an elderly lady pushing a trolley looked at my boy, then at me, and said "what a cutie".
He is. He is very sweet. Normally I'd say "thank you" or "yes he is". I'd smile and keep walking. But this time, something made me stop.
As I stood there she began to tell me all about her own sons (now doctors) and her grandchildren. And you should have seen the joy in her eyes light up as she told me.
I hardly said a word. I didn't need to. She was in so much delight to be able to share her joy and love of her family with someone who'd listen. Me. All because I stopped and welcomed it.
It was 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back. But you know what? I wouldn't want it back. Ever. What a gift I gave today without even realising I was giving. All because I stopped and put my own needs and to do list aside for 10 minutes to listen 💖
He is. He is very sweet. Normally I'd say "thank you" or "yes he is". I'd smile and keep walking. But this time, something made me stop.
As I stood there she began to tell me all about her own sons (now doctors) and her grandchildren. And you should have seen the joy in her eyes light up as she told me.
I hardly said a word. I didn't need to. She was in so much delight to be able to share her joy and love of her family with someone who'd listen. Me. All because I stopped and welcomed it.It was 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back. But you know what? I wouldn't want it back. Ever. What a gift I gave today without even realising I was giving. All because I stopped and put my own needs and to do list aside for 10 minutes to listen 💖
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- Posted by brindlegirl
- Dec 13, 2016
- Comments (13)
Readers Comments
anu wrote: Thanks for listening, and sharing your story :)
Mahalakshmi wrote: Hey,
Thank you very much. You added a meaning of giving and receiving, which i had not understood why i did them. Now i know. . I remember many occasions where some one has heard me out and made me feel human and part of the community. I received. And i also remember just being there when a old lady or a young kid just looks at me and starts talking. It actually made me feel light and comfortable in my own skin. Thank you once again.
Thank you very much. You added a meaning of giving and receiving, which i had not understood why i did them. Now i know. . I remember many occasions where some one has heard me out and made me feel human and part of the community. I received. And i also remember just being there when a old lady or a young kid just looks at me and starts talking. It actually made me feel light and comfortable in my own skin. Thank you once again.
kala wrote: What a kind and lovely thing to do, to be truly heard is one of the best gifts that we can offer.
alisamom wrote: What a lovely thing to do. I'm sure you made this lady's day so much better because she found someone new to talk to about the people she loves the most <3
autumnsky38 wrote: So lovely. what a good heart you have. :)
RoseMarie wrote: Thank you for taking the time brindlegirl yiu are truly a beautiful person. X 💓
tc_3320 wrote: Sharing your time with others is a great gift. I tell my girls all the time that bit of kindness you show others, no matter how small, may be the only kindness they receive that day.
mindyjourney wrote: Taking the time to allow another to share memories is such a gift :)). Thank you and your cutie son :))
Mish wrote: The gift of time and listening are among the most precious of kindness acts.
healingtree wrote: You gave of yourself to another, a perfect stranger, and it made them feel like their life MATTERED. What a wonderful gift.
