Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Survivor Flowers


--by Kat Callaway, posted Jul 3, 2007

A few weeks ago, my mother, brothers and I went to Wal-Mart to get some things for my upcoming trip. It was pretty late, and the store, although huge, was very empty. However, as we approached the checkout lane, I noticed a lady wearing a baseball cap over her bare head. She looked tired, and it was pretty obvious that she was going through chemo.. .that, and my mother approached her and asked her.

You see, a few years ago, my mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. It was really hard for all of us, exspecially since we were in the middle of my parents divorce. But she got through it...but I always remember how stressful that time was. So when I saw that lady, I turned around, back out of the check out line, and headed to the flower section! I found the prettiest bouquet of pink (breast cancer survival color) carnations, payed, and rushed to the checkout where she was. I handed them to her (with a smile card) and said "good luck." I've never seen this woman again. But I say a little prayer for her every night. And even though I know abosolutly nothing about her... I have a feeling that she too is a survivor! Oh, and she had a really pretty smile too!

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Readers Comments

Rajni wrote: “unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. ” — bob kerrey.

You did a wonderful job. May others get inspired
ZenBlossom wrote: In the past few years i have had too many friends going through chemo and radiation due to breast cancer. What a great idea. I know how important small acts of love can be during difficult time. Bless you!
thaata wrote: People unite together in sorrow but rarely in happiness. To bring happiness to the suffering however small it is is a noble act. Thank you for your lovely gesture.
Gale wrote: What a great idea. I am a cancer survivor and always stop to talk with people with "chemo" head. They always appreciate it, as i can attest you get tired of people staring at you!
Karen wrote: Such a beautiful gesture of love! Thanks for telling all of us about it -- the world is a better place because of people like you doing what their hearts and souls prompt them to do. If we all did that we would live in paradise.
Jawad wrote: Hi i feel very proud to read these stories. i am very thankful to this Website and all of its members, You all are doing very good thing. Its very good KEEP IT UP
Nazia wrote: Very inspiring story
namanal wrote: the story is truly inspiring.it is so greta to know people like u still exist.may god bless u.
candyos wrote: As a breast cancer survivor I can confirm how difficult it is. I can also tell you that your act of kindness was just what this lady needed. God bless you!
nisha wrote: am really touched by that story - i read it right after finishing "It's not about the Bike" by Lance Armstrong (Cancer survivor and Tour de France winner). That book may serve as an inspiration for your Mom or anyone going through Cancer treatment.

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