Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I Took One Of ...


--by DANCE, posted Jun 13, 2019

I took one of my students to visit Kensington Palace in London. When the students come through agencies the ‘extra’ activities are limited or none, most of the agencies that send the students pay very little and never include extra for outings such as this. But I think it’s such a treat for them to be able to visit some of the most iconic places in this wonderful city and I always try my best to include many in the timetable. They’ve always been so grateful and it’s such a great opportunity for me to connect with them differently, not only as their teacher.

When we get to places such as this palace, I offer to wait for them at the Café or park if there is one. If I went in with them, they’d have to pay for my ticket (unfortunately my budget doesn’t allow, it’s already plenty with travel and my time there). I generally don’t mind because they are so happy and especially when they come out, you can see their shining faces 😊 So I take a book or paper to write and wait.

I sat at the Café by the window (always choose light and views when possible 😊) and looking around I started thinking about my ‘challenges’ at the moment and how difficult it is to put a brave face for the students when I’m truly sad and longing to be with my family so far away… I love working with my students, I love living here, I love my independence and my life, but when tragedy, illness or death take place within the family or friends, it’s not easy to be so far away…

Anyway, I was thinking and looking also outside, the beautiful park, the gorgeous surroundings, people enjoying themselves. I felt the usual gratitude for being able to be here and share this special places and moments with students, who will surely remember this for ever. I often do this; I look at every little thing, the trees, flowers, tables, chairs, monuments, skies, people, animals, anything there is around and say to myself ‘thank you’, ‘you are brave and you are fortunate’. It was raining, the Café was getting very busy…

A woman came and sat at the table next to me, looking in, not towards the window. She looked very serious. Took a newspaper and started reading while drinking her coffee. After a few minutes she called out to me and said something I couldn’t understand, I excused myself and she repeated ‘are you watching me?’. I was quite surprised and wasn’t sure whether I’d understood. ‘Watching her’? what did she mean, why would I be watching her? Maybe she thought my eyes looking in the direction of the window, part of it behind her, were ‘watching her’. I said ‘no, I’m enjoying the view from this beautiful window’ and smiled. She replied in a very cold voice ‘it’s raining’. I said ‘aren’t we lucky we can enjoy here inside?’ She made a disgruntled noise and said nothing else.

I thought she could be going through her own challenges, who knows why she is so unhappy. What a shame, I’m quite sad and making an effort…So went for another one of my tricks 😊 and thought to myself ‘may she be happy, may she be well, may she be in peace’ and repeated it a few times.

3 minutes later an elderly woman came and asked if she could sit at my table, the Café was now bustling with tourist and locals. Of course, I happily said yes. She smiled and straight away started talking to me. It was the beginning of a 30 mins delightful conversation and connection which continued even after my student had arrived. She was extra kind and patient with my student, understanding his limitations with the English language.

This lovely lady had told me that she often came to this Café because she felt quite lonely. She’d been dismissed from her life time job because of her age. Her family were always busy so she often went to the local Cafés to read the paper and have a cup of tea. She was so grateful for my time and thanked me repeatedly. I explained how grateful I was and gave her my number and email so that she could call and visit if she wished to. She was so happy! She gave me hers and couldn’t stop telling me a long list of places where we could meet 😊

So, grateful there and then and grateful now. This universe does work in mysterious ways. Whatever happens, trying to keep my heart open… Maggie has already sent a sweet message and we will hopefully meet soon…

May you all be happy, well and in peace. Love to u all




999 Reads
  • Posted by DANCE
  • Jun 13, 2019
  • 38 Smiles, 7 Comments



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