Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Gift Of A Dollar On My Birthday

Years ago, I celebrated my 40th birthday with a large group of friends at C&O Trattoria in Marina del Rey. Many of us arrived ahead of time and waited outside the restaurant.   As I stood on the sidewalk with my friends, a homeless man approached me and asked for money. I had been given strict orders to not bring my wallet lest I should feel compelled to contribute toward the meal, so when the man approached me, I let him know that I didn’t have any cash. He quietly smiled at me, and moved on.   While the homeless man was still in earshot range, a friend who was just arriving called out “Happy Birthday Marc!” Upon hearing this, the man turned and asked, “Hey man, it’s your Birthday?” “Yes it is,” I said. He walked back to me, a huge smile on his face and exclaimed “Happy Birthday, man!” I was completely unprepared ... Read Full Story >>

4931 Reads

Another life saved

A few weeks ago, while I was going home from work, I saw an old dog laying on the side of the road. I got closer to see why he would be there and felt shocked when I saw he was not able to move his hind legs. Some people who live nearby told me that he was hit by a motorcycle and the driver pushed him there. I went daily to give him food and water, also got a plank to cover him from the heavy sun. I heard on the news about the awful weather for that weekend and decided to bring him home with some help from my father. Called some vets to help him with his legs, since he was not able to stand on four and dragged the hinds.

After some painkillers and sheltered home with love and food, he is now able to walk with a little difficulty and he even runs around now. He is so adorable and even though I have three other dogs and two cats, I made some space in my home and my heart. I feel so happy and joyful when I see his eyes. I love animals and these 6 hairy babies are the most special things ever :)

1597 Reads

Calling people by their name

I have a been going out of my way to call people by their names, especially people who serve me in drive-thrus  and in stores, those type of situations. Faces seem to light up when I do this, so I am thinking it must be more important than I imagined. Our busy world can be so harsh, real recognition is welcome. I know the smiles received in return are a gift to myself and perhaps a day made a tad easier for all.

1661 Reads

They Met as Two Strangers in an Elevator but Left as Family

I received a call from my colleague and friend on Wednesday night that he had to go into the hospital emergency with a high fever and severe body ache. The doctors admitted him in the hospital for tests and treatment. I wished him speedy recovery and promised to visit him at the hospital the next day. Next day I went to work as usual but wore one of my good suits to the office. I reached the office a little early so that I could finish my work and get off earlier, so I could go and visit my friend in the hospital without rushing around. I finished what had to be done, urgently the rest I put away for the next day and got out early. I went into the local shop bought a basket of fruits for my friend and reached the Hospital with plenty of time on ... Read Full Story >>

3895 Reads

A Problem Turned into an Opportunity

I received a call from the summer camp that my grandkids will be attending in two weeks. They had a "problem" -- we had mistakenly paid for 4 kids but only have 3 grandkids attending. The camp's policy is to not offer refunds for cancellations less than 30 days out except in cases of emergency.

As the camp director tried to figure out how to refund us for the "mystery child", my husband and I quickly offered a solution: offer the spot already paid for as a "campership" to a needy child so that s/he could attend camp. The director was so excited as they do have a waiting list of kids who they would love to accommodate! I love it when I can turn a "problem" into a wonderful opportunity .

1543 Reads

Fruitful Day

Was at our local Fruit Basket Market to pick up some local fresh fruit. Kind woman said cantaloupe was a bit over ripe and would not charge me. I insisted, but she still said no. So, when she rang up my bill and told me what I owed her, I purposely over paid (enough extra for the cantaloupe and then some) and told her to just keep the change. She just smiled. Cantaloupe was delicious!

1451 Reads

Hugs For My Friend Post-Chemo

A friend is going through her second round of chemotherapy for cancer. Her immune system is fragile, and none of us can give her hugs because a cold or infection could be deadly. So my husband designed and printed a bunch of cards that say "HUGS" and I got all our friends to sign them. Even people who didn't know her wanted to sign a card. Everyone loved the idea!

Some people added a short message or doodle to send her love and encouragement. Then I put the cards in a gift bag with some organic tea, took it to her house, and left it hanging on her doorknob as a surprise. She finally guessed where it came from and phoned me to say how overwhelmed she was and how the support and caring of others sustained her. "It's changed me," she said. "It's opened my heart to the world."

1660 Reads
  • Posted by susanlhamilton
  • Aug 11, 2016
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Help With A Flat Battery

In the carpark at the park tonight as it was getting dark, a young man was asking for help, and everyone said no to him, then he asked us for help, his car wouldnt start and was a few streets away. We were happy to help a young man in distress with a flat battery. His phone had run out of battery too. I keep jumper leads in my car, so we drove to his car and eventually after many tries to get the bonnet open, we got his car started. I suspect that he may be living in his car from what I saw inside it. He thanked us, and shook our hands and I said I hoped someone would help one of my sons if they were in the same predicament.

1251 Reads

What I learned from Facebook "Memories"

The other day I clicked on "see memories" on Facebook and I realized that all of my old posts were so negative and bashing....and then I realized how much I've changed in these last 2.5 years since I've discovered kind spring....and I'm glad that I don't feed that negative side anymore (most days. Some days are harder).

Thank you all for showing me how to be kind again.

1788 Reads

Clifford the Big Red Dog and a Smile

My neighbor and friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had some minor surgery to diagnose the condition before her other surgery. We were talking and she had an incision under her arm and said how difficult it was to get comfortable. I have had pain in my arm previously (not from cancer, thank heavens) but I knew a soft stuffed animal is better than a pillow. So the other day I dropped by and gave her Butterfinger (her favorite candy that she can't eat because she is diabetic) to help her sleep and be her friend. She said it was perfect and she keeps it upstairs in her bedroom. But wait there is more: she had a mastectomy a few days ago and because of drainage, etc. she has to sleep on her back and she mentioned that she is going to sleep on the recliner in her living ... Read Full Story >>

1361 Reads

Passing on something to a co-worker

Tonight at work I worked with a new girl. She was lovely. Later during our shift she mentioned to me she had cramps. "Womens" cramps. We spoke a little about this and during our conversation she mentioned how she loves wheat bags. She would use one back home (She recently moved from New Zealand to Australia) however it was her mother's and she had to leave it there.

That's when I remembered. I have one!!! I bought one for one of my pregnancies as I experienced back pain.

It's late here and I've not long been home and have dug it out to give to her tomorrow. I admit, I was reluctant to give it as I wanted it. So silly I haven't used it in years. But it's funny how we want to keep things 'just in case'.

Yet it is so much better with her than in my cupboard. I look forward to gifting her tomorrow and hope she recieves it well 💖

1416 Reads

My dad's favorite treats

I received a call. It was my dad. He was so excited and so happy because he had discovered a little treat on his doorstep. A treat and something I had just left.

You see every time I make a meal with surplus I always put some aside and give to him. He calls me his "meals on wheels" and I guess I kind of am. I love it. But what I love most is his gratitude and how grateful he always is.

Today he was especially so, as the supermarket had his favourite of favourites sweets back: Danish gummies and licorice. So I bought a few boxes and left them for him along with his spaghetti.

It's always the simple things, isn't it? Something as simple as seeing a lolly or treat that someone you know loves, and instead of telling them about it, surprising them with it.

It's so fun to give, and fills my heart every time with so much joy to see that one of my actions made another happy.


1431 Reads

The Kindness Wave and the Hopeful Tears

I want to share my tears with you. Now I know we've been here before with my pain and you have all given me love and support but today it's different. You see, as I sit and type this, this morning tears are running down my face, my nose is running and my heart is very active. All of this is good though. Let me explain.  My tears today are activated by joy, love, inspiration so many other positive emotions. I have been reading inspirational stories. Stories that have had a big pull on my heart. These include the latest stories I will share briefly with you: The police department who responded to an 80+  elderly man  who asked if someone would bring him food as he hadn't eaten in 2 days because his care-worker had scammed him out of his money.  4 or 5 policemen bought him grocery supplies out of their own pocket ... Read Full Story >>

2947 Reads

Random Acts of Kindness Bags

In April I put together a RAOK bag for my car. I stocked it with food, water, candies, gift cards, lottery tickets, and the like. During the month, if I saw someone in need, I would look in the bag for something to help them.

After April, I still had some items in my bag, and I've reached in a few times since then.

Today, I was at a convenient store returning a DVD I had rented for my daughter when a guy asked if I had some money for bus fare. I rarely carry cash, and I was driving my wife's car (my car has change in it). I told the man I would look to see if my wife had left any change in the car. She hadn't! But she had put my RAOK bag in the car.

So, I looked, and lo and behold, there was a scratcher in there. I handed it to the man and told him good luck, and if it hit $500 to be sure to pay it forward. As I pulled out, he scratched and yelled that he'd won a free ticket.

I certainly hope that ticket was a big winner!

#AprilRAOK

1911 Reads

Frodo, Sam and the KindSpring Family

I’ve been thinking lately about my visits to the KS community, about how much I enjoy coming here and about the different types of messages which are posted here. I like to participate in some way too as I feel that it’s only fair to give as well as to receive encouragement from all of you however, I’m often at a loss as to what sort of thing to share. Should I post a pretty picture of a flower, an inspirational quote or should I tell a kindness story? When I first came to KindSpring I had recovered from depression and anxiety attacks, KS helped me to see beyond my immediate field of vision, and the inspirational stories of kindness renewed my outlook on life and the world in general. I had come from a period in my life which was pretty much summed up by these words from Tolkien which I ... Read Full Story >>

3205 Reads

I Thought I Was Doing Something Kind For Others And Really The Kindness Was Extended To Me!

I was out of town this weekend and anxious to get home to my responsibilities. My mother has a dear friend who is dying of cancer, and since my mom was out of town she offered to take my nephew and I to lunch and play at the pool at their country club. I already wasn't feeling well and I really didn't want to go. I just kept thinking about how I needed to head home and prepare for my week. After some thought, I realized this women is a wonderfully kind lady, always been good to my mom and my family, her days are numbered and even though I don't feel like it I should feel honored that she would like to spend some of her last hours with me. So I organized it and took my nephew to meet her and play in the pool. I was too tired for ... Read Full Story >>

1742 Reads

He was walking in poor weather

Last Thursday evening we had thunder, lightning, and very high temperatures.

I was driving in my car on my way home when I saw a person walking with a small backpack and a large trolley suitcase on the 'bike road' next to the road I was driving (like we use to have in Holland). There were no houses for the next 5 miles! I stopped as soon as possible and asked if he (the young man) wanted a lift.

He was amazed and told me that the wheel of his bike had fallen off. He had to go to the University of Twente and wasn't aware the road was that long (He was German, not Dutch). When we arrived and he got out the car and I handed his suitcase over to him, I think he was still confused about his "angel". He was so shy, so sweet. :-)

1041 Reads

Birthday Kindness

It was not as stressful as I thought it would be but it was hard and I needed one extra day: I did 44 acts of kindness in June - my birth month - one for every year of my life. I think that'll become my new birthday tradition..at least for a few years ;)

1056 Reads

Changing the World

I don't normally "repost" others writings but this is so beautiful. So true. And something I vow to do daily. And most days I do. I am changing the world. YOU are changing the world. We all are changing the world. 💜 

"She felt like doing her part to change the world, so she started by giving thanks for all of the blessings in her life, rather than bemoaning all that was missing from it.

Then she complimented her reflection in the mirror, instead of criticizing it as she usually did. Next, she walked into her neighborhood and offered her smile to everyone she passed, whether or not they offered theirs to her.

Each day she did these things, and soon they became a habit.

Each day she lived with more gratitude, more acceptance, more kindness.

And sure enough, the world around her began to change. Because she had decided so, she was single-handedly doing her part to change it."
 
- Scott Stabile

2086 Reads

Witnessing a life lived with a different set of rules

I realize that we all live in a world where mutual trust is in short supply. Seems like everywhere I go, I have to prove my identity and trustworthiness - whether it's a bank, shop or any office. I have been conditioned to live by the rule that, no one is trustworthy unless proves otherwise. I need proof for everything. Yesterday I saw a young man who lived by a totally different set of rules. I was walking along a busy intersection. I had just gotten out of  a crowded ATM to take out some money. I was very careful to make sure no one was standing  behind me or  was looking over my shoulder not even  too close to me to be able to see what I was typing into the ATM machine. I came out into the street and noticed a young man standing near the pedestrian crossing selling toys and trinkets. Normally I ... Read Full Story >>

3257 Reads




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