Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Lunchtime

Around lunchtime today my son and I were walking in our community's busy "downtown" area. We passed by a homeless man sitting on the street and since I had no cash on me, all we could give him was a smile and a good wish. As we walked on my son asked me didn't I have any money to give him--I said I don't have cash, but why don't we ask him if he would like something to eat. On our way back on that street after doing our errand we saw the same man and asked him if he would like us to get him some lunch. His face brightened up and when I asked what he would like, he just said "anything is fine". So then my son pointed to a rather fancy looking "parisian cafe" type of place across the street and we decided to go in there. ... Read Full Story >>

3375 Reads

Teen's Fire + Motherly Heart = Healing In The Streets

How are we shifting our consciousness to recognize that we all are one big human family? A few years ago a young bilingual yoga instructor from Oakland was biking and had to stop in an intersection to wait for the green light. At that same intersection, there were three male youngsters, who mugged her by asking for her wallet. "Sure" she replied as she gently made eye contact, calmly took her wallet and handed it to them. Last week, the same young bilingual yoga instructor --now being a mother of a 6 year old-- had to stop in the same intersection. Again three men in their teens where waiting for her. She made eye contact and this time, however, there was a different surprise waiting for her. One of the teens had a flower. He looked at her and said: "you are beautiful and look so happy, please take it!" and handed the ... Read Full Story >>

2836 Reads

She Made My Piano Sing

She was in her late 70s when I met her and no longer physically fit. She was hard of hearing, very opinionated, and spoke broken English very loudly. Plus, she was seldom interested in listening. Instead, she talked almost non-stop.  She had very few friends and had no family anymore, except for a son she last heard from in 1986.  Somehow the winds of fate blew her into my life. I was a young bachelor at the time and, once a year, I used to go to the coast for a holiday. My 10 hour journey passed near the little country town where she lived all by herself. Whenever I felt sorry for her I would pick her up – along with her mountains of luggage – take her to the coast for ten days or so, and then bring her home again. And every year I promised myself that would be ... Read Full Story >>

20.1K Reads

A Volunteering Experience that Became a Lifelong Connection

Last year, I kept having this nagging feeling I was living just for the "me, me, me.” With this in mind, I decided to volunteer to break out of this me-centricity. After reaching out to a number of organizations, I got a call back from a dance studio in New Jersey. On my first day volunteering, a remarkable young girl caught my eye. That girl could dance! Aside from her natural skill, which was a delight to witness, she simply lit up the room. She was African American, ten years old and she wore the more endearing big-rimmed glasses. At the end of class, I had to ask her, “How long have you been taking lessons?” She replied shyly, "I wish... I have never taken a class.” I was speechless.  Her teacher told me she lived in a group home, and then and there I knew what I felt called to do. ... Read Full Story >>

3118 Reads

The Smiley Rocks Get Famous

Today I spent some quality time with one of my cousins. We decided to go for a walk at a nearby beach.  

I brought a permanent black marker with me and, as we walked and talked, I occasionally picked up stones and wrote positive words or drew hearts and smiley faces on them.  

On the way back, we could see the original path we took marked by love and smiles. It was beautiful! 

Well, I told one of my sisters about this. A few days later day she, excitedly, called me up to her room. She showed me some pictures posted on a local association's Facebook page. They included two of the rocks I had left behind, one of a heart and the other of the message "Love wins."  

It looks like a couple of the rocks have been found and have reached a wider audience! I hope these messages of love continue to spread.

5744 Reads

Teaching English In The Holidays

A Romanian family just moved into our neighborhood and a friend introduced me to them. They are a young couple with a twelve year old daughter. 

Knowing that both parents worked and the girl is going to be on her own a lot, and knowing that she is really keen to improve her English, I offered to look after her and teach her English during the summer holidays. 

It turns out that she gets on well with my daughter and they have a great time together!

2259 Reads

Universtiy Can Wait

I was on my way to the library to do some studying for history class. That's when I saw my friends and their family knocking on doors.  As I was standing outside one house my friend's brother walked past me and went to the door of the house. When the resident answered I heard him say, "Excuse me. Hi! I am raising money for my mom. She needs to have surgery but we don't have enough money. Could you please help with a donation?"  The lady gave him some coins and he said, "Thank you so much! God bless you." Then he walked on to the next house.  I could see he didn't have much and I also saw he had been crying.  Instead of going to the library I went to the bank. I told them I wanted to withdraw all my savings. The lady in the bank said to me, "But, sweetie, ... Read Full Story >>

2759 Reads

Taco Cabana

I was at Taco Cabana looking at the menu while drinking an iced tea to cool off from a long day of running errands.  I was trying to decide what to feed my family that evening.   An elderly woman was struggling with the door so I opened the door.  She was frail and a little confused with the menu.  After a long time ordering and many questions she pulled out her coin purse to pay.  She had to take an item off to pay as she was short the funds.  I told the cashier (without her hearing) to tell her that her order was on the house and I would pay.  The look on her face was priceless as he told her someone anonymously treated her to lunch.  While they filled her order, I had them add a second meal, 2 desserts, a smile card, and a gift card to her bag ... Read Full Story >>

20.5K Reads
  • Posted by pepsipatporter
  • Nov 24, 2013
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Smiles For Remaining Days

I have this very sweet neighbor who was just diagnosed with cancer. 

She has chosen not to receive any treatment and I try to visit her daily. 

When I received my Smile Cards I was wondering how I could use them to make a difference in someone's life. Imaginary light bulbs flashed as I thought about my neighbor and friend. Mary, I realized, would love some happiness in her life. 

She loves flowers so I bought a small violet and a "Thinking of You" card, then tucked a Smile Card down inside the leaves of the flower. 

That evening I got a call from her asking about the Smile Card. She felt so special. It made her day. It sits in her living room where she can smile at the card every day. 

I am just thankful that I can bring some happiness to such a special and kind lady as Mary. I ask God to comfort her everyday that she is here. 

Thank you sending me my Smile Cards. I will find a way to send her one everyday until she leaves me. 

4269 Reads

A Sub Birthday Surprise

We walked a couple of miles yesterday, pushing my little guy in the stroller. He got hungry so we decided to stop for a "sub" for him.   While we were waiting in line a woman came in. She was very irritated and talking about someone who had asked her for money. In her opinion those people needed to get jobs.    We were feeling a little uncomfortable with the situation and I was wondering what I should say to my kids later, especially my fifteen year old daughter. I always tell her we have to be the change we want to see. I was sort of mulling it over in my head when I heard the lady say, "It's also my birthday, and no one could be bothered to spend it with me."  I knew this was my chance, both to help her change her thinking and to help her feel cared for on ... Read Full Story >>

7566 Reads

Giving The Gift Of G-love

We were having a colder than usual spell. 

While I was filling up with gas I noticed that the young man helping me didn't have any gloves. I looked around and noticed all the other employees had their hands in warm gloves. He was very uncomfortable, rubbing his hands a lot and stuffing them in his pockets every chance he got. 

I looked at the simple, inexpensive, knitted gloves sitting in my purse. It seemed to me that they wouldn't be much help in this bitter cold - but they were what I had, so I offered them to him! 

"Seriously?" he said. 

"Yes," I replied. "Seriously!" 

You would have thought I had given him a $100 dollar bill! I know the gloves helped warm his hands, but not as much as his appreciation warmed my heart. 

3156 Reads

Love Goes Round, Round, Round

About a year ago I learned to knit on a loom, which is a circular device that lets you knit without needles. The yarn goes around and around just like love we give to others. I love making baby hats using the loom and giving them away as gifts. In my free time, I volunteer at a non-profit that assists children and families in need, and I noticed that many of the clients we served were mothers-to-be or mothers with newborn babies. Most of the families we serve need a great deal of help just to get through each day. As I worked with more and more these mothers and families, it struck me: Wouldn't it be nice to share my newfound skill and make hats for these precious little babies? I have since then been donating my hats, and I always attach a small note on the bag that reads "This handcrafted keepsake is ... Read Full Story >>

2298 Reads

Grandpa's Investment Pays Off

When I was a student my family went through a few rough financial years. We got by, but only with much effort and many worries. I had a pick-up truck that was forever breaking down and the thought of the 600km drive to school in it was a worrisome one. As I drove away from home my uncle walked up. I stopped and he threw something onto my dashboard. He leaned in the window, speaking softly. "Years ago," he said, "when I was a poor student myself your grandfather once did this to me. I swore one day I would return the gift. And now I have."  Then he walked away without looking back, and I sensed he did so in order to hide his emotions.   A few miles later I opened the envelope. It contained a few bank notes. It was a gift returned more than two decades later to a second ... Read Full Story >>

6173 Reads

A Ride For Ellie

I was on my way to fill up my propane tank when I saw a 20-something woman, all dressed up and running down the street. She raised her hand to signal a passing taxi but it drove on past. This wasn't a neighborhood taxis drove through all that frequently.

I saw her glance at her watch and heave a sigh of frustration. So, I rolled down my window, asked where she was headed, and offered her ride (even though it was in the opposite direction from my destination.) 

"Ellie" was beside herself with appreciation.

I told her about kindspring.org and suggested she pass on the kindness to someone else! 

1550 Reads

The Cashier's Surprise

My son and I were grocery shopping. As usual at the checkout they had the usual fine display of chocolate temptations and other sweet goodies. 

Instead of asking for something my son whispered to me, "Let's ask the cashier if this chocolate is any good and then, as we're leaving, we can give it to him!" 

I smiled and watched the magic unfold.

The cashier chatted with us about all kinds of things. Then my son, very casually, asked about the chocolate. The guy said, "Oh, yeah. Those are really good!" And then, as we were walking away with our groceries, my son handed the chocolate to the cashier and said, "This is for you!" 

The guy was like, "Really? No! That's ok." But my son just smiled and said, "Yeah, really! It's for you!" 

And we both walked off, smiling broadly. 

2596 Reads

Call The Boss

I had a  conversation with my cell phone company yesterday. 
 
The person I spoke to was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and was able to answer all of my questions about various plans. At first, I just thought, 'Good! They know how to do their job.' But then I though about it some more and today I called his boss.  
 
At first I think the woman was expecting me to complain but I said I just wanted to tell her how pleased I was with the quality of the service I received. The relieved manager told me no one ever calls to say they have done a good job, so I was glad I did!  

10.2K Reads

Red Velvet Cake and Birthday Surprise!

I had never made a Red Velvet Cake until recently! 
 
A friend at work said it was her favorite so I told her I would try to make one for her birthday. I made it in a bundt pan and it turned out delicious. 
 
She loved it! She hugged me and said thank you with tears in her eyes! I told her that I loved seeing other people happy and it was my pleasure to be able to make her favorite dessert for her.
 
And you know what ... it's a win-win situation. I made her day special and I also learned how to make a new dessert! Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting is now going to be one of my favorite cakes to make!
 

2594 Reads

The Girl In The Corner

I know a girl who is not like the other children in as much as she has this unusual physical condition. 

I met her at school where her mom is my math teacher. This day I saw her sitting in a corner of the library by herself, looking very alone. I don't know what came over me but I went to her. At first she wouldn't really talk to me even though I was trying to be a friend. Every time I touched her hair, her hands, or any of her things she moved my hand away. 

I felt I had done all I could, but before I left the library I told her that she shouldn't be ashamed of her appearance like because it was our personalities that were really important. I said that each one of us have the right to live happily and freely without being judged by how we look.

I was about to stand and leave when she suddenly stopped me and hugged me! 

It melted my heart seeing her smiling and I am so glad I made the effort.

2871 Reads

Litter Light

Recently, I was at a park with a group of friends. We were releasing lanterns in the air, and it was enchanting and wonderful.

After we finished, one of my friends pointed out that the covers and other unnecessary parts of the lanterns were strewn all over the park grounds. People had just tossed them there.

Without thinking much about it, we set about picking up all the littered lantern parts. With such a large group, we finished in hardly 5 minutes!
On top of that, while we were picking up all the parts, people took notice and curiously asked why we were picking up garbage.

I think I am realizing the collective power of community. :)

1496 Reads

Everything You Need Is Right There

I only just found out that a neighbor of mine had surgery two days ago. 

I wanted to take her a gift to cheer her up, but I couldn't go out to buy anything. So, I went out into my backyard and picked some flowers. I put them in an old glass jar which I covered with pretty butterfly paper. Then I took them over with a homemade card. 

I am planning to make some food for her family later. 

It's a good feeling, realizing that when you want to give everything you need is already there!

2612 Reads




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