Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Basket Full of Tomatoes

On my usual drive to the office, I pass by a vegetable market. The road there is generally very crowded, with lots of venders and people bustling about.

During my drive one morning, just as I was nearing the end of the market road, a vegetable vendor with a basket full of tomatoes crossed by. His hand slipped, and his basket fell down, causing all the tomatoes to tumble out.

I was focused on getting to work, but thought about how much more of a setback it must be for the vendor to spill his basket. So I applied the brakes and just waited until he finished collecting all his tomatoes.

When he finished, he looked up and gave me a very thankful smile. It made me happy. I felt very grateful for having been given the opportunity to be kind to someone.

A Home For Black Wolf

Around about Christmas time we met a beautiful dog on the street.

Hands Like Sandpaper

On an overcast morning a couple of days ago, I was walking through the city center of my home town in central Germany. The gray sky didn't bother me because trees were finally putting on their green spring dress, and flowers strew gentle touches of color here and there. I was on my way to catch a bus, walking quickly, and easily outpaced a man whose stumbling gait had already caught my eye. While passing him by, I cast a glance towards him, and saw that his head was hanging so low, his chin touched his chest. He was holding a bottle of beer in his left hand. The cap was on, but the bottle was already missing a third of its content. He looked like he could fall over any minute, and hurt himself. I stopped a couple of yards ahead of him, wanting to offer him my help to ... Read Full Story >>

The Grief of Loss and the Gift of Listening

Today and every morning I wake up and think about the son that is no longer physically present in my life.

It is a mourning sickness that does not ever go away. No prayers, no bargaining with God, no amount of walking, talking to the psychiatrist, medication or hugging my dog eases the suffering.

Some days are easier than others. I am so tired of my coworkers telling me "to get over it, this will make you stronger."   Today, I called one of the members in the Survivors of Suicide group and we cried together.

I have been told tears are cleansing so I suppose it was a kindness that we cried and listened to each other. What a lovely gift to lean on one another. Sometimes just listening to someone's troubles is a gift in itself.

The Snack Machine

The other day I had an appointment at my psychiatrist's office. It's a pretty big place so they have a soda dispenser and a snack machine. 

Smile Cards And Strawberry Pie

I went to the gym with my best friend and her husband. After working out we were hungry, so we decided to go out for breakfast.     While we were talking I told her about Random Acts of Kindness and gave her and her husband a Smile card.    Then came a light bulb moment! I thought, 'I'm treating you two to breakfast!' They said, "No, it's okay!" But I told the waitress to give me the bill, and she did.    I wrapped a $20 around a Smile Card and gave it to the waitress. On our way out of the restaurant my best friend wrapped another $20 around a Smile card and gave it to an employee there.    So, she had started her Random Acts of Kindness! It only takes a spark to get a fire going.   While still at the restaurant I also ordered a strawberry pie for my husband. (He had mentioned that ... Read Full Story >>

Wanting to Give Helps Learning to Receive

I had been feeling distant from someone for quite some time.  We hadn't been talking and there were hurt feelings on both sides.  I decided to reach out and text her.  I said I missed her and her kids and asked if they wanted to spend some time together.  She enthusiastically accepted.

Later in the day someone else texted me and offered to take me on a trip in the fall, her treat.  At first I felt guilty, like it was too much.  But then I remembered how good it feels to give and I decided that I would respond with gratitude rather than rejection of her generosity. 

Giving naturally feels good and comes easily to me.  Learning how to feel good about receiving is new for me.  I'm learning about it on this site from other people's stories.  It helps me to remember that giving feels good to the other person.  I don't want to take that feeling away from them by rejecting the gifts they offer.

Give and take, it all balances out.

Cost of a Miracle

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.   She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even.. The total had to be exactly perfect.. No chance here for mistakes.   Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.   She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.   Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!   'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked ... Read Full Story >>

Be Not A Giver Only

Today I decided to bless June who is 90 years old and part of the Senior Rides program. In the early years I was able to drive many seniors to their appointments and June was one of them. She lives with her family, but is so lonely! It's amazing that you can be surrounded by people and still be lonely.   Often, when calling in her ride requests for the month, she would say, "I want to take you to lunch, dear. When you have the time." I would say, "Okay," but not make an effort to receive the blessing.   For months, she's waited patiently for me to call about lunch plans - and now I have! She is so excited about it!   I have realized that blocking or stoping other people's acts of kindness is unhealthy. Someone said it can turn to pride. Ouch! Don't want that.   One of my goals for this year is ... Read Full Story >>

Gift for the Cashier

My friends and I recently returned from our annual week at the beach.  While we were there, a couple of us needed to pick up a few items at the grocery store. As we were checking out, the cashier complimented me on my necklace.  I thanked her, and she asked where I bought it.  I had gotten it at the department store just down the street, and told her that it was on sale for 40% off.  My friend suggested that she should walk over and purchase one during her break. But the cashier said she couldn't afford it right now.   As we left the grocery store, I told my friend I was tempted to buy one for her. She agreed, and offered to pay for half.  So we went back to the department store and picked out a matching necklace for the cashier. As we paid for it, the sales ... Read Full Story >>

A Cake A Day

I have just realized that this month, on average, I must have baked a cake a day!

The Gift of a Card

I'm eleven years old, and I like to make cards. I usually put a bracelet and drawing in the envelope along with the card, and hand it to someone.

I never hang around for people to say thank you, but sometimes my brother hides to watch their reactions. He tells me about them later.

The other day, I gave an old lady a card. Then I sat down to eat with my family. Well, she came over and gave my whole family a hug and kiss on the cheek! Before they had a chance to say "Hi" back, she sat herself down and made very friendly conversation.

I loved her. :)

Sharing A Laughter Break

It was a rainy day and I noticed that the lady coming into the senior center had holes in both shoes. Her toes were sticking through the shoes! It wasn't really time for a break but I decided to take one so I could chat with this lady.   She told me that she does have other shoes but they are not as comfortable as the old ones. She also told me she was going blind and could barely see, and that she has a friend who took her in and helps care for her. Her children live in other states and can't afford to visit.   She started sharing some jokes and we both laughed. Laughter is good for the soul!    When it was time for lunch, she said, "Thank You for taking the time to sit with me and listen to my jokes!"   We all need someone, sometimes, to just sit and listen and let ... Read Full Story >>

My Heart Was Tugged

It was a really chilly evening when I left the office to go to my P.O. Box.  When I arrived in the little shopping center, it was alive with folks bundled up in warm coats going about their busy lives.  To the side of the post office sat a woman on a cement wall, dressed only in sweatpants, a hoodie, and tennis shoes. Beside her were a few plastic bags of belongings.  She looked down when anyone came near her, and shyly looked up to glance when they went by.  She clearly was homeless. She clearly touched my heart.  She had to be so cold. I got into my car to leave, but just couldn't.  My heart was so tugged.  Then, I remembered that I had a brand new down hiking coat in my trunk.  I also had some blankets that I was going to give to the homeless.  This was ... Read Full Story >>

The Receptionist's Smile

Being chronically ill, I have made quite a few visits to the doctor's office.

Over the visits, I've noticed how big a difference it makes when the receptionist greets me with a smile and a pleasant tone. It just makes my entire day a little better, and the illness a little easier to bear! Plus, it puts me in a mood to smile at other people and spread the joy.

While thinking about this, I had a follow-up thought: I wish these individuals, who are only bypassers in my life, knew how much their smiles actually mean to me!

And as soon as I had the thought, I realized that it is possible-- I can tell them. :)

So I gathered some materials, sat down, and wrote cards to all the different offices-- from taxi companies to doctors' offices-- thanking them for being so pleasant and helpful. As soon as I finished, I eagerly mailed them off.

Though I won't be there to see their faces when they read the cards, I hope they feel appreciated and that the notes put smiles on their faces the way they put a smile on mine!

Kindling Kindness with Used Books

I was given a Kindle for Christmas and I love it.

But it has made the many books in my house a little obsolete. So, I am currently clearing out shelves and shelves of books (well--except for my shelves full of favorites!) and I take them to a used book store that is located right next to a lovely thrift shop.

Each time I turn in some of my books, I get vouchers to spend on books in that store. Then, I walk right over to the thrift shop, find people who look like readers, and surprise them with a voucher!

It's so much fun--one of the best things I do! 

Chasing The Brighton Bus

This is a simple story. I was driving along one day when I saw a young couple running, frantically, for a bus. The bus pulled away from the stop just as they arrived!  I slowed down and noticed how upset they looked. So, I stopped and said, "Jump in! I'll overtake the bus and you can catch it at the next stop."    They looked amazed at the offer, but got into my car. We followed the bus but we just couldn't overtake far enough to ensure they would get on. It's surprising how difficult it is to overtake a bus that doesn't stop often!    After a while and some chat with my new passengers it became clear that they were new to the area. They were visiting friends and had to get another bus to the house they were going to. That's when I asked, "Where are you going, exactly," and decided to ... Read Full Story >>

Speciality Soaps For A Friend

I have a friend who is an around-the-clock care giver for elderly folk suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Amazing Albert

The other day I was getting into my car when I saw an old man walking up the hill. He looked tired and, as it was quite a rural area, I waited to check he was okay. 

From My Son and Me

Four years ago, my 26 year-old son took his life. I visit him often at the cemetery and always bring fresh flowers to place at his grave. After a series of visits, I noticed that the woman next to him never has any flowers. So on my last visit, I brought flowers and placed them at her grave site, from my son and me.