Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Letting The New Tenant In

I came home one afternoon and found a lady inside the building where I live. She seemed a bit confused but introduced herself as the lady from the housing agency. She was wondering how best to arrange access for a new tenant on Saturday at 4pm, because she could not be there herself. I had been looking for the opportunity to talk to someone about fixing my window shutters. So, assuming God had sent her, I asked her.   She asked if I would be around at that time to let the new person in and I said I wasn't sure, but I offered to ask if any of the other residents would be around. None of them were sure either.  I told the lady this and forgot about it.    On Saturday morning I had to go for shopping. It was hot and when I came home it was 3pm and I just wanted to ... Read Full Story >>

1499 Reads

A Little Sister's Love for Her Brother

It was several years ago when my brother was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). The message was hard to grasp for my parents as well as myself.   At the time , he could barely walk or stand -- he either used a cane or was in his bed.  He didn't want to do anything for himself: he didn't want to get out of bed and he ate all the wrong foods for his body (junkfood). He was basically  giving up and letting go.  It was hard to understand why he is doing this. Our parents wake up every day to go to work and help my brother who I think, thinks nothing of their very kind and very strenuous efforts to help him.  You may have heard of the term, "God helps those who help themselves," but he wasn't helping himself. I then decided to take matters into my own hands. I walked to his apartment and told him ... Read Full Story >>

11.7K Reads

An Ice-Cream Treat

I had just paid for my shopping at the checkout today and I was leaving, I heard the lady behind me ask the assistant how much a little packet of ice cream cost. 

The lady had the ice cream packet in her shopping basket, but was afraid that she would not be able to afford it.

I offered to pay for the ice cream for her so she did not have to worry.  She was so happy.  

1472 Reads

Supper Time Kindness

The wife of a friend of mine is very ill.  I decided to cook supper for their family.  I prepared the meal and packed it up carefully in plastic boxes.  

Then I drove to their house and left it on their doorstep for them. No cooking for that family tonight!

1152 Reads

Waiting For YOU To Call

I had a friend who was very close to me. He was more like a little brother to me. I loved helping him and he did the same for me!

A year ago, we argued about something and so we didn't talk to each other after that day! I felt very bad and I missed him so much.
 
So, a few days ago I text messaged him saying I was sorry about what happened, we both were very angry at that time and I was sure we could forgive each other and become friends again.
 
I waited for his reply but I didn't get one. Then I got a call from an unknown number and it was him! He said, "I am sorry too. Let's just be friends again and be the same as we were before." 
 
I was so happy to see that!
 
I have a job now and, guess what! He is the one who is driving me to and from my workplace!
 
Sometimes we feel that others are angry with us because of something that we did wrong but, guess what! They might be waiting for our message, just like we were waiting for theirs!

 

1825 Reads

Postcards To Strangers

I went to the Head Post Department of Baroda and have purchased four hundred postcards. 

 
I have distributed them amongst my friends and we are going to do something unusual.
 
Using the directory of Baroda Telecom and randomly selecting addresses we are going to send the postcards to four hundred different people whom we simply don't know!

There will be no information to identify the senders, just four hundred anonymous, positive and life affirming messages!

 

1249 Reads

Tending a Garden With Love

I know my daughter loves the fresh veggies from her garden but often her garden becomes overgrown with weeds because she doesn't have time to tend to it.  I have made a habit of caring for her garden and love to see how happy she is when she notices the freshly turned soil, all weed-free and watered. I can't always do this because it depends on how much my arthritis is acting up, but it's such a joy to do it when I can.  

1641 Reads

A Big Gesture to Help a Friend in Need

My friend's husband left her suddenly, taking the car and leaving her with the mortgage.  She was left with 3 children to take care of.  

My friend had no way to get the kids to school and get to her job on time without a car. I told her I would see to it everything will be okay.  I wanted to do something to help her.

Later that day, I drove to her job and handed over the keys to a brand new Cadillac Escalade and the title.  This would mean she could get her kids to school and get to her job on time.  

The only thing I asked for in return was 1 dollar.

4523 Reads

Memorable Moment With A Disturbed Angel

I was praying in church on my own on a Monday afternoon. A woman in her twenties came in. She placed her bundle of dirty clothes next to me and sat down. 

I was slightly apprehensive and did not know what to expect. She was wearing a dirty nightgown and her behaviour led me to suspect she might be mentally or emotionally unbalanced. She told me her name and asked me to pray for her. Suddenly, she said she needed five rupees. I gave her ten rupees. 
 
You should have seen the delight on her face when I gave her the money. It was worth million dollars! She squealed, "Hiyaaaa!" and ran out with her bundle of dirty clothes, leaving me speehless and joyful.
 
What a delightful meeting with a soul in bondage. I silently prayed that God would heal her.
 
I rejoice in times such as these. Who needs to be famous when even ordinary lives can have golden moments like that?

 

1572 Reads

Comic Books For An Elderly Neighbour

There is an elderly lady in our neighborhood who spends her evening sitting on her garden swing reading comics.  

She usually only gets new comics when her grandkids arrive from the U.S. for vacations. At other times she just has to re-read the ones she has. 
 
We have book/newspaper store nearby and I paid the owner Rs.100/- for him to deliver comic books to the lady’s doorstep. I had a good collection of comics too, which I bundled up and have left at her doorstep.  
 
I hope and pray she had a good read and enjoys re-living her childhood.
 
 

1848 Reads

A Homeless Woman Bought Me A Coffee!

My father and I started our morning by darting into the local grocery store. I waited on line at the Starbucks counter while he shopped around to pick up a few things.  As I was standing there I became aware of an elderly woman, hair disheveled, wearing layers upon layers of old torn clothing, hunched behind me in line.   She had a few toiletries and seemed to want the Starbucks cashier to ring up since that queue was shorter than the grocery store queues were.    At some point I became aware of her edging closer behind me - closer than I was comfortable with! I instinctively placed a hand over my purse and drew it closer to me. My fear and imagination raced creating wild stories about this homeless woman who might try to steal from me. Then it was my turn to order. As the barista rang up my total I discovered I ... Read Full Story >>

16.2K Reads

Easter Kindness Amongst the HelpOthers Community

Some beautiful stories of Easter acts of kindness, as reported by Smile Group members of HelpOthers.org ... trionafaye shared: "Made some Easter sugar cookies. Shared them with the staff at the nursing home for the great care they provide for my mother but to offer them a little treat, as they have worked the Easter holiday." wooka85257 shared:"made my 93 year old mother an Easter basket and set it on her walker to find in the morning. She was like a little kid... exclaiming over all the chocolates and the goodies inside. Happy, happy!" HappinessCountsT shared:"Helped my mom to set up my little sisters princess Easter basket. I also gave her old pink Easter basket cause she's turning four years old on Tuesday" HappyDae shared:"Put a little Easter Basket of candy on the kitchen table with an "I love you" card for my sweet husband to find. He was so surprised...Big Smile!!" Jennypoo shared:"My son and I hid colorful plastic eggs filled ... Read Full Story >>

4568 Reads

All She Needs Is A Prayer Or Two Away

A friend called over yesterday to use my home phone as she had no credit on her mobile (cell.) She then began talking about having no food in her pantry as she had spent her money the week before so her daughter could go on a school trip to Sydney Zoo.    She called a few charities to try for some food and assistance. I spent the whole morning with her trying to find a solution to some of her other worrys and driving her to pick up some food.    My friend is also 38 weeks pregnant and has  a five year old daughter and has been finding things really tough over the past few weeks. So, each Saturday we visit garage sales where I have gotten her a pram, car seat, baby sling, bottle sterilizer, and other needed items.   Yesterday I visited the supermarket for food and took her with me, telling her ... Read Full Story >>

1848 Reads

The Gift Of Time To An Upset Student

A student wanted to talk to me about a problem she had been having. She was due to meet me at 8.30am and I had a workshop to attend at 9. 

Well, it was a very fruitful meeting. Amidst lots of tears the whole story came out. Then we identified not only the problem but several solutions as well. She ended up feeling more confident and empowered. She knew what to do and she felt like I understood her situation.

I was so "present" with her that I didn't even notice the clock. It was 10:30 when we'd finished going through everything! 
 
I didn't mind about being late for my workshop and she was so glad that I had listened openly and let her go on until she was finished. 
 
Never underestimate the power of your gift of time to someone. These days people always seem to be in a hurry but if we are fully present for someone I think it can often make a huge difference.

 

4443 Reads

A Craving For Ice Cream

This morning I was running errands and had a sudden urge for an ice cream from McDonald's.   I tried talking myself out of it; I hadn't had lunch yet; I really didn't need it; I already passed McDonald's! But I gave into my craving and turned around.   A homeless man was begging for change at the traffic lights. He looked so tired and defeated. I pulled a couple of dollars out of my wallet and gave them to him. I asked him if he was hungry and he said yes, but that the money I had given him would buy something to eat.   I pulled up to the drive-thru to get my ice cream and decided to go ahead and order him a burger, fries and a coke.    When I handed him the bag I told him I had gotten him some lunch and he stared at me in disbelief. He immediately started ... Read Full Story >>

2140 Reads

"Don't Be shy - Just Ask Him."

I helped a young woman overcome her shyness and take courage. 
 
She liked a young man at work and wanted to get to know him better. I asked her what she would really like to say to him. She suggested, "You know, I really like you, J, and I'd like to get to know you better. Could we have a drink after work?" 
 
She felt very embarrassed at the thought of doing this but I encouraged her to say it several times. She got very embarrassed and laughed a lot. Eventually, she decided she had nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying it.
 
I next saw her two years later and enquired if she had ever asked J for a drink.
 
To my delight she said she had, and what is more they had married and were expecting their first child!
 
Awwwwww! :-)

1042 Reads

Books For Veterans

I love to read! Of course, this eventually means I have to make space on my bookshelves for new books!
 
So, I decided to call up my local Veterans Hospital and ask if they could use any of them. They were thrilled and told me that they were in need of reading material of all types.  
 
I loaded up six large boxes of books straight away, and headed out with them to somewhere I now know they will be greatly appreciated.

884 Reads

Fun At The Post Office

Of the endless number of things that give me joy posting parcels to friends, family and even anonymous friends always makes my heart sing.   There is something magical in choosing a number of things; objects, toys, books, etc., then sitting down and taking time to write a letter with the latest news, wrapping everything in beautifuly decorated paper and taking it to the post office to be delivered.   My favourite days are those in which I get to the post office with five or six parcels and say to the lady attending to me, "Okay, today we are going to take a trip around the world! This parcel goes to the USA, this one to Mozambique, this one to Australia, this one to Portugal, this one to India and this one to Canada!"   Of course, the cost is sometimes on the expensive side but then I focus on all the smiles and all ... Read Full Story >>

1158 Reads

More Than Just A Card

I recently joined a website where we trade books with other users through the mail.   There was one girl who had a book I really wanted to read and it was available for trading. So,  I asked her to send it to me and she said she would.   A few days later the book was delivered and, as I picked it up to smell the pages (I love the smell of books), I noticed a little card between the pages.   I picked it up and couldn't help but smile brightly as I noticed what it was. Yes, it was one of this website's "Smile, you've just been tagged!" cards.    The thing is, in the country where I live (Portugal) I had never heard of this website, but as I read the card I saw the website address. So, yes, that is how I found out this wonderful place existed!   After spending some time thinking about ... Read Full Story >>

1305 Reads

An Angel In A Wheelchair?

I was out in my car on a street in Beverly Hills, California, when I  noticed an old, old man sitting in the street, just off of the curb, in his wheelchair.     He didn't seem to be going anywhere. He was just sitting there, alone, in his chair. There were lots of people around but no one paid him any attention.    One of those smaller buses that gives rides to the elderly and to the handicapped was parked just a few feet from him. The driver honked a few times, as if to attract someone's attention. Then the bus left left without the driver even getting out.   I approached the old man and noticed his glasses were thicker than the bottom of a coke bottle. His eyes seemed blurred and wavery  through them. I asked him if he was alright. He seemed hard of hearing as well. I patiently repeated my request ... Read Full Story >>

1420 Reads




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