Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Song I Wrote Last Night

I was feeling a little down last night and I came here and read and read.  It picked me up and I wrote this song.  The chords are in parenthesis. "Its Not Too Hard" It's not too [G]hard to be [C]nice If you [G]want to be.[C][G] It's not too[G] hard to be[C] happy If you [D]try. You just [C]reach out your [D]hand and you [G]help another [C]friend and you'll be [G]glad that you [D]are who you [G]are. It's not too hard to be friendly if you need a friend. It's not too hard to be helpful if you try. You just reach out your hand and you help another friend And you'll be glad that you are who you are. Cause [F] being a good [C]person is [F]good for your [C]health and [F]helping one [C]another will [F]give you all the [C]wealth That you [D]need. Its not too hard to be great if you want to be It's not too hard to be special if you try. You just reach out your hand and ... Read Full Story >>

Two Dollars That Changed My Life

Everyday I walk down the mall to get a cup of cappuccino, and every day I get hit up for spare change.  Every day.  The panhandlers all have these wonderful stories but you never know what to believe.  After a while it gets to be an irritation, and then I find myself getting upset that I'm so irritated over what is really just spare change.

One day this person came up to me and said, "I just ran out of gas.  My car is about six blocks away from here, I have two kids in the car and I'm just trying to get back home."

I said to myself, "Here we go again," but for some reason I gave him $10.  Then I went on and got my cappuccino.  As I was walking back to my office, I again saw the man standing by his car, which had run out of gas right in front of my office.  Seeing me, he came over and said, "Thank you, but I don't need the full ten," and handed me $2.

Now I find that being asked for money no longer bothers me and I give whatever I can everytime I get the chance.

Remembering Referrals

I try to use local help -- especially "Mom & Pop" businesses, single Moms or college students for different services I need around the home.  And if I like the services they provide, then I ask for several business cards.  When friends ask if I had the same service done or can recommend a company, then I whip out their business card and share. It benefits both.

Last year, a few of us went to a Home and Garden show in downtown Denver; my husband's friend said that he was looking for indoor/outdoor special heat resistant blinds.  A few months later, he had them installed them and absolutely loved it.

When I had them later installed inside our home, the saleswoman asked if someone referred them...I said yes and gave his name and address.

He was pleasantly surprised the following week with a check for $50.00 for the referral!

Kindness Duty Calls

Our neighbors are away on vacation.  We were asked to  pick up their mail and newspaper while they were traveling. We were happy to help  them out.

While they were away, it also happened to be garbage pick up day. I was not asked to wheel down their garbage can, but knew it would be a nice thing to so that they wouln't have stinky smelling cans to greet them when they returned (the garbage would have been there for almost 2 weeks if I didn't put it to the curb side).  I also noticed their flowers looking a little thirsty, so I gave them a sprinkle. :)

Little things that take only a few minutes can make a big  difference.  I think they will be happy when they return today.

Treat someone like you would like to be treated...doing it without being asked will show you really care about them.

Five Year Old Jacob's Chocolate Cookies

My husband is not a big fan of kids, especially those without manners and that misbehave. One of our neighbors has 3 children and the oldest is Jacob. He's 10 now, but was 5 at the time.  Just a big bundle of love and energy, with his bright blue eyes, red hair, freckles and braces.  (For you all that remember Mayberry RFD on TV- he's Opie's  look-alike!  For the rest of you, he's a darling! I just love him to death). For some reason, he took a liking to my husband.  Everytime he saw him, Jacob would wave, dash across the street and come visit.  If he was in the garage repairing his bikes or in the front yard cleaning, Jacob would wave, dash across the street and come visit.  Jacob would always ask so many questions and keep my hubby company. They would ride bikes together, and what not.  They really seemed ... Read Full Story >>

Ice Cream Versus The Beggar

I started walking from school to our house when I was in 4th grade.  By that time, my allowance was just 10 pesos (about 2 dimes) -- just enough for a tricycle fare (which is 5 pesos).

After I crossed the highway one very hot noon, I saw a very thin man, with a can beside him for alms. Just ten steps after him was the stand where ice cream was sold for 5 pesos. 

My heart was struck but my mind wanted ice cream.

I stopped to think for a while. "If I buy an ice cream and give the man my fare, he won't be able to by anything that could satisfy his hunger. But if I let down my cravings and give him my ten pesos, he can buy rice and put some soy sauce to taste."

I don't know why but I didn't want anyone to see me do my kind act, so I dropped the coin silently and ran to my house with a smile.

I will not forget that moment forever, that feeling that lifted my heart. ^___^

Go Home

At work today one of my friends who is usually very cheerful seemed quiet and down.

Each time I saw her in the hallway and she was looking down to the floor when she walked by. I felt bad that she was upset or sad.

She has 2 jobs and I go home when she starts her second job watching children until parents get out of work at the end of the day. When I went home I told my husband and he said why don't you go visit her right now and talk and see if she just needs a break from work...let her go home early and you stay to watch the kids till their parents pick them up.

So I did go back and talked to her. She seemed happier and said it was just a hard day and working with the little children now was giving her a lift.

She thanked me for coming back and caring about her. She wouldn't go home early though, but she was happy that I offered to stay so she could go home and relax .  I think knowing others cared about her helped her feel better and I'm glad I could be supportive to her.

God Blessed Me With Tunics =)

So there's a bit of a heat wave over here, it's been 80 degrees a lot. (For the northwest area of the states, that's pretty hot!) And since I'm muslim, I can only wear shirts with full length sleeves and long skirts, no t-shirts, tank tops, or shorts. So tunics are awesome in the summer because they are light, yet still very modest.

Anyways, I was gettin depressed because they aren't currently selling any here(I only have a couple, because usually it's below 70 here so I have mostly thicker clothing), and I don't drive so I can't go to a bigger city to find some. And internet sites are too expensive(I still live with my parents and just get allowance).

So as I was telling all this to one of my friends over the phone, she said she'd give me some of hers! Yay!! God bless her heart for saving me from the heat. =) 

So yes, my kindness of the week is kindness given to me.

By the way, ice cream is good for heat waves too. ^_^

A Surprise "No Charge"

My neighbor's have been trying to sell their house for 8 months.  The husband took a job out of state so there is no one to do the "man" chores.  They are having to pay 1 mortgage in one town and rent in another.  The realtor told them they needed to stain their deck but the estimate was $600.  I volunteered to do the job for $200 as I expected it would be a quick job.  It ended up taking 8 hrs. because I took my time to make sure it was done right.  The wife made me lunch & set up the stereo outside to make the day a little more enjoyable.  Her daughter made me cool drinks during the day.  Although the job wore me out, at the end, I told her "no charge". A couple of days later they showed up at my house with a silly grin ... Read Full Story >>

Simply Opening The Door

Just a little thing.

The other day when I was in the local bakery buying my 2 year old a treat, there was an older gentleman with a cane in front of us.  He bought a couple of bags worth and then had to manage with his cane so when he went to the door I rushed over to open the door for him. When I opened the door for him the biggest smile came on his face as I believe he had  totally not expected me to open the door for him and he gave me a big thank you.

Gosh it felt good to do such a little thing but to get such a wonderful response back.

I guess it is even the smallest of things that can make a difference in someone's day!

Reason, Season Or Lifetime

I just received this from my Sister-n-Law and loved it so much I wanted to share with you all....it's so true.....enjoy! People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you thru a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to ... Read Full Story >>

Sharing What I Know

Recently my friends and I have been in the process of trying to gather funds to pursue our masters degree.

Two days ago, I came across several scholarships possibilities through my cousin.  None of my other friends knew about these.

I emailed all of them giving them a LOT of information about how to apply for these scholarships.

My friends were really very happy to get this information from me, especially since they knew we will all be competing for the same scholarships.

One friend said that she was so proud to have me as a friend since I was unselfish enough to tell everyone about it inspite of knowing that now the competition will increase considerably.

Chocolate Bar At The Bank Drive-In

Today I went to the drive-in window at the bank.  I wanted to do something for the teller because it was so busy and I thought she could use something to smile about.

When my money was returned in the capsule , I quickly put a Hershey bar and a smile card in the capsule and sent it back to the teller.

Just as I was getting ready to drive away, I heard a voice over the speaker say "Thank you, that was very sweet of you".

Easy. Keep it up everyone. Opportunities for kindness are all around us!

Something As Simple as Giving Directions

I  try to walk everyday -- usually in the afternoons, around my company.  There are some walking paths, trees and man-made ponds outside.

With 6 buildings that house 3 different companies, we share the cafeteria, the gym and can not access other company's buildings as you need badge access to open the doors.

As I'm out walking, I normally I don't pay no attention to the cars cruising by.  But I do try to be vigilant to kindness opportunities.  And so I noticed a car slowing down and stopped by the curb.

The driver rolled his window down and I asked if he needed help. "Yes," he said.  "I am lost and looking for  Bldg 6 Lobby."  I gave him directions and he was on his way.

Later last week, same thing happened so I again stopped to offer directions to a lost visitor.

It felt good to be able to assist another when lost.  I know I am grateful to others when I too am in unfamiliar areas looking for a store, house, etc and someone stops or assists me.

My First Time Being Generous

Many moons ago , when I was 19 years of age , I had very little, in the way of material goods.  I had popped to the local shop to get some nappies for my youngest child, when I got into a conversation with a lady and her 5 year old child.

I could tell things were not going well for her, so I asked her a few questions about her situation.  Apparently, her boyfriend was meant to pick her up from the bus station 2 days ago but he just hadn't shown up.  And the poor lady had a one way ticket, and no money!  A local group offered to help but she was staying on cold bathroom floors. 

I couldn't just walk away.  So I asked her to get her things together and come with me.  She stayed with me and my family for 2 days until her social security was due.

Today, I willingly would do the same again without even batting an eyelid.  The lady in question wrote me a letter thanking me for my kindness ... and I replied by saying, "Just remember to do the same for someone else."

Helping My Lil Brother Swim

Yesterday, I helped my awesome baby brother to swim in the pool.

I showed him how to kick his feet and blow bubbles and float too.  He was a little scared at first but then he trusted me.  And he did really really good.  The sun was so hot and he got pooped really fast and he took like a 2 hour nap afterwards.  He was soooooooooo tired but I felt good because I taught him a little bit.

I will keep teaching him until he knows how to swim and not drown.  And then, one day, when he gets bigger, perhaps he can help another kid too!

Closure For A Searching Family

I do people search as a hobby to reunite family and friends. I search out postings from people that are trying to find a loved one and do research to reunite them if this is desired by both individuals.

Last week I found a posting from a young lady looking for her grandmother who had left her family and headed to Florida in the 1980's. In searching, I found that this troubled woman passed away homeless, seven years ago. She lived in a tent with 15 cats on the side of a major highway.  A newspaper article mentioned that she was known in the community, and that she volunteered at a soup kitchen and waved to motorists as they drove down the highway. It also mentioned that she was a member of a local church. I contacted that church and was able to share with this family that she had joined the church two years before her death.

I believe that although the news was a shock and sad, they were able to find closure and were comforted knowing that before her death she had been baptized.

Encounter with an Albino Blind Man

Strolling down the streets of New York can be jarring reflection about the state of humanity -- a business man in suit and tie tries to optimize his time by walking and reading newspapers at the time, a thirty-something waitress zips by with her restaurant apron half off and is intently looking at that handheld blackberry; a high school girl is on her cell phone cussing at someone in her Brooklyn accent. Trying to catch my subway train to Penn Station, I felt the New York Minute rush also. Until I notice an albino man ahead of me, walking very purposefully, taking very small, slow, intentional steps. He was blind. For every step he took, he would swing his stick couple of times to get the lay of the land in front of him. I passed him in no time, like everyone else. But then, ... Read Full Story >>

Baby Shower For A Co-Worker

I work in a place of mostly women. We love to celebrate ... birthdays, weight loss successes, bridal showers and of  course baby showers. We have little parties or cakes. Not too long ago, one of our "friends" from work , Joy -- a young, 22 year old -- became pregnant. We've know her for over 4 years, since she started work here right after High School.  But she wasn't married and my women co-workers weren't supportive of her pregnancy. As the months rolled on, Joy was clearly happy to be having this baby. I asked if anyone was going to give her a baby shower and for the most part they thought it would NOT be in good taste to do so since she wasn't married. Because I knew the financial burden would fall on me,  I discussed it with my husband.  And we decided that I would give her a baby shower ... Read Full Story >>

My 24 Hours With Hope

Yesterday, was a beautiful Saturday morning, Memorial Day Weekend in New Jersey.   My partner and I decided to invite our friends for an all Day BBQ, cocktails, food and some volleyball.  In the summers, we love to have lots of people visit us. While I was in our patio, setting up the volleyball net, I saw this little tiny newborn bird that appeared to have just fallen from a huge tree.  I was amazed at how tiny he was! He was not moving at all, but his little eyes were open  and looking all around.   So I grabbed him and he just stayed there in my hand and opened his mouth really wide. :)   "Oh yes, he's hungry," I said to myself.   I went inside the house, and gave him water with a little baby pump and tiny pieces of bread. He ate it all. Although I couldn't see any ... Read Full Story >>