Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Two Patients in ER

I was at home and my back started to hurt very badly so my mom took me to the emergancy room. I waited there for quite some time while they tried to get me a room, all the while the pain in my back was getting steadily worse.

There was only one other person in the waiting room so I wondered what could be taking them so long. The nurse came in and called the other person, by this time I was crying and breathing so fast I almost passed out. The other person, seeing that I was in extreme discomfort told the nurse that I could go in and she would wait a while longer.

When I was there I didn't realize what they had done, all I could think was pain. I was diagnosed with kidney stones and after I got out of the hospital I realized they had to be a very nice person to give up their hospital bed to someone they didn't even know!

70 Pence to Charity

I went bowling and was thirsty so I bought a drink and donated the 70 pence change to charity.

When my  dad found out he was furious  and told me off. I don't think that's fair. The children in hospital need the money more than he does. But even though I got told off I think it was a kind thing to do.

Sophie

Age 10

Neighbourly Bond

My neighbour is disabled so every Saturday I buy her some dinner and she tells me all about her sons and that one of them only visits at Christmas. 

I felt so sorry for her. So I am making some home made biscuits for her today and I hope she will like them. I can't wait to  see the look on her face and feel the warmth inside of me.

The Wall Outside the Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.  They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon,  when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with ... Read Full Story >>

Meeting A Couple That Was Living In A Tent.

They were too proud to take the offer of shelter.  They said they were doing fine.  We visited their tent and realized that there was much they still needed to stay warm in the coming months. 

Having been homeless ourselves, in the past, we knew from experience what they would need.  We came home and went through all of our stuff.  Socks, blankets, long underwear, sweaters, coats, a plastic tarp, a large plastic container that would seal. The list goes on but you get the idea.  We took the items to them and gave them rides to the Social Security office to get their cards, helped them get their photo id's.  That in turn allowed them to get work.

I'm happy to report that they no longer live in the tent.  They just moved into their own apartment here and we live just a jog from his work. 

We see them every Sunday at church.  It's a thrill to see the pride in their faces and am so blessed to have been a part of it.  It never fails to amaze me that the human spirit can accomplish so much more when it is given a hand-up rather a hand-out.

Perfume And A Smile

A friend of mine is going through a rough time. Her husband is struggling with addiction and away from home for some rehab. It's been very difficult for her to be home with the children and alone.  I try to put time aside from my work day to spend time with her each day.  We were talking and sharing thoughts and she got on the subject of not having extra money for herself  lately. She said "Yeah, I miss being able to spray 'TommyGirl' (a perfume) on myself and feeling so good." I decided that I would go without extras & fast food to come up with the extra money to get the perfume for her. The next day I went to the store and bought it for her and wrapped it up pretty and left it on her desk at work!  She called me to her office and said  "YOU Didn't, did you?" ... Read Full Story >>

Mystery Muffin Giver - Part 2

I just wanted to let you guys know that I have followed suit and left muffins along with a smile card in our lunchroom at work. It was so hilarious to see co-workers trying to find out who left them.

One just passed by my cubicle saying loudly to everyone in the room,  "Thank you whoever left the muffins. They taste great." She had a big grin on her face. It made me feel happy seeing her so happy. I really hope they pass the joy along.  Thank you to the original Mystery Muffin Giver for your wonderful story, which motivated me to pass a little happiness around. Giving certainly is fun! 

Naomi And Harry Potter

Today is the beginning of my annual holiday here in the UK. A friend  and work colleague is a single  mum of 2 and struggles financially at times.

She mentioned the other day that her eldest really had her little heart set on the latest Harry Potter but she didn't know where the extra money would come from!

I got the  book last night - gift wrapped it and put it on my coleagues' desk while she was at lunch. I dont know who will have the best holiday this fortnight ...

Naomi or me !! 

A Dime for a Folder

I have recently thought about an incredible act of compassion extended to me many years ago.

In fourth grade we were suppose to bring in a dime for a folder to use in class. My parents were divorced and money was in short supply. Watching my mom fend off creditors, I did not have the nerve to ask her for a dime. When I got to school, I really wish I had asked my mother for the dime because everybody else in class had the dime ready on their desk for the teacher. I was embarrassed and felt silly.

Somehow, A girl named Karen, sitting next to me, saw my personal suffering and waited until the last second to put a dime on the corner of my desk. Even though I never said a word, she saw my quiet anguish and only wanted to relieve it. She said nothing and I was too embarrassed to say thank you. It was the most genuine, authentic act of kindness I've ever experienced.

Preseverance

A lady staggered across the road in front of me.  She was crying.  Pedestrians stared but no-one helped.  The light turned green and there was a line of cars behind me.  I pulled away but became anxious for her.  I felt God was asking me to go back.  When I got back, there were so many people everywhere but she was nowhere to be seen.  "Lord, if You need me to help, show me where she is” I prayed.  As I turned into the direction she was headed, reality hit me.  This was one of the most unsafe areas in town and I was on my own.  I began to feel angry at myself. “Is this really God or me being over-emotional” I wondered.  After all, someone would surely help her.  I decided to turn into the next road that would lead me out of there.  I did and there she ... Read Full Story >>

A Bus Ticket

I was traveling in a public bus. At a bus stop a group of small boys got in to the bus with books and bags in their hands. The conductor of the bus started to issue tickets for them. All the boys were getting their tickets individually while one was still searching for his money.

He put his small hand in to the pockets on his trousers. He put his hand into his bags' deepest ends and corners. He was nervous.  I noticed this and quickly  took a note of money and slowly put on his small hand. He looked at me with a relief impression ...did not say a single word....and quickly asked for his ticket from the bus conductor.

This incident made me really happy.....even today when I remember this, I feel really happy.

                                                    - Chandrika

Gift From The Universe

I was recently taking a walk and noticed a tree with a low-hanging branch reaching out towards me. I immediately saw it as a hand reaching out, offering to take my hand. It felt good to think of the notion of one being there to hold my hand in difficult times.

Later I considered this tree to be a lesson for me. It was a reminder that the universe offers us all we need to traverse life's challenges. It only requires that we be "present" in the moment to see what is before us.

"The Secret"

I manage apts in a difficult part of the Bay Area.  I've given notice to resign from my position and will be vacating my home on site.  I wanted to leave a gift  for the residents to inspire them to do well. 

I had purchased the movie "The Secret" and  I wanted to share it but I didn't have the funds to buy new movies for everyone so I decided to loan it out.  I was lending the movie to a neighbor and she said she could make copies for me, but she was out of blank disks.  I told another neighbor I wanted her to watch it and she said she could make copies but her computer was down but she did have 5 blank disks.  I took the blank disks and went to a 3rd neighbor who offered to make copes last night.  My desire to share the movie with others inspired them to help me get it out there.  

It reminds me of the story, "Stone Soup".  We all have a way and a means to contribute if we want to and I trully believe we all want to. 

Painting Mindil with Smiles

I live in a small town in the north of Australia. It's not much and it's only starting to be a little more known because some scenes in the movie "Australia" are being filmed there. However, before the movie and resident of my town would tell you that it's famous for Mindil. For people who don't know, Mindil is referring to the Mindil Beach Markets which are held on Mindil beach every Thursday and Sunday night in the dry season. So that's the basics you need to know. I was down at mindil on Thursday night last week in the last few days of my holidays. It was busy and there was lots going on. I had recently received my 70 smile cards all the way from America. I was excited and ready to paint a smile on the face of Mindil. I went prepared. Bright coloured clothed, rainbow shoelaces and ... Read Full Story >>

A Message Of Peace

A Message of Peace I contribute to Peace when I strive to express the best of myself in my contacts with others. I contribute to Peace when I use my intelligence and my abilities to serve the Good. I contribute to Peace when I feel compassion toward all those who suffer. I contribute to Peace when I look upon all as my brothers and sisters regardless of race, culture or religion. I contribute to Peace when I rejoice of the happiness of others and pray for their well-being. I contribute to Peace when I listen with tolerance to opinions that differ from mine or even oppose them. I contribute to Peace when I resort to dialogue rather than to force to settle any conflict. I contribute to Peace when I respect Nature and preserve it for generations to come. I contribute to Peace when I do not seek to impose my conception of God upon others. I contribute to Peace when I make Peace the foundation of my ideals ... Read Full Story >>

Pretty Stationery

This past week, I thought I would get in touch with an old friend, whom I haven't seen in about 3 years! 

I simply mailed her some stationery, with a flower pattern. I also included a matching pen and magnet, because this friend loves to write!  I sent her a short note telling  her that I'd been thinking about her and that I loved her.  I'm sure she was surprised. 

I often feel that the best gifts are the unexpected ones.  Especially when you feel that you are probably the last person on the person's mind who sent you the gift!  ( :

Thanks , Meg

A Friend to Lean on

The doorbell rang... it was 9am, and I was sleeping in. I wondered weather or not I should ignore it, roll over and go back to sleep. I thought I had better answer it, it could be an emergency. A woman stood at my door, with a scarf over her head, covering her hair, and she said 'Hello, is your Mum in?' I said she was on holiday, but did she want to come in anyway. It turns out she is an aunt of a friend of mine, who Iv lost contact with. They are refugees from Afghanistan, and her brother had just been murdered back in their home land, she was crying, and had remembered how my family had looked after her neice when she needed it, and came to find us. She just needed a shoulder to cry on. We sat together for 6 hours while she cried, ... Read Full Story >>

Acute Depression

I suffer from depression and take medication daily in an attempt to correct the situation. Like most people who have depression you don't want it known and tend to keep it to yourself. Today at work we were faced with a situation where an employee was struggling with work, this had been the case for a while. Some of the other staff made comment that he seemed very down and was not performing his work tasks well. I thought to myself "I bet he is depressed". I made a point at lunchtime of going out to see him. You could tell straight away that he is suffering from acute depression. I am no medico but have seen that look many times in the mirror. Anyway I asked him to come to my office for a chat and explained that I have a few "challenges" in my life with depression and that ... Read Full Story >>

Ripples of Kindness in an 8 year old.

My granddaughter came to visit yesterday and she asked what the smile card on my desk was for. I explained their meaning to her. She responded by informing me that everyone should have smile cards and should use them every day. 

She is very kind hearted and loves to help people. I have to admit she even comes up with ideas of things for me to do for the veterans I adopt. Her grandpa wasn't feeling well so she took it upon herself to go to the garden and pick the cucumbers and other vegetables. She brought them in so he wouldn't have to go out.

When she got back, she said, “their grandma I did a kind deed today too.” She's only 8. I hope she continues to be this way the rest of her life.

"Making it Our Own"

We have just moved house, and there are boxes every where. My sister and I take a lot of pride in our places, and love to make it ‘our own’, with pictures on the wall, ornaments out, and things put away tidily. My sister’s room was by far the worst, a total bombsite, as she had packed everything up in 1 rushed hour. Clothes were everywhere, stuffed in random bags and boxes, shoes, bags, cosmetics just scattered every where. She has a busy job, working 5 days a week,and comes home from work totally drained. She was keen to unpack her room and get it organized, and tried to do little bits after work, but just didn't have the time and energy, so just left it.   That weekend, she went out for the day. I went into her room, and got to work. At first I hesitated, I had no idea where ... Read Full Story >>