The Gift Of Joy
oday was our neighbor's birthday. He is a special needs adult who takes delight in the simple things we often take for granted. We took him to IHOP for a birthday breakfast (he L O V E S pancakes) and then on a horse-drawn trolley ride around town. We stopped at a bicycle shop and had him pick out a couple of accessories for his bike (he does not drive). His excitement and joy were a gift to us!
- Posted by AnnC
- Sep 11, 2015
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My Kind Friend
buying my textbooks was annoying because I went back and forth between the bookstores because of complications with the textbooks. So my friend had to drive me back and forth in a busy city to these book stores... Then we went to her favorite bakery and although I didn't want anything she bought me a cookie to have anyway! She is so sweet and thoughtful. She also realized it was her friend's birthday who lives in the city we were in, before leaving for our road trip she got her friend a birthday card and made her homemade fudge :). She was so kind throughout the day and I felt so bad for her driving around the city because of my annoying textbooks problems!
- Posted by MelPal
- Sep 15, 2015
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Remembering Each Person's Special Day
make a birthday cake for every person in our school, from the janitors to our head of school. We work in an international school in China, and many of us are a very long way from home. There are almost 60 people that work here. Good thing their birthdays are spread out throughout the year! :-)
- Posted by Weedymom
- Jan 22, 2016
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You Never Know
esterday I took my son shopping with me. He's 18 years old. We went out to buy Thank You cards for people who sent me birthday cards this week. I also bought a garden plaque for a friend who often prays for me. Birthdays are a pretty big deal for me. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the beginning of last year. Being kind and hopefully inspiring to every and anyone that I can has always been a part of who I am, now I use my time making sure that I convey my appreciation as freely as I possibly can. I give warm hugs to people that I encounter when I go out because you never know when connecting to someone will lift their spirits. For the time that I have, I want to spend it being a light to others. This will be my second birthday inside of my diagnosis. I i
- Posted by Kaige
- Apr 30, 2016
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Life's Simple Pleasures
t dusk, I washed my wife's vehicle for her birthday. Neighbors passing by for an evening stroll thought that was strange. I told them it was a gift for Laura. One lady said: "I wish someone would do that for me!" Her husband was with her. LOL! For a change of pace, this morning I made breakfast for my bride of 21 years. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!!
- Posted by wfolkert
- Jun 19, 2016
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Birthday Kindness
t was not as stressful as I thought it would be but it was hard and I needed one extra day: I did 44 acts of kindness in June - my birth month - one for every year of my life. I think that'll become my new birthday tradition..at least for a few years ;)
- Posted by alisamom
- Aug 1, 2016
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Birthday Acts Of Kindness
oday's my 35th birthday. Every year I do acts of kindness, one for every year I've been on Earth during this lifetime. This year I prepared 35 cards to pass out to people. They include a positive message, SMILE card, $5, and a request to use the money to do something kind for themselves, others, or the planet. I'll hand them out with a friend tonight. Fun! :)
- Posted by starryskies
- Sep 13, 2016
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I Arrived On His Birthday In Colombia
were leaving at sunrise. Placing my sleeping bag on the floor, I realized I was already there, kids were going to come anytime soon and I was not ready yet. They got there an hour later. I don't understand why, from so many children, I could not stop looking at one in particular. So I approached him. I saw that he was dirty and his clothes were old. The first thing he told me was that his birthday was that very same day. So I told him to wait for me, meanwhile, I got him a present. I went inside and picked up a plastic ball that was lying in a corner. When I got back, I told him to close his eyes, and from the moment he opened them, a wide smile spread across his face and did not fade. Just for one plastic ball lying in a corner. I realized he was so happy with so littl
- Posted by anaisabelom399
- Oct 2, 2016
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Touched By A Peace Dove
ating out yesterday, the wait staff started singing happy birthday to a gal at the table near ours, as they brought her a piece of cake with a candle burning. We all joined in, and after, I handed her a peace dove (and shared about fellow KindSpring member Mindy. and her peace dove mission). She gifted me with a beautiful smile and appreciation in return. Gave one to her friend as well, and on their way out they both stopped at our table to say thank you again. I wished her the best birthday year ever and felt that connection you share when kindness passes between you while looking in each others' eyes. â¤ï¸ Grateful for the ease of connection Mindy's doves enable. Thank you, Mindy, for adding so much kindness to our world. â¤ï¸ðŸŒ
- Posted by Mish
- Nov 1, 2016
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Manifesting Love 💗
really liked and who liked me too. I called to my sister Berni's house today and as I was leaving she gave me this gift. She said it's for Tuesday week. I was confused, it's a gift for Valentine's Day lol! ! She's never done this before in her life. Such a beautiful sister and I just love her and Philip so much. They are unbelievably good to me. I'll put this story in the Birthday book I'm making for her Birthday just to make her smile. Berni and her husband Philip met the criteria of my manifestation, guess I should have been a bit more specific though, I wanted it to be from a male suitor. Right ..... back to the drawing board .... there's still time for me to be more specific and for the Universe to deliver. ... 💗
- Posted by RoseMarie
- Mar 16, 2017
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Team Of Teachers Surprise Fellow Colleague On Birthday
made a birthday card out of construction paper and markers and got some colleagues to sign it as well. The intended recipient is someone who is known around the department for being "difficult" but I know she has a kind heart and means well--just has a prickly outside. I left the card on the overhead projector so that when she walked into her classroom it would be the first thing she sees. This was a great idea was from a student as I was trying to decide where to put it so she would see it right away. I was blown away by a text I received from her appreciating my effort to make her feel special. It just goes to show that you never know what impact the smallest kindness can have on someone's day.
- Posted by cabbage
- Mar 30, 2017
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They Made His Birthday One To Remember
'love for friend'. A friend of mine is away from his home town, away from family and friends, working in a different city. So, I had this 'gift' plan in my mind, that I would get as many friends from his school to write something nice for him (what they remember about their time together, why they love him, how he inspires them etc.) and then compile it in a video and send him on his birthday. It took almost a month to get the task done as his friends were also tight on their schedule. But we did it. And it was completely worth it. He however didn't get a chance to see it in the day time for he had his busy work day. He saw it at night. I so badly wanted to see his expressions/happiness while he watched the video, but we were miles apart. But yes,
- Posted by pkindian03
- Apr 17, 2017
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A Young Boy's Uncommon Selfless Birthday Wish
ne of my fellow nurses here had a birthday party for her son this weekend. He invited his entire class! He decided that he didn't want any gifts but wanted his guests to bring a donation for the Canadian Cancer society! He just turned 10 year of age. Bravo to him! Together they raised $170. I'm sure the children enjoyed the party and felt great about their contribution to charity!
- Posted by savraj
- Jun 2, 2017
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A 12 Year Old's Alternative Birthday Wish
am so proud of my granddaughter! She celebrated her twelfth birthday this past weekend wit a "stuff the Bus" party. Her school is sponsoring a stuff the bus drive and Kendall wanted to help. She asked her friend to bring something off the school's required supply list to donate in lieu of gifts. The kids all had a blast at the party and were able to help others as well.
- Posted by AnnC
- Sep 23, 2017
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Words That Warm
Aisha came forward handmade card in hand. Her lovely teacher , Mrs. Black, was celebrating a milestone birthday, one that she would rather mark as "29 again!". With the card there was a loaf of freshly made warm zucchini bread. Hugging on her teacher's waist, Aisha shyly leaned up on her tiptoes. "Please give me your attention" she beckoned to Mrs. Black. Mrs. Black leaned in, and Aisha stated, " You are In My Heart, today and even on the weekends". Words that warm the air like a birthday blessing of light that starts from one heart and migrates between two kindred spirits.
- Posted by LiliAB
- Oct 6, 2017
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A Birthday Dinner Becomes An Opportunity To Practice
he other day my daughter and I went out for dinner to celebrate her birthday. We went to a place she loves. The restaurant is on top of a hill and when we arrived the sun was setting behind the mountains. The kind waitress met us at the door but mentioned that, without a reservation, we would have to wait a very long time for our order because they were short staffed. She said that it could be over an hour before we would get our order. Well, we decided that we would leave because she strongly advised that we should! We stood outside wondering what we should do next when the owner came out and insisted that we stay! So we went back in. The waitress was right. We waited close to an hour before we got our appetizers! But do you know what? It was ok because we had tea and we e
- Posted by savraj
- Nov 3, 2017
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Helping Celebrate My Colleague's Mother's Birthday
was able to do a beautiful act of kindness today, one that a year or two ago I never would have done. It wouldn't have even crossed my mind. But thanks to KindSpring and to all the souls that liven it, I am becoming the person I was put on this earth to be. A work colleague messaged me this morning saying it was a sad day. I asked him why and he told me that the day was his mother's birthday. His mother passed away a few years ago. Through our conversation he mentioned he and his father were going out to lunch to celebrate her life. I asked him where he was going to lunch and left it at that. After our phone call I immediately called the restaurant and asked to pay for their lunch today. I explained who they were and made arrangements to pay. When my friend and father
- Posted by brindlegirl
- Mar 31, 2018
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Turning Loss Into Love: The Embeth Project
pondered for a long while about this, and I decided to ask your contribution … On March 30 our gifted daughter should have celebrated her 21st birthday. A day that was supposed to be full of fun and festivities, will be a very lonely day for me and her dad. No birthday cake. No special present. No looking forward to a bright future ahead. Because she passed away when she was only 13. A butterfly who wasn’t able to spread her fragile wings. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. Instead, I decided to ask people to do kind deeds in her name. I call it the Embeth Project, in commemoration of this beautiful soul who crossed my life. In the following days up to March 30, please consider to dedicate an opportunity for a kind deed to Embeth …. a
- Posted by petroskryf
- Mar 28, 2018
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A Birthday Gift Magnified
oday was incredible! One of my students, Miriam, gave me all of her birthday money ($25) to donate to Charity:Water, and organization that builds wells in communities that have no access to clean water. The following week was our school book fair and she had no money to buy any items, but she told me it was okay, that the water was more important. I shared this on social media and many helped: donating to the charity in her name, and raising hundreds of dollars for Miriam to replace the $25 she so selflessly gave away (https://www.gofundme.com/maribel039s-surprise). Today she received her surprise! First, Miriam found out that others were impressed by her selflessness so much so that they donated to Charity:Water in her name. Next, she got to see the 45 second thank you
- Posted by lewski711
- Apr 16, 2018
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Supporting Two Birthday Parties
hile shopping, I overheard a mom tell her little boy and his older sister that she only had money for one birthday party so they would have to share one, even though they were months apart. They both asked if they were going to get a gift and she told them that they had to choose: party or gift. As I turned the corner, I saw that she had a smaller girl in her cart. Seeing them reminded me of my family when I was growing up. We didn't have much, but mom and dad always made sure we three kids had enough. I happened to have three 5 dollar bills in my wallet. I pulled the dad aside and tearfully asked him to give or spend $5 on each child. The look in his eyes and the way his wife's face lit up when he told her more than made my day. It felt so good.
- Posted by griffinl
- Apr 21, 2018
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A New Easel
y wife, Jane, and I have been married for 36 years so we have heard each others stories many times. We are both artists so many of our retellings revolve around our challenges in becoming and sustaining our artist selves. Jane has told the story many times of her parents birthday present of an easel for her to do her art work when she was still a child. But it wasn't an artist's easel, rather it was the kind of "easel" used typically to display a poster on foam-core board. Hence, flimsy, and unsuited for artists' work, and undeniably cheap. Jane never used it for her art work but she got the message loud and clear that mom and dad did not support her efforts. For an artist the work you do is intimately connected with who you perceive yourself to be, so the mess
- Posted by PeterAllen
- Apr 25, 2018
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Global Postcard Kindness
belong to a group called postcrossing.com that maybe some of you KindSpringers know about. It is a group you join on-line and the organization connects you with people all over the world for sending and receiving postcards. If someone wants a card in an envelope, I will include a peace dove and a KindSpring message. The photo is of my effort to collect cards for my mother's birthday. In my bio I asked people to send me a card for my mother's birthday. She turned 85 and it was a challenge to get that many cards for her -- I collected 76 of them and it took a year. But was she ever surprised at the warm words from all over the globe! She took this photo and put it on her Facebook page. I like it so much that I had to share it with you. Postcrossing is a swe
- Posted by SissyLee
- Nov 18, 2019
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Buttons For Benjamin (update)
65 Small Acts of Kindness in Honor of My Missing Son, Benjamin Morse Archer I'm still keeping my promise to do small acts of kindness for 365 days. I began on February 21st of this year, Ben's birthday. I haven't missed a day. The hardest part I knew would be documenting everything, and I was right. I was getting really overwhelmed and stressed by this. I didn't want to break my promise, so I compromised. I wouldn't write anything down or post blogs, but I would keep my promise by checking in with myself each night before bedtime. At first, I felt like a complete cop-out. I had promised to do this publicly. I was so ashamed, I changed every blog that talked about Buttons for Benjamin into a private admin-view only. I don't think
- Posted by DotMatrix
- Dec 20, 2019
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Cake Anyone? :))
ŸŽ‚ Sunday is my husband’s birthday. I wanted to surprise him with a birthday cake, but since we are “sheltering at home” I can’t go out to the bakery. So I just thought it would be a nice surprise for him and “lighten” what’s going on with all the pandemic concern going on around us. I texted my neighbor and asked her if she might be able to pick one up for me, but only if she went shopping for herself before Sunday, not to make a special trip for it. (She is younger than the 70 and over mandated shelter-at-home folk and does go out to shop.) This was her reply: “Of course! He must have a cake 🎂” When I mentioned about the possibility bakery might be closed due to city virus regulations, she replied:
- Posted by mish
- Apr 19, 2020
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Birthday Sharing
n my daughter’s birthday I packed several cake slices in bowls and drove around, distributing them to those experiencing homelessness. One person asked how old my daughter was, which led us to engage in a small conversation. It was more about an exchange and acknowledgment of the Light within each and every one of us.
- Posted by Butterkind
- Jul 6, 2020
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Gifts Of Food, Time, And Joy In Celebration
visited the supermarket to buy some groceries for a homeless family living across the supermarket, as well as for me. While the cashier was scanning my cart full of groceries, a man came behind me in line with one item. I asked him to allow me to pay. He agreed. I paid, thanked him, and gave him a birthday card, Smile Cards, and bookmarks. Before all my items were scanned, a second man arrived in the line with two small cookie packages. I offered to pay for his items, too. He agreed and gave me his items. After the cashier rang them up and gave them back to me, I returned the cookies to the man. He tried to reimburse me. I asked him not to pay me, but to pay it forward to people in need. I gave him a birthday card, Smile Cards, and bookmarks, too. I gave the g
- Posted by Rajni
- Oct 23, 2020
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Sneaky Gift
drives my mother places she would otherwise not go to – including family events up here in our neck of the woods. Recently, Clara has been undergoing a lot of stress on the home front but she still takes the time to visit my mother and make her feel well cared for. So when I realized that a yoga and meditation retreat was being held up here on the very weekend of my mother’s birthday I immediately contacted Clara and asked her if she would consider driving my mother up for the day. I figured they would both benefit from a yoga retreat. It is also a sneaky way of giving Clara a gift – but that’s because she always refuses anything in return for all the kind and wonderful things she does for my mother! Clara had been struggling to find a good gift
- Posted by guetv
- Jan 9, 2021
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Zest For Life
y aunt's 80th Birthday is coming up and she will have to spend it in the hospital. Fortunately, just a small procedure this time, and she doesn't mind as she does not want many 'official' visitors. But she has had several stays in the hospital during the last months and - while she's usually fairly positive - had to fight very hard to stay positive this time. Even though I know that her daughter and son with their families will call her and welcome her back home two days later I want to make sure she has a nice day and knows that she is loved so very much. So today I packed her Birthday parcel and wrote a card for her. I had a faint memory of a poem I once read which I wanted to include and fortunately found it online. I want to share it with you as wel
- Posted by Balou
- Jul 10, 2021
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Crocheted Hug For 100th Birthday!
Ÿ§¶ Back in September I posted about a “hug” I crocheted for a very special elder, Betty Peck. (see link) https://www.kindspring.org/my/feed/index.php?sid=210680 â¤ï¸Yesterday, she was presented with the hug on her 100th birthday, along with a proclamation from the City of Saratoga, while surrounded by The “Magic Mirror” sisters (and their girls, the next generation of Magic Mirror enthusiasts), who visited her in the nursing home. Photo shows Anne presenting Betty with my hug & card 😊 Grateful for the opportunity to have crocheted this for Betty, thanks to noble friend Anne, one of the Magic Mirror sisters. 🙠(Video link in my Sept. post about the Betty & the Magic Mirror)
- Posted by Mish
- Jan 20, 2022
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Good Neighbors Who Touch The Heart
always tell you how wonderful our neighbors are …..one of them just brought this birthday bundt cake over for my husband that she baked. She came in singing happy birthday 🎶 She’s the one who very often brings over her home-made dinners to us on Fridays. My husband was so touched by her kindness that he started to quietly cry. â¤ï¸When he told her how amazingly kind she is she humbly replied “friendships are the most important things in life.” I had something I had put aside to give her the next time she stopped by, so was able to give them to her as she was leaving 😊
- Posted by Mish
- May 1, 2022
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