Search Results for 'popular' (3485 matches)

A Card For A Stranger

The mother of a friend of mine was in the hospital undergoing treatment for a serious illness.  Initally, we didn't know just how serious it would be, but we soon learned that she would be hospitalized for at least 3 months before getting to go home... assuming she survived the illness and treatments.  I posted her mother's hospital room's mailing address above my desk and made sure to drop her a card or uplifting note every few days.  Sadly, her mother did not survive the treatments and passed away during her stay at the hospital.  I just couldn't bring myself to throw out her room's address.  Each time it caught my eye I would say a quick prayer for strength for those who were mourning her death.  I never even met this dear lady... but it didn't matter... she was loved by someone that I loved... and that was enough.  Her address ... Read Full Story >>

An Opportunity to Give

After many months of illness, the resulting financial troubles and the love and generosity of dear friends, family members and even strangers that helped me and my children through those difficult times, my life regained balance. On a trip to the grocery store I spotted  a young couple hitchhiking with two puppies. They were obviously tired and discouraged and had made a sign, which simply read, "Just Food." Praying that they would stay, I hurried into the grocery store and bought a bag full of  nutritious foods, puppy chow for the dogs along with items I needed. To my relief they were still there when I came out. I drove up beside them and the young man approached at my beckoning him. I handed him the bag full of groceries, saying, "this is for you..." then the bag of chow, "this is for your puppies", and then a ten dollar bill, "And here's ... Read Full Story >>

Can I Help You?

The other day, I was in line at the grocery store. As I waited, I turned around and found an elderly man in line behind me. I smiled and said "Hi, How ya doing?" He smiled right back at me and politely said he was fine.

I noticed that he had some heavy water jugs and kitty litter in his basket. I asked him if he wanted me to the water jugs up onto the belt so that the cashier could scan them. He said he thought he'd be ok because he didn't think he had to take them out to be scanned and winked at me.

I asked the cashier and she said her scanner most likely would reach into his basket where the items where. The elderly man thanked me for trying to help and said not many people would care about him like I did.

So be on the look out for those in need. No matter how small the good deed may seem...it means alot to those in need.

When Graciousness Meets Gratitude

My friend was in a very long McDonald's drive-thru line and although she had six small children in her car she wasn't in a hurry. So, she let a woman who seemed pressed for time cut in front of her.  

My Savior Angel

A year ago, I was a mess!    I was going through one of those phases that every teenager goes through in high school. I had made some new friends who were part of the popular gang of our school. Hanging out with them made me overconfident and feel like I could treat other people in whatever way I wanted.   Also, under the influence of these people, I would make up these unbelievably silly lies to cover up for all my mistakes. And, as you probably know, one lie leads to another and then another, and it keeps going on.    Among my new friends there was one girl who was very kind, compassionate and down to earth. She wouldn't judge people on their looks or their crowd. Since we had friends in common and went to the same classes we ended up hanging out a lot.    I remember being extremely surprised at her honesty. And ... Read Full Story >>

On The Subway

Every morning I take the subway to work. Usually I am still tired and would love to sit. No one ever offers their seat, which is okay. I see advertisements for random acts of kindness on the subway and they touch my heart, but on several occasions I have seen pregnant ladies get on and no one offer them their seat.    Today I got on and a seat was available! So, I sat down. At the next stop a gentleman with a walking disability got on and to my surprise no one moved, so I stood up and offered him my seat. He was grateful.    As we approached his station he tried to get off but people would not move, even after he said excuse me. So I pushed my way through the crowd and tried to help him off the train. But people just didn't seem to care and even with my ... Read Full Story >>

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 >>

Visit To The Lake

I finally got to go with my son to the lake . I tried to go a couple times when my son has work days off but the weather never worked out. Until I just gave it to god . I just put it in his hands and it was a beautiful day. We were around a nice family and I overheard the mom say to her boys ok now remember its Emily's birthday today that's why were here . I got a nice new foot able raft to take with us and packed lunch for us. By the time we got there it was more humid which is what we wanted so the water was great not to hot or cold just right. We tried out our new raft but it didn't seem to hold us up only when you put weight in the middle on your stomach worked. I thought ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Observed

I spotted a small child, maybe 6, who noticed another child, who looked maybe 3, on the playground when that little fellow dropped his cupcake. The older one I spotted walked across the entire playground and tried to help the little guy pick up the cupcake. The cutest and kindest thing was he finally offered the sad little guy his own sleeve to wipe his tears. A mom, I'm thinking, came over pretty quickly and thanked the older boy, and together they cleaned up the dropped cupcake. When the mom and little one walked away hand in hand, the little boy turned around and waved to the older child, who waved back. The spontaneous act of kindness on that older child's part, and the simple gratitude showed by the little one was pure and beautiful. It was a gift to me to have caught the moment. I'm grateful for seeing it. ... Read Full Story >>

Two Rugs For The Price Of One

I recently sold a rug and when the lady came to collect it we helped her load it into the car.  She had two small children with her and had just moved house. From what she said I understood it was quite a job getting the place into shape! She was delighted with the rug as it would cover "a multitude of sins."    I felt I would like to have given her the rug but, as I was selling it for my daughter, I could not. But I did have another rug of my own which I was able to let her have free of charge!   She was very appreciative and went off with both rugs as happy as she could be.    That week we had had several problems of our. By giving our rug to this lady it lifted our spirits and probably made us feel even better than she did. I had ... Read Full Story >>

From An Anonymous Well-Wisher

I just finished writing a Thank You card to a group that helps victims of domestic violence. Inside it I put some gift cards, for supermarkets, coffee shops, etc. 

Coffee Shop Kindness - With Extra Ripples

The other day I was in a popular coffee shop. I got my order and looked around the crowded cafe for a table to sit at.  I asked a woman sitting at a large table if the seat in front of her was available. She said, "No. I'm waiting for a few people." 'Okay,' I thought. 'Fair enough.'   I went on to the next person, a young man who had his coat covering the chair opposite him. I asked if the seat was available and he happily lifted his coat from the chair. I sat there, sharing his table, eating my sandwich and drinking my tea. Then I noticed another young lady walk up to the woman I had talked to. I watched her looking around for any other available seats.    Next to me was another young lady on her phone with an available spot but no chair. I looked around some more ... Read Full Story >>

A Little Bit of Kindness Goes a Long Way

En Route to Ubud

I have been living in Ubud in Bali for the last 9 months, and am really loving it. One of the many things I enjoy about it is that I get to travel without going anywhere, because friends regularly fly in from different parts of the world to visit. When I happen to be the one traveling places, I love being welcomed at the airport, and so I try to do the same for friends whenever I can.   Two days ago, I headed to the airport to pick up a friend who was flying in from Paris to visit for three weeks.  I don't own a car so I hired the services of my friend, Wayan Yoga, a really sweet Balinese driver. Wayan is also my informal Indonesian tutor, so I always look forward to riding with him.  We had a wonderful chat on our way to the airport about what ... Read Full Story >>

More than Money at the Bus Stop

A story a friend shared with me: While going to the office, I found an old man lying by the side of the bus stop. He seemed very sick and poor. Instinctively, I gave him some money. After a few minutes, I realized that he was probably too sick to get up and buy something with that money. I was thinking about how to help him when my bus arrived, halting my brainstorm. I quickly got on and rode off. However, that night I couldn't sleep. I felt very angry at my own heartless and selfish behavior. How could I just walk away from that man without a thought for his suffering? I felt restless and very upset.  The next morning, while waiting at the bus stop, I hoped to run into him again. But he wasn't there. I thought he may have gone to the sidewalk to sleep for the night. I ... Read Full Story >>

A Ride Home In A New Town

  I just moved to a new state and started a new job at a retail store. After the store closes the staff all walk to the car park together for safety purposes.   Yesterday, as we headed for our cars a young woman was waiting on the sidewalk. When asked if she had a ride, she replied, "Yes, I called a taxi."    Everyone started saying things like, "No Way. Cancel that Taxi. One of us can give you a ride," and so on.   We waited as a group and she called to cancel her taxi, then we started to walk to our cars. Nobody said, "Come with Me" and so, finally, she said, "So, I cancelled my taxi. Who's taking me home?"    Being new to the area and it being pitch dark out I was hesitant to offer. So, I waited about ten seconds and then said, "I'll take you."   Funny how everyone was happy to ... Read Full Story >>

Mechanics Kindness

I had to bring our car in for some care, as the Engine Malfunction Light was telling us she wasn't feeling well, as was the odd idling. She also needed the rear wiper blade replaced, as the old one had deteriorated away.

When I went to pick up our car, I asked the mechanic how much I owed. He said he couldn't find the bill, so he didn't think we owed anything. He called the owner of the shop who just said, "Have a nice day!"
I've always known Hansen to be an honest, ethical and wonderful mechanic whom I can trust. Now I also know him as a generous and kind person <3.

I am off to make some dinners, plate up, and deliver to anyone who will accept :).
 

Waiting for the Train

Last weekend, I was blessed with an opportunity to serve as a volunteer at a meditation retreat in Maryland.  I don't have a car and the closest Amtrak station is about 30 minutes away from the actual site so I wasn't sure how I would get there....I started thinking that maybe it wouldn't be possible and after a really long week, thought that maybe I shouldn't volunteer at all.  But I went ahead and posted a request for a ride on the ride share board.  A few days later, an individual I had never met replied that he would be able to pick me up and drop me off at the station. He was also planning on serving but said he would wait until my train arrived before driving out there. How kind of this person whom I've never even met, I thought to myself.  My heart warmed and the stress I ... Read Full Story >>

Life Reminders in Traffic

It was a beautiful morning, uncharacteristically warm and sunny for this time of year.  I was in the middle of a hectic day, packed full of activities and errands, with my mind on what I had to do next.  As I drove along a very busy road to my next destination, I noticed a young child wearing a bike helmet walking out from the entrance of an apartment complex on the other side of the street.  The complex was surrounded by woods on both sides and the entrance was obscured by trees and bushes.  I couldn't see beyond the entrance but I hoped that his family was there, just out of sight, about to emerge behind him.  He was young, maybe four years old, and it was a strange sight to see him alone near the busy street, even if just for a little while.  I continued to look behind me but I didn't see anyone else coming out to join him as cars ... Read Full Story >>

The Mumbai Bus Conductor

I use to travel from one crowded part of Mumbai city to another bus in the peak travel hours.  During the forty-five minute journey I couldn't help but notice the conductor doing his job. I saw that he was very diligent and dedicated to his work. After a few days of regular travel on his bus we started sharing smiles. Its very strange to have any interactions with conductors in Mumbai local buses apart from the transaction of buying a travel ticket.  But, something about his way of working always intrigued me.    The more I observed him the more I felt I could learn from him; how he did this seemingly boring job so gracefully. I observed how he controlled annoying passengers on super-crowded buses, young naughty kids traveling on half ticket, and cheats who didn't want to buy tickets.    On the last day of my journeys on this bus I wrote him ... Read Full Story >>