Stories of Kindness from Around the World

It's been a lovely day, an early glimpse of spring. In our front area, tubs of daffodils are coming alive already. And purple crocuses are not far behind. It is good to share our acts of kindness here, at least some of them, to inspire each other,  so I'll note a couple of the ordinary ones (which are, of course, extraordinary!)

First I took my packets of wild Welsh poppy seeds over to a sad little patch of left over ground in our neighborhood---a spot left behind by the builders who constructed a huge condo on the hill behind us----without ruining the park preserve that is also on the hill. (And for that I am very, very grateful---we tried to get the development to be smaller and to leave space for a friendly neighborhood park in the middle of things, but that didn't happen despite all of our meetings and protests, lengthy petitions and newspaper coverage).

So there is this abandoned little space, and I went out early on and sowed my seeds, happily in the right type of soil, at just the right time of year. For a couple of years now I have been what my daughter calls "a guerrilla gardener" , sowing wild flower seeds in various desolate neglected spots around town. And what a joy in previous years  to see a flowering of bright country colours---red  and orange poppies, yellow of cosmos, purple of foxglove--- where only a tiny slivers of brown field strewn with litter would have been. Sometimes the seeds don't take, and that is disappointing, but the successes make up for that. Fingers-crossed the poppies find a nice home this year and grow proud and strong.

After that I took my Poodle Pal for a long walk and play on the beach. I gave her extra time to enjoy her little games with rocks and seaweed.

Shopping in town and going to the market came next. We love to buy local whenever possible. For one thing, it tastes so good!! The market comes twice a month. As my husband's rucksack and bags, a mine, were quite nicely stuffed full with eggs, greens, vegetables, bread and cheese, I wondered what else might be needed. Then I saw someone watching me.

There was a woman of some 60 years of age begging by the doorstep of a closed shop. I went over to her, offering her one of our croissants, which she was pleased to take. I tried to find her name---her English was not good---Doyna is what I heard. I told her my name. We shook hands. I asked where she lived, and had to gesture sleeping on a pillow and roof over head, and she finally got it. She pointed to an old building where people rent rooms.

I  always carry with me cards with messages and a couple of bags for street people if I am moved to give them out,  and I did feel moved in this case. I gave her a silver gift bag left over from Christmas (but it is just silver not Christmas like) inside of which is a dark chocolate bar, jar of peanut butter and can of baked beans, box of soap, 2 pound coin, pretty washcloth and a packet of tissues. Not terribly exciting or helpful, perhaps, but at least it is something. She seemed very happy. She made sounds that sounded with her gestures like a blessing and prayer, and I did as she did, and put my hands in the prayer position, bowing at her slightly as I have learned on Buddhist retreats. From her rosary I would gather that she is probably Catholic. But it didn't matter. We understood each other well enough. She was blessings and thanking me, and I was blessing and thanking her. Why? For being so friendly, so receptive, so kind to offer blessings for me.

The theme of kindness runs through the afternoon and evening. In a moment I am phoning to check on a very ill, possibly terminally ill (she just found out last week), friend. I like to keep up with her and discuss what is on her mind.

And then it is off to visit a fellow in another town who doesn't have many visitors and invited us over for a meal. We asked if we could help and bring something so we are duly bringing a meaty casserole and cauliflower cheese. We won't stay long but I am sure it will be an interesting visit. I enjoy having shared meals with friends. However, as I am currently rather a stick in the mud and want to stay home, truth be told, it is stretching my comfort zone getting out, taking public transport, and visiting another home. Sometimes that is easy for me, but with winter doldrums it is harder. So I will do it, and at heart feel good about it. We will all be helped by some social time. Wish you could come along!! I am feeling very blessed.