Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Learning Kindness From My Father


--by Mariathalia, posted Dec 3, 2010

I remember when I was growing up that my mom would tell me stories about the kind acts my dad would do.  She told me that one time my dad met a close, long-time friend of his in the downtown area. They talked for a while and his friend mentioned that he didn't have money for fare back home.  My dad gave him the only money he had, which was for his own fare, so he just walked home.  

I obeserved these acts kindness in our home.  Dad would let me and my two younger brothers eat first and he would eat after us.  Whatever was left on the table he would consume.  I remember the days when his older brother would come to our house and ask for money for his kid's allowance in school and my dad would give him some.  And when it was our time to ask for allowance he would tell us that he had no more money and we should ask our mom.

Dad was a selfless man and even after his death, there were many people who told me kind stories that things my dad had done for them, like  giving them food.  He even promised to help someone fix their roof and another to buy them a water pump when he had the money. 

In my entire life I never met a man like my dad. For me he was the kindest, most selfless man on earth.  He would always give help when he could.  And he gave it with a sincere heart.

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Readers Comments

kalaa wrote: What a lovely tribute to your father.
cabbage wrote: What a beautiful share about your dad---thanks so much for remembering him here and for honoring him by your own kind actions.
krutuja wrote: Kudos to such a man. Very hard to find such people now!
KIMJ wrote: I think this is a great story, its nice to know about the gentlemen we still have in the world
Susan wrote: My father lived by these words i shall pass this way but once so any good i can do or any kindness that i can show let me do it now for i will not pass this way again, and now that he is in heaven i live that way and it brings so much pleasure and satisfaction what a way to live. Susan
Mary Ann wrote: My dad was a naval commander and not home much when i was growing up. Both dad & mom were 40 yrs. Old when i was born in 1946. After my dad was no longer on active duty, he & his partner owned the gm auto dealership in a small town in southern idaho. My mom ran the only appliance store in this town of 2500 folks. My grandmother watched me most days, as my only sibling ~ brother hank is 5. 5 yrs. Older than i ~ and did not want the burden! So, i was a lonely child. Played alone in the sandbox, so to speak. I loved by father (still do) he passed in 1995 at the age of 89 from chronic dementia. He used to take me downtown on christmas eve and we went where the "bums & prostitutes" hung out. He invited several homeless people to our home to share in our christmas celebration. With lots of food, good music & conviviality ~ presents for all. He then returned them to their places of residence. ? With money in their pockets. That's my dad. A true christian with no religious affiliation. I respect & miss my dad. Thanks for listening!
Barbara wrote: I imagine how much richer my father's life would have been had he offered more of himself in this way. I believe he suffered from his lack of being in choice in his life, and selfless giving is such a sweet way to be in choice.
Grace wrote: How nice to grow up with that kind of influence. We should all try to live our lives so that others will remember us in a good way.
Milton wrote: Nice story and its good to experience these kindness
Barbara Fuhrwerk wrote: This article so reminded me of my own dad. He did not spend a lot of time in church but there was not a neighbor or relative who was refused for fixing a lawn mower, a furnace, or any other kind of help. I think heaven is populated with folks like that.

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