Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A little over a year ago, a good friend of my mom's passed away, and it was only when I tried to reach her to let her know of my mom's passing that I was told this sad news.

My mom's friend was a big part of my childhood and I remember her fondly. I hadn't spoken with her in many years, but I knew I was still her "Sunshine." My mom's friend had a sister, whom I only met as a child, but to whom I felt an instant connection. I knew immediately that I wanted to reach out to the sister. We have corresponded a few times during this last year, and her kind words and caring thoughts have brought much comfort to me in my own time of need.

On September 7, 2010, the day before the first year anniversary of my mom's death, I received a card from this woman, with a quote by Joseph Norris. It read, "Do a deed of simple kindness; though its end you may not see, it may reach, like widening ripples, down a long eternity." The attached letter brought tears of joy to my eyes. When I read the letter, I saw how my touch of "kindness" positively impacted her during what had been a difficult year with the loss of her dear sister, and I physically felt the reward of what sharing "kindness" with another truly means. I was speechless and my breath was taken away.  I will cherish this letter forever. I have always thought of myself as a "kind" person, and it is something I am very proud of.

I ask everyone reading this to please "Practice Random Acts of Kindness" every day. Smile at and say hello to everyone you see today. Take that extra minute to help someone today. Reach out to someone in need today, even if you don't know what to do or what to say. The person in need will appreciate your sincerity, I promise you. Mother Theresa said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Barbara De Angelis said, "Acts of love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the receiver and they bless you, the giver." Just a simple "thinking of you" can brighten someone's day. I know this to be true. The reward can simply make you smile or bring tears to your eyes. It can even render you speechless, and it can most definitely take your breath away.

I would like to say thank you to my new friend, the woman who sent me the Joseph Norris quote. You have been a comfort in my life during this past year and the "kindness" you have showed me has meant so much at a time when I have needed it most. I will always feel connected to you in this unique and special way we share. Your letter relieved some of the sadness I was feeling at that moment and brightened the end of a difficult first year. Sharing with you has brought something to light that I have always known in my heart but want to share, and that is. . . . . . . . .

I know my mom lives on in me. I feel her when I smile at and say hello to everyone I see. I feel her when I reach out to someone in need. I feel her when I look at my children because I know she looked at my brother and me the same way. I feel her when I accept and appreciate another for who they are. I feel her when I breathe, because if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here. I feel her when I sleep, because I know she is there, soothing my tired soul. My mom lives on in me because I am a part of her. Thank you, Mom, for giving me the gift of your "kind" heart. I miss you. I love you.