Last-weekend, my kids along with few other kids from the neighborhood volunteered to help me wash my car. We embarked on our car cleaning mission when my 10 year old came up with the idea of washing other people's cars as well. It was pretty hot outside and I had no plans to continue being in the bright sun. She further wanted to give lemonade to passerby's for free. I had seen little kids serve and sell fresh lemonade for a small cost (may be 25 cents) but not free. I felt fuzzy and decided to help her out.
She promptly asked me, "What if we make this a smile car wash mommy"? I couldn't hold back my tears and encouraged her and the other kids to go inside the house and get creative and come up with ideas. While I kept myself busy in drying the car, the gang walked up to me with a board splashed with beautiful images of Smiles. They had "Free Car Wash" written on it and the theme of their exercise was "Smile". It was pretty neat to see a team of kids ranging 5-11 years with the mission to do something for others.
All that seemed spontaneous and came right from their heart. Nothing seemed to matter to them: their playtime, the heat outside - they just wanted to help and do something nice in the community!
I helped them make some fresh lemonade and brought out some additional rags to help clean cars. Passerby's were amazed and one even shouted back at them saying "God Bless You my kids...". Undeterred the gang of 5 attracted few sponsors. One of them even tried giving them a $5, which they refused. A pretty heartwarming scene!
Incidentally, the following weekend, I saw the idea of the week, the theme of which was "Global kindness". I feel blessed by being surrounded by such wonderful and loving souls. Makes me smile!
One of the slogan on their banner was: "Do not fear! Smile retrievers are here".
- Posted by anita
- Jun 28, 2008
- Comments (9)
