Learning Kindness From A Neighbor

--by Glowworm, posted Jan 22, 2011

Last winter, I had tons of snow on my driveway. My mom asked me to help shovel, since dad was working. I shoveled and shoveled mounds of the white stuff, panting and sweating and silently complaining.

My good neighbor saw that I was struggling, came over and helped me finish up. We chatted a few seconds. I can't remember what was said, but I suddenly felt bad for my rotten attitude. This man was pretty much a stranger helping me out without asking, and I couldn't shovel for my own family without feeling sore about it.

The year passed and I didn't think much about his kindness, until yesterday. The neighbor was working on his house with a group of his buddies. It was a fairly mild day, but if you were moving about you would probably work up a bit of a sweat and a good thirst.

I wrote a quick note, ran down to the little market store and bought five Gatorades, dropped them off on his porch steps, with the note, and walked away.

Thank you good neighbor of mine for your act of selfless kindness and for bringing me a little out of myself.

4961 Reads

Posted by Glowworm
Jan 22, 2011
Comments (15)

Readers Comments

Aurelia wrote: Super!!! So glad his kindness was taken for granted and you found a way to return the favor to him. :0) SMILE...they're contagious ya know!~ :) Aurelia

Glowworm wrote: Thanks for your comment, Aurelia! I smiled just reading your response. God bless.

success wrote: Great thinking, Glowworm. Seems that even though a big amount of time had passed, you were still really appreciative of your neighbor's help that day. :)

Glowworm wrote: Thanks, Success :) I guess it's never too late to say thank you. I wonder if he even remembers helping...

pauliej wrote:

Way to go, glowworm-you made me smile too!

Thanks. :-)

kaytee2013 wrote: That is so sweet! I'm glad you remembered the small act of kindness, and returned the favor!

iheartrachel09 wrote: Wow! Feelin thirsty for the story,i need some gatorade too,xoxo")

luv4all wrote: So glad, you realise your own mistake and able to accept it publicly. It needs courage and offers growth as a person.

Glowworm wrote: Thanks for the comments, folks. I've been away from this site lately. I forgot how supportive and kind this community is.

Saikat Nag wrote: Its indeed that we take out certain time for introspection on a daily basis. Thats why we practice quiet time. We as a human being can atleast take it on a daily basis. It just takes 15 mins. Rest assured one will lead a life san agony. I dont mean that we need to be saint but atleast we can be a part of rearmament process.

Stories of Kindness from Around the World