Neighbourly Kindness Starts A Commitment To Kindness

--by thebigkind, posted Apr 28, 2011

A couple of months ago I was renting a house to work from. I was fairly well set up, but didn't own a lawn mower and after a week or two realised I would have to find some way to deal with the growing grass! Funds were short, and I was on a fairly tight budget which didn't extend to paying a lawnmowing company.

I was thinking about this one Sunday as the "Mr Whippy" ice cream van pulled up outside on the street. I hadn't had a Mr Whippy ice cream for years, and on impulse I grabbed my coin purse, shook it to gauge affordability, and headed outside. On the pavement were three young boys aged around 10 years playing. I think a couple of them may have been from next door, but I was new there and hadn't really met anyone yet.

It was a hot day and I asked them if they'd like an ice cream. "Yes, please," they replied enthusiastically. At that moment a fourth boy joined them from the neighboring house. Yes, please, he'd love one too!! As the universe would have it, there was just enough change to cover five ice creams. As I left the van, I heard the lady serving the boys say, "that was a really kind thing that lady did for you boys. Don't forget to thank her." I smiled as I went inside to carry on working.

I left for work that evening, and didn't return until the Tuesday morning. As I drove into the drive, I realised something was different. Yes, my lawns had been mowed and my gardens had been weeded. I felt this enormous warmth rush into my heart and a smile stretch across my face. Instinctively, I knew my neighbors had done this for me, and went to thank them straight away.

How would they know that this act of kindness not only made a big difference to me, but it was also the catalyst for me to act further and set up a website focusing on kindness in our community which I am committed to developing this year. Thank you so much neighbors.

22.8K Reads

Posted by thebigkind
Apr 28, 2011
Comments (18)

Readers Comments

erinvictoria wrote: Not all children are as appreciative. I don't think it was just the ice cream, I bet it was the smile on your face that really melted their hearts.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great story! A wonderful example of how one small act of kindness can spread and grow! :)

ChiaKL wrote: This is so great. Ur kindness to others are being greatly appreciated.

smilingdaisy wrote: Thank you for being so kind to those children! What a wonderful lesson for everyone involved! Keep spreading those smiles!

SunshineGirl wrote: Wow!!! Talk about 'paying it forward"!!! What a neat story!

unknown wrote: Wow ... what a beautiful turnaround ... I am so happy for you thebigkind ... Kudos to all these boys ! God bless :) Deepula.

wooka85257 wrote: I loved that the boys waited until you were gone, so the impact of their kindness would be so much greater. I can just imagine their excitement at waiting to see your response. Your kindness touched their hearts and they touched yours. Bravo!

Ollie wrote: What a lovely story , thanks for kindness.

charlieB wrote: Great story and how nice of you to start the ball rolling. You definitely are a great role model. Thanks!

success wrote: Very, very, nice. Your story gave me the chills and made me feel all tingly. :)

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