Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Sometimes One Act of Kindness Goes A Long Way


--by dgrav, posted Jun 21, 2011

My husband works for a company that provides 24/7 care and housing for people with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.  Here in Arizona, brutal budget cuts have slashed funds for those most in need.  My husband loves his job and knows he is serving an important purpose, but sometimes the cuts affect morale. 

I decided to start sending a basket of goodies to work with my husband every Wednesday, which is the day that all staff members come in to pick up their checks.  I figured it might give them a little extra reason to smile.  On the first Wednesday, I sent these delicious maple leaf cookies I found that are made Canada.  I wrapped them individually in cellophane (because there are lots of employees and I wanted everyone to get at little something).  When my husband arrived home from work, he brought me the following note from one of his coworkers:

"Sometimes one act of kindess goes a long way! Thank you for the cookies! We provide services to a young lady battling lung cancer.  She has not been eating much and her only hope is to be well enough to go back to Canada this July.  She took 3 cookies, ate one right away and tucked the other 2 in her purse.  Those cookies made her week!  God bless ya!"

I think now more than ever, when times are so tough for so many, even the smallest acts of kindness are received with so much appreciation.  So if you ever think that any act is too small, think again.  That is what I've learned!  Even a ripple can grow strong enough to become a wave.

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Readers Comments

innerjourney wrote: There ya go. Thank you for making the lady's week. There is no such thing as small act of kindness. Because like you had mentioned, a ripple gathers momentum and becomes a wave with no logical end. God bless. Love and smiles, Manish :)
Glowworm wrote: Ah, the Ripple Effect. Love it! Thank you for sharing that story and those words of wisdom. God bless you. -G.
1golddragonfly wrote: Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your story. *BIG SMILES*
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: A small ripple is indeed rarely small at all! I loved your post! :)
unknown wrote: totally agree ... I am glad your special cookies made their way to fill this beautiful soul's day and several others' ... I recollect how we leave a lot of cookies in our lab and so many new people appreciate the countless teas and cookies they find when they come for meditation ... I am so glad to read the same ... from you ... (-: :-) Deeper.
moral12 wrote: What a lovely story about the "ripple becoming a wave". Very inspiring. Keep up the good work!
wooka85257 wrote: From another arizonan, i am particularly touched by the fact that you would make things for your husband to take to his job. For those who live outside of arizona, it is hot here, and baking is a real act of love. Blessings on your kind heart, for touching others in such a loving, giving way.
bookworm58 wrote: Thank you for the story. Kindness does act like a ripple across the world.
Cousini wrote: Your story is so inspiring. And your heart is so big. D . That is why you are loved so much! . One can see within you. They say smile and the world will smile with you and you do that every day. I know!
sajha wrote: I love that magical part of life! It seems that when we act compassionately we flow along on a living, unending current of divine love! Your act of giving accomplished so much more than just satisfying a sweet tooth. Isn't that wonderful? Blessings on you! Saj

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