Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Helping a Little Girl on the Street


--by rainbowSmiles, posted Aug 19, 2011

Her facial deformities make her look scary. She is around eight or nine years old and she begs for living.
 
The first time I saw her I got a fright and almost squealed. A few times after than I handed over some coins. Later, I felt annoyed with her and her parents for scaring others to get money. Eventually I thought of giving some more money or talking to her but I was worried she might become a nuisance, so I didn't. I told myself she probably wouldn't understand my language, but that was just an excuse and I felt bad about it.
 
Today, when I saw her sitting on the footpath counting coins, I thought she would come to my car and beg but she didn’t. I started walking home from my car but then thought maybe I could do some good here if I could overcome my inhibitions, discomfort and selfishness.
 
I turned towards her and asked her if she would like some dinner. Her response was an immediate, happy, “Yes!" She understood my language, and spoke it too! Oh, she was really just a child like any other I thought.
 
I asked her to walk with me to the shops where food was prepared. She trusted me so easily.
 
I asked her to be careful while crossing the road and stopped her once or twice. She seemed to like it, as if it was a novelty being cared for in this way. She hesitated outside the shop and said, "No I won't go in and sit. I will take my food and go." I understood the problem; her disease, her torn clothes and beggar status made it difficult for her. I agreed to spare her the embarrassment.
 
She stood behind me at the shop, shy, uncomfortable and probably afraid of being insulted. It makes me cry when I think about it now. How narrow-minded and cruel our society is. For having a skin disease, which anyone could develop, a small child was being cruelly punished.
 
"Where is your mother?" I asked.
 
"No mother," was the reply. "No father either."                                        
 
"Who do you live with?"
 
"Didi Ma," she answered.
 
In spite of this Didi Ma being in her life the girl still begged. But she seemed excited to talk about her and wanted to take her some food. I had to tell myself I didn't know anything about their situation and shouldn't judge.
 
I ordered some food and noticed that the waiters and others were a little shocked to see me talking to her and getting her food.
 
I asked about her disease. She became uncomfortable and did not look up for some time.
 
"Does it hurt?" I mis-heard her reply and said, “Oh, so it doesn’t hurt?"
 
"No," she replied. "It does hurt! It does hurt!"
 
"Were you born with it?"
 
"No," she said. "It came up later."
 
I felt we were making a connection. The little one answered me, respected me, and I could feel her pain and difficulties.
 
The food was ready and given with some measure of warmth and respect by the waiters. I gave it to the girl and asked her to go straight to her "Did Ma." She agreed. I gave her a little touch and she went on her way happily.
 
I started walking home, feeling overwhelmed and blessed. I was in a state of peace and deep satisfaction. The last few minutes had made me feel more needed and more worthy of the gift of life. I realised how important it was that I took the first step and talked to the girl. It was so important that she, like everyone else, should be treated as a part of human society and given a few moments of kindness.
 
What a life! So much suffering. And to think I sometimes complain! Being on the street, having a painful disease and being treated as an outcast, what greater burdens could we pile on such small shoulders? My eyes filled with tears. How could I have avoid and ignored her all this time?
 
She is a child. She needs care, treatment, clothes and schooling, I thought. So, I have written to a doctor and another friend who helps children to see if they can help. I also have a plan to take care of a few of her immediate needs.
 
Thank God, I stepped out from behind my own fears and did something. Had I not been a visitor to this web-site it might never have happened. I am grateful to all CFers for teaching me to think and react in thoughtful and kind ways. This has led me to experience some overwhelming deep, profound moments. Thank you all!

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Readers Comments

Sajha wrote: Dear, dear Madfur, thank you for your story and the humble and utterly honest way you wrote it. Most of us feel an initial aversion to someone who looks strange or ill. But you looked within yourself, challenged yourself, and determined to look past the poor little girl's outward appearance, and into her heart and soul. God bless you for your kindness in feeding her, talking to her and getting to know her, and then to go the extra mile and look into ways to heal her body and transform her life for the better. This story fills me with joy. Think if every person would pick out just one suffering child and do what you are doing? We could change the world. Thank you. Sajha
Glowworm wrote: Aww, that was so very kind of you. I'm glad you reached out to this poor child and showed her some kindness :) I pray she gets the help she needs. God bless. -G.
unknown wrote: Madhur, as Sajha points out, you had walked out of your comfort zone ... and those lil questions that made you shy ... as you connected more, the lil one seem to do her part proportionately ... I hope your desire to see her well gets fulfilled with the help of the universe and God above ... She has an angel and guardian already ... I just pray the lil one doesn't feel ostracized anymore in future ... I pray she grows into a beautiful woman ... I send my heartfelt prayers to her through you. (-: :-) Fantastic job Madhur ... Deeper.
pray4peace wrote: The doctor has agreed for the treatment and says it may be possible :)

Thanks Sajha for 100 KBs. I never received or gave so many before :)
Bluebell wrote: Dear madhur, thank you for listening your heart, I make mine all the words that have been said so far and deep from my heart I say thank you, thank you, thank you. Please keep us posted on her treatment. Endless blessings to her, to you and to all those that are connect with that little Angel. Love and Light, Bluebell
unknown wrote: what an angel you were to that sweet child and I am sure she will remember it always. How wonderful that the doctor says treatment may be possible. Who knows, you act of kindness may have turned this child's life around in ways you will never know! To go from outcast to just being a child again, is a HUGE gift. Bless you for bestowing it upon her.
Aurelia wrote: God BLess your kind heart! This is such a beautiful act of love! Thank You for caring and reaching out to a complete stranger...by opening your eyes and seeing this child's needs and not appearance, you have become someone who will make a huge difference for her. THANK YOU .... I am sure this little one will be 'smiling' soon because of you.
I have a HUGE SMILE because of you, Madhur! ~Aurelia :0)
Happy7 wrote: Thank you for being such a a blessing to that little girl. It is not her fault she looks like that and how wonderful that you didn't make her feel like an outcast. God bless you
Happy7
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Bless you for your kindness. I'm sure the food was nice but I would be your kindness in spending a little time with her meant the most. It is sad that so many avoid those who may be different. Good for her and all of us that you took the time to care. Keep up the great work! :)
smilingdaisy wrote: I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so blessed to have the beautiful children that I have. My son has Tourette's Syndrome, and he has many challenges ahead of him. He is adorable, funny, completely on an intelletual basis as his peers, but has a neurological disease that causes outbursts he cannot control. People can be so unkind, because his outbursts look intentional, even though they are not. He also has a few other behaviors that have developed as well. So I feel so compassionate toward others who have anything that makes someone feel like they are any less of a person than he or she is.
THANKS MADHUR! Your compassion will be an example to others to look beyond the differences and embrace others for who they truly are, which is a human being. May God bless you for your love and watch over this sweet, innocent child, continuing to encourage others to reach out to her!

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