Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Art of Waving


--by yweling, posted Feb 18, 2013

It began a year ago, around Christmas.

 
While driving around the corner of our townhouse complex, I always notice an old man sitting by his front yard. He is usually smoking or drinking and looks rather grumpy.
 
One day, while I was driving past him with my daughter, I decided to wave at him with a lot of excitement. Initially, when he noticed me waving at him, he looked a bit shocked. Then, I saw his hand go up and he waved back.
 
"Why did you wave at him?" my daughter asked.
 
I told her that it's just an act of kindness that doesn't cost anything, and it gives both him and me a sense of joy. She responded by saying that she was a bit embarrassed to wave to a stranger, but next time she would try it as well.
 
Lucky for us, we live close to the old man, so we saw him rather often. Whenever we drove by, both of us would start waving at him and, pretty soon, the old man started waving at everyone who passed by his home. 
 
One day, my daughter's friend came to visit and she told my daughter that she saw this strange old man near our home who waved at her very excitedly. She mentioned that she waved back at him, even though she didn't know him, and it felt really good.
 
Upon hearing this, my daughter told her friend the story of how all the waving began.
 
Her friend responded, "Tell your mom that's really cool!"
 
Other friends made similar comments, and this response taught my daughter just how much an act of kindness can be very natural and effortless, if you really want to do it. It showed us how giving happiness benefits both the giver and receiver. 

The other day, my friend shared similar sentiments with me.
 
"I have been meaning to talk to you about this man who waves at us every time we come to your house!" she began. My husband had told her the story about how it all began last year.
 
Inspired by all these positive ripples, we're planning to give our elder waving neighbor a thank-you card, to express our gratitude for the warm presence that he communicates through his enthusiastic waves. And to thank him for sharing this simple joy with all who pass by his house. :)

 

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Readers Comments

cyana wrote: Such a simple gesture and it's ripples have affected so many people now. HOw wonderful! What a great lesson for your daughter too.
ChangeTheWorldPa wrote: Wow! What a great thing! Such a simple thing as a wave! Thank you for sharing! I am going to try this :)
starryskies wrote: How awesome to see how your kind act has impacted so many! And the kindness ripples continue... Keep up the GREAT work! :)
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That is awesome! Your story is a great example of how huge a difference a small act can make. You took the time to pay attention to him with a wave and started a kindness ripple that is hitting many. AWESOME! :)
Mish wrote: KINDNESS..... the gift that keeps on giving!!!!!!!
thaata wrote: Dont judge people by their appearance. A gesture of waving brought out the goodness in that grumpy old man. Thank you for your kind act.

jsmc10 wrote: You starting something amazing :) thanks for being you and also for sharing this :)
PHSteacher wrote: Sometimes it is a simple gesture that makes a difference in someone's day. In this case, it made a difference to both the giver and the recipient. Good job!
peacehunter wrote: What an amazing lesson for your daughter as well as helping the man to remember his purpose. To be joy! Wonderful! And the thank you card idea made my eyes misty. Blessed! Thank you for the warmness i am feeling in my heart :)
treeflowerpuzzle wrote: We used to live in a small town and at first i was freaked out by strangers who waved at us, then i caught on that everyone waved at everyone there. No one was a stranger! Now we live in a big city and i miss that spontaneous waving. Nice story.

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