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. :)

 

7130 Reads

Readers Comments

Joy wrote: What a ripple of kindness you started. It's so nice to see friendly people. Thanks for sharing.
digitalmind wrote: Awesome! Well done, that's what it's all about!
princessliz wrote: This is powerful. Made me teary for some reason. I like it when we acknowledge each other. Thanks for making everyone smile. I'm sure you make his day every time you pass by with a smile :)
Aurejafeja wrote: So cool! I think i'll gona try this also. ☺
josietn wrote: I'm in happy tears from this. How wonderful! :)
LovingSoul wrote: People like you enrich our lives. Spread the joy. Nthank u
ceejay wrote: How important it is for all of us to be acknowledged - someone knows we are here - someone "sees" us. A wave is an awesome gesture.
Zerlindatar wrote: This reminds me of a lady in her 70s or 80s (maybe into her 90s) who waved at people from her house which was on a corner that you had to pass going to and from the hospital. She was outside for several hours every day for many years. I always enjoyed waving and recieving waves from her.
denisemj wrote: This is so beautiful! You gave him a purpose! Thanks for caring and sharing :)
jabp wrote: The ripple is an amazing experience to see unfold. And so contagiously positive! We are out-loving the pain and suffering in this world - one by one! Thank you for this!

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