Stories of Kindness from Around the World

This past holiday season, I drove with my parents to Boston to visit my distant cousin. On my way way back home, we stopped at service area for food.

As we were stopped there, there was this old lady who was busy cleaning all the tables and chairs as people leaving, making sure everything is neat and clean. I just thought of gifting her with five dollars and a chocolate in my pocket. I wrote on a paper napkin: "Thank you and Merry Xmas."

I wanted to leave it there for her but decided to walk up to her and give her.

She asked me, "Is it a gift? Only then will I take it."

I nodded, "Yes," and smiled at her.

"Thank you," she replied, and I left to buy some stuff from the store inside. On my way back to car, the woman stopped me.

"I make a lot of cookies and candies on Christmas for people," she explained. "Would you like to have some?"

A bit taken aback, I replied, "Yes."

She asked me to wait, and came back carrying a four-inch plate stuffed with different cookies and chocolate! My first expression was big smile.

"That's a lot," I blurted, a bit stunned.

She smiled and informed me that she makes eighty to ninety of these plates every year, to gift to friends and others.

I had no words or thoughts in my brain. Finally, I asked if could hug her. We hugged, wishing each other a happy and healthy holiday season. Then, as we parted ways, I felt as if I had met a new friend with whom I exchanged the gift of a smile and some happiness.

There is a depth to the joy of giving and receiving. From either end, both the giver and receiver are always happy.