Stories of Kindness from Around the World

How would you feel if you gifted your whole month’s paycheck to a friend in need?

A) Happy
B) Ecstatic
C) Fortunate with loads of gratitude
D) Submerged in love
E) All of the above

The answer is E-- at least that's how she felt when she handed a small envelope to her friend. In it, contained her month's earnings as well as a note saying how much she appreciates her friendship, and this small gift is a way to show her that she is loved and cared.
This lovely soul happens to be my sister.

When she joined a choir, she met a woman in her early thirties, who works day and night, teaching piano and music theory to many students. This woman receives little moral support or help from her family. She is also in school to pursue her own career in music. To make ends meet, she works several jobs, all seven days of the week. With a schedule as full as that, she often gets tired and stressed as she struggles with time. My sister became friends with her, and remembered how hard it is to be on your own, especially at the beginning of your career.

So one day, my sister invited this friend to have dinner with her. They shared many laughs, chatted over pizza, and enjoyed the evening. When her friend was about to leave, my sister said, “Wait, I want to show you something."

Her friend didn’t have the slightest clue what was coming to her. It's probably something on the phone, or some photo, a quote, or joke, she thought.

Then my sister gave her that envelope.
When she opened the envelope, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Tears rolled down after she read the note.  
Why? Why this? What are you doing? How could you be so generous? Am I really that fortunate? How can I repay you?

All sorts of questions flooded her mind.  “This is a gift from my heart to yours. It's not a loan to pay back later. Please accept this gift, and if you really want to do something then pay it forward by helping someone," my sister said.
They exchanged a hug and a smile, and the friend left. Going home on a scooter on such a cold winter night wasn’t that cold anymore.
(How lucky I am to call this wonderful person my sister.)