Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Jacqui's Ring of Generosity


--by kylierose16, posted Aug 2, 2007
During one particular hospital stay in November 2006, I met an incredible lady, who I will always remember. Her kindness, and big heart, touched me in a life changing way.

I was lying in bed in my room, gazing mindlessly at the bustling people pacing past my door in the corridor. I quite enjoyed this. I’d see all sorts of people; elderly patients walking slowly but intently, their eyes focused on the ground that their feet would soon walk over; frazzled nurse’s striding past clutching their paperwork, cheerful bubbly children. Quite often some one would cast a glance my way and smile, but no one ever came in.

However, this one afternoon, a patient who was heading back to her room next door to me, caught my eye and stopped. She came to my door and smiled. I greeted her with a friendly smile and she came in. She sat by my bed and we exchanged stories and how we came to be here. Over the next 2 days, she stopped in several times a day to see me. Most often she’d bring us either a coke, or an ice cream.  One afternoon, as we were sitting there, I noticed all her magnificent rings she was wearing. One particularly struck me; it was gold, with a large pink stone in the middle. She saw me admiring it and took it off her finger and handed it to me. “Try it on” she said. I smiled kindly and slowly put the ring on my finger. It fit perfect. She smiled, and said “It’s yours”.

To this day, 7 months later, that ring remains on my middle finger, and every time I look at it, I think of Jacqui, and her giving spirit. It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. I will never know if Jacqui truly knows how deeply she touched me. She was only physically in my life for 2 days, but the footprints she left in my heart, will be there a life time.
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Readers Comments

afriendlysmile wrote: Hi kylie
What an amazing beautiful(in soul) lady.
To know that there are Angels like Jaqui out there quietly spreading her love and warmth rekindles our faith.
You just feel like you want to give her a big hug.

Thank you for so eloquently sharing your story and shining your light on us.
Hugs and smiles
afriendlysmile:)
AURELIA wrote: Kylierose, What a touching story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Your hospital buddy must have been drawn to your room by your truly warm spirit and your smile convinced her that she was right "she had a friend in you." I'm sure the sparkly ring is a beautiful reminder that friends can be found everywhere and even where we least expect to find one! May you smile often. ~Aurelia
Samsonmybf wrote: What a great story! It just goes to show you, material things aren't what's important. Her ring was not as important to her as the time and friendship you showed her those 2 days...
Keep smiling! :)
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Thanks for sharing your story. This is a great reminder that you never know how the simplest of things will touch someone!
brighteyes wrote: Kylie....you are an inspiration to us all....we love your stories and insights so keep sharing... and agree with you whole hearted....read my story, "Reason, Season, Lifetime" which is about people who are in your life...time is not the most important factor...sometimes just a glance into another eyes can have an impact for the rest of your life....I had such an experience from a total stranger....
Smiles from Brighteyes ;)
imaniceperson wrote: That's awesome. It's amazing how much impact an unexpected gift can have on you. Thanks for sharing.

http://www.ImaNicePerson.com
pacots wrote: Incredible lady she was just happy with your friendship the material thing did not even matter.
JuneBug wrote: THIS STORY WAS SOO TOUCHING! THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH US!
lovebug wrote: It is amazing to see how little material things really mean to the average person, I would guess that I probably have been blessed, I meet people who have very little material things in their lives, but share from their hearts, the karma they have accumilated over time would pay off the national debt in l day.Thank you for sharing your human angel, they do walk and we are unaware.
jan2008 wrote: What a beautiful story. You made a true friend and received a cherished gift as well.

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