Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Oh, That Is So Refreshing!


--by linde246, posted Nov 25, 2007

It was a very hot, late August day when I took my 8 year old grand daughter out to lunch at a beautiful, fancy restaurant, because she enjoyed feeling like a princess. 

As we sat out on the lovely deck with many other diners around us, she reached out to point to the flowers on the table and accidentally tipped my ice water glass into my lap. 

She gasped, her eyes grew large, the people at the next table peered to see my reaction.  I simply smiled and said, "Oh, that is so refreshing."

We can make a split second decision to have a different-than-expected reaction to happenings that, in their smallness, make the world a better place and teach our children at the same time.

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Readers Comments

dancingDog wrote: Awesome, linde :=D A graceful way to handle the situation & you spared your grandaughter any embarassment - what a great example you are to her! I am now very inspired by you and loretta to pay more attention to my immediate reactions - thank you!
sahaja wrote: Thats so wonderful. If I would have been in such a situation may be I would have shouted at my daughter. But you have really taught me how to handle such a situation. In future I will try to behave in the same way. Thank you very much for such a nice experience.
Angel4eva wrote: Thats great that you didn't shout at her
AURELIA wrote: What a loving Grandma you are! Spending special time with her and keeping your 'cool' when you could have over reacted like most is commendable. You are setting a wonderful example for your grandchild. I'm proud of you. ~Aurelia
harry wrote: taht's cool!! right way of reacting to a situation.
sanserif wrote: Even I was curious to know how you would react. Quite an unxpected reaction that! Love you for being so nice.
sweetp wrote: Thats wonderful! I can't remember my Grandmothers ever acting harshly with me growing up unless I was clearly misbehaving. All to say, I have a dear and fond impression of them as my deepest friends to this day. The bond between grandmother and granddaughter is sacred. Kudos to you for cherishing her in such a loving manner!
megumi wrote: Taking that extra second to think about how our reactions can affect the way children feel about them selves is SOOOOOO important...Thanks so much for sharing this simple way of caring.
lmil1954 wrote: Thank you so much beautiful grandma! What a wonderful example of kindness you have set.
rabia wrote: i agree and will try to follow your advice.

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