Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Smiling In The Rain


--by Tikit, posted Feb 4, 2008
Where I live, afternoon showers a a common occurrence.  They might not last long, but when the skies open up, it pours! 

After seeing so many folks are caught by the unexpected rain -- people waiting by bus stops, waiting under awnings of stores, and so on. 

So I decided to stock my car up with "Smile Umbrellas."  Oh, they're quite ordinary; in fact, I bought the cheapest ones I could find at the dollar stores.  The idea is not that they will last any great length of time, but that they will give someone an unexpected kindness.

I went on rain "patrol" today ... and was able to give out 3 of my umbrellas, handing out a Smile Card with each one.  The look on two of those people's faces was incredible -- they just couldn't believe it. 

I came home wetter than drowned rat, but happy as a clam. :)
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Readers Comments

Tigerlily wrote: Tikit! You are so special! Thank you.
AURELIA wrote: I love it! Good for you. I have a big smile thinking of your running around looking for people to help and getting poured on. Glad to know you Clammy. :) ~Aurelia
sonrisa wrote: Hey Tikit, I've done this before in San Francisco and can relate to your story! It is really nice to be able to unexpectedly show up with an umbrella for a stranger in the rain and especially to see the smile on their faces. Keep spreading smiles...
cassiemeadows wrote: wow, thats so kind of you. it must have been so much fun. thanks for doing it.
cabbage wrote: Fantastic idea! Thanks for keeping people dry. :-)
Anonymous wrote: i loved your story i bet they all apreciate it so i hope you can give out more umbrellas next time you go out!!!!!!!
clueless wrote: wOw! That's an amazing idea..you really made me smile :)
elizaliza wrote: I've never done something like that before and you're so lovely for doing that. I'm smiling right now and wish you so many days filled with smiles. You know what? I'll add you to my little hall of fame book as one of the nicest people on earth. God bless YOU OH SO MUCH!
Liz wrote: My friend Tom does this in Florida. He is such a great guy - always looking for opportunities to spread kindness. I feel so blessed to know him and learn from him.
Norman wrote: Glad to hear such an amazing show of kindness. The real beauty of it is the surprise on the face of the people you helped. Thanks for sharing and i must opening my eyes to other ways of being a blessing to others. God bless.

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