Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I received my first delivery of 10 smile cards in post this week. A big thank-you to you all! Yesterday I got the chance to give my first smile card.

I had to go to Centrelink - which is a governement body for Human Services in Australia. It was a hot afternoon and the Centrelink office was teeming with people. The time was 1:30pm and most of the staff members were away for (a much deserved) lunch break, so there was only one lady serving customers at the service desk. I took my number ticket from the machine and seated myself in the waiting area. It is a government office and the service is not exactly high class. People around me started complaining about the staff, some were laughing and joking at them, some were smirking and a few were even a bit abusive in their choice of words.

I was observing the lady behind the service desk, who was not smiling but was not frowning or frustrated either. Dedicated is how I would explain her expression.  She had attended 4 people in 15 minutes without rushing through.  In fact, I began to admire her efficiency. Even though she was aware of people complaining around her, she remained sincere with her work, which was very commendable. About 25 minutes later, my number came up and I said hello to her with a smile as I approached the service desk.  She did not smile back at me, but politely asked, "How can I help you?"  I could not resist acknowledging her hard work so I said, "You are very efficient at your job and very sincere too."  She replied with a soft "thank you" but did not smile. I asked if she had taken her lunch break to which she responded, "How can I be so selfish with so many people waiting out there." I could tell that she was pretty much handling three peoples job all by herself.

She patiently but swiftly attended to my case and I was done in just 3 minutes! I took out my first Smile card and as I gave it to her, I said, "Keep up the good work and your kindness."  At that moment, she broke into a big bright smile and said, "Thanks!  I was actually having a very bad day but now I feel special."  I was happy my first card went to such a kind and selfless person who put her personal problems, her lunch break and her frustrations on the back bench and her work on the forefront with such dedication. Well done Monica!