Kindness... the Fabric of our Lives

"The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food."
~ Dean Ornish

Recently, I thought about that "Fabric of our Lives" advertising campaign that promotes cotton.  It occurred to me that -- even more than cotton -- kindness is the fabric of our lives. 

There are the big kindnesses -- those that you can't forget and always treasure.  And then there are the smaller kindnesses that make us smile, that lift our hearts for a few minutes, that connect us to others in ways that matter.

The other day, I met a business contact at a coffee shop.  When we finished our meeting, we picked up our cups and plates.  My companion noticed that the people who had been sitting next to us had not bussed their dishes, so he picked up theirs, too, and made life just a little easier for the staff.

That same day, a woman I know took a cold water of bottle with her in case she saw a homeless veteran who is frequently at a certain intersection.  She did not see him right away.  She finally saw him as the light turned green, so she handed him the bottle of water as she drove by.  They exchanged smiles.  And I imagine that both their days were better for that handoff.