Kindness and Sharing the Music

“Music is a moral law.  It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

~ Plato

I was very intrigued when I heard one of my children playing the Eagles’ Hotel California – on her phone, of course.  As hard as it is to believe, that song is more than 40 years old!  It turns out that her junior high English teacher was partial to the Eagles and to that tune in particular.  More recently, I heard her playing the Beatles.  That introduction is thanks to her history teacher.  Many times, children learn much more than subject content from their teachers and I am grateful that some of these teachers are sharing their love of music.  

A Little Kindness

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

~ Aesop

Sometimes it’s the littlest things – literally.  As I was checking out at a medical office recently, I tried to erase an appointment in my agenda with a pencil I had only to find that the eraser was one of those that makes a bigger mess than what you are trying to erase.  The person working at the front desk noticed and gave me one of those erasers that you attach to the top of your pencil.  I am not sure when was the last time that I had one of those, but it continues to come in handy.  I am grateful for the woman’s thoughtfulness and continue to marvel at the impact of even the smallest kindness.

Kindness and Art Left Behind

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

~ Pablo Picasso

An artist I know was recently feeling in a generous mood, so he left a drawing where someone could find it as a small way to brighten the recipient’s day.

The Kindness of Sharing Details

“It’s the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen.”

~ John Wooden

A mom I know is incredibly thoughtful about sharing details with the other mothers when she is taking our children somewhere.  Recently, she texted us with the details for an upcoming outing, which included when she would be with the children as well as the specifics about transportation.

Kindness and the Gift of Light

“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.”
~ Ben Sweetland

Several months ago after the area in which we live survived another hurricane, one of my dearest friends gave me several hurricane lanterns. We had used similar ones during our hurricane evacuation at her house. These lanterns came in super handy on a recent evening when our power went out. My children were able to continue to study for their upcoming finals and I was able to safely navigate my home without electricity thanks to my friend’s thoughtfulness.

Kindness, a Rainy Day and Orchids

“The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was a gray and rainy Saturday, but that did not stop a couple of teenagers from volunteering at an orchid sale to raise money for pediatric HIV-AIDS patients.  They helped to set up the sales stand, they unloaded orchids, they worked the cash register and they smiled –through the rain – at the other people who braved the weather to help the cause.

The Kindness of a Parking Lot Attendant

“Kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being done to him or by him.”

~ Frank A. Clark

On a recent rainy afternoon, I tried to find parking next to a busy bakery.  There was a parking attendant there and so I asked him where was the best place for me to park.  He very kindly told me to pull over to the side and told me to wait until one of the cars close to the door pulled out.  When he saw a driver leaving, he signaled for me to take the spot.

Kindness and a Sticker

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

A few years ago, one of my dearest friends gave me a sticker for my car of a stick yoga figure.  She and I both love yoga.  I rarely put anything on my car, but I love this sticker and so I put it on my rear window.  Every time I see it as I walk toward my car, I smile.  It reminds me of my friend and her infinite thoughtfulness, it makes me think about yoga and it lifts my spirits.  Who knew that a sticker could do so much?

Kindness and Directions

“The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind.  But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.”

~ Chanakya

On my way to a board meeting at a local hospital, I met a couple of the other board members at the front of one of the buildings on the hospital campus.  Our meeting was scheduled in a new conference room, but none of us knew where it was.  As we were discussing possibilities, a hospital employee who seemed to be going home walked by and asked if she could help us.  We told her that we were trying to find our meeting.  She walked us to the building where the new conference room is.

Kindness and Wasting Time

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

I recently read a teaser to an article:  “Sometimes we just need to waste time with each other.”  It certainly grabbed my attention.  The article was about the importance of dialogue and conversation with those we love.  It also talked about the role of dialogue in learning.  But what resonated with me about the initial teaser – the wasting time bit – is how it connects to kindness.  I have friends with whom I waste time.  Sometimes it’s a silly conversation; sometimes it’s laughing and lingering after a meal.  Underneath what looks like wasting time is the desire to just be together, to revel in each other’s company – even if we are engaged in silly conversation.  What may seem to be wasting time with someone is really spending time – and sharing our life -- with that person.  And that is a gift.

The Kindness of Dinner Delivered

“Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.”

~ Joseph B. Wirthlin

On a recent evening, my mother called to say that she would be stopping by our favorite burger place, which is quite a distance from our house, and would we like anything.  We were going to have a less exciting dinner, but those plans were quickly scrapped while we each put in our orders.  And not long after, my mother arrived with a delicious dinner.

The Kindness of an Empty Seat

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.”

~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I arrived at a luncheon at a church’s parish hall recently and looked around for a place to sit.  Most of the seats were taken.  An older woman I know waved at me, and told me that there was an available seat next to her.  

Kindness and the Moms’ Text Network

“The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food.”

~ Dean Ornish

And among the upsides of technology...  On a recent prom night, the mothers of several girls and boys (young women and men?) kept in touch and shared photos via text.  I even received a couple of photos from a “spy” dad, who extended his phone around a wall to take some paparazzi-worthy candids.  It is always easier to navigate transitions – including letting go – when you are accompanied along the journey.

Kindness and the Fairy Godmother

“I knew I was loved.  And that’s such an important thing.  And, of course, at such an early age, you take it for granted.  Of course your parents love you.  Of course Mrs. Hubert across the street loves you and your godmother loves you and your grandparents love you.”

~ Jessye Norman

One of my children was going to a prom recently.  She would be wearing her first long dress.  Her godmother came over to see her before she left, which I thought was very thoughtful, especially as the godmother had just returned from an out-of-town business trip very late the night before.  Once my daughter was in her long dress, we tried a couple of my necklaces to see what might work, but they didn’t look quite right.  My daughter’s godmother took off a necklace she was wearing for my daughter to try on.  And it was perfect, so off my daughter went to the prom with her fairy godmother’s magic wand touch.

Kindness at the Valet

“As much as we need a prosperous economy, we also need a prosperity of kindness and decency.”

~ Caroline Kennedy

At an office building’s valet stand, a woman explained to the valet parker that she had a credit card but no cash.  Although the service advertises that it accepts credit cards, the machine was not working.  Another customer quietly told the valet parker that she would pay for the women’s ticket and the woman was soon on her way.

Kindness and an Angel Named Gabriel

“But the angel said..., 'Do not be afraid.'”

~ Luke 1:13

A woman I know does not like to fly, but she has to for work, so she does.  On a recent flight, she experienced the worst turbulence she probably has ever been through.  The pilot kept getting rerouted to avoid a bad storm system, but there was a lot of lightning and the plane took quite a number of “deep dips” as another passenger put it.  A gentleman sitting across the empty middle seat from the woman ended up being an angel.  The woman asked him to talk to her because she was nervous, so he told her about his family, his daughters, his son-in-law and the birth of a recent grandchild.  They talked about religion, too.  When the turbulence got really bad, the gentleman asked the woman if she wanted to hold his hand.  She did and she squeezed this angel’s hand as hard as she could every time the plane took another dip.  She felt as though she was on a roller coaster with the lightning flashes as special effects.  But through it all, the woman held on tight to the angel’s hand and he kept telling her that it was going to be okay.  His name was Gabriel.

Kindness and a Little Directional Assistance

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

~ Ronald Reagan

I recently attended a meeting at a law firm in another city.  I stepped out of the conference room and got lost in the maze of the hallways.  As I walked by an office, a gentleman asked me if I was lost.  Yes.  He got up from his desk and walked me to where I needed to go.

In-Flight Kindness

On a recent flight, I ended up in a strange seat -- emergency row and bulkhead, which meant no place to stow my rollerboard and my underseat carry on. I had been late getting to the plane, so the overhead compartments near my seat had filled up. To my surprise and relief, one of the flight attendants told me he would out my rollerboard in the galley. He then found a space behind a seat in the row ahead of me for my other bag.

Kindness and the Heart of a Mother

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

Moms helping moms.  Always.  Even on Mother’s Day weekend. 

A single mom in our neighborhood was having a birthday party for her elementary school-age children.  But she had a cake emergency – a special decoration that she had ordered for the cake was not working.  Another mom, who had gone to drop off her children at the party, took the cake and ran it over to the grocery store to get it decorated.

And the same weekend, a high school mom was having a prom dress emergency.  One of her daughters needed a prom dress in less than a week and had not been able to find anything.  So this mom called one of her childhood friends, a fashion designer.  The designer was out of town, but had her daughter, who works with her, find a dress that would work and make the necessary alterations in time for the big event.

The “loveliest masterpiece,” a mother’s heart has room, love and kindness not only for her children, but also for other mothers and theirs.

Happy Mothers’ Day!

“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness.  When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe.  You relinquish that position to your children.”

~  Jessica Lange

There is no way to thank our mothers for all the kindnesses and love shared with us.  One day a year to celebrate mothers is not enough, but we can certainly celebrate them and thank them and even be patient with them as often as we can.  And if they are no longer with us, we can still give thanks for them and try to be the people they wanted us to be.

Kindness and Politeness

“Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all.  They’re underused.”

~ Tommy Lee Jones

On a recent evening, I was sitting in an empty school auditorium reading a book and waiting for one of my children’s concerts to begin.  A middle school girl entered and asked if she was disturbing me.  No, I said, and explained that I was early for the concert.  I told her I was my child’s mother.  She told me her name and said she was my child’s friend, and then extended her hand to shake mine.  Yes, I was completely impressed – that a parent had taught this child such nice manners and that this child had had the presence of mind to pay attention.

Wrong Number Kindness

“The main thing that you have to remember on this journey is, just be nice to everyone and always smile.”

~ Ed Sheeran

I recently made a call to an office and after beginning to explain what I needed, I realized that I had dialed a different business!  Somewhat embarrassed, I apologized and explained that I had called the wrong number.  The woman who answered the phone could not have been nicer.

Small Town Kindness

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”

~ Amelia Earhart

On a recent evening, one of my children and I were driving through the main street of our community, a small town.  As we drove by our fire station, we saw one of the firefighters sitting outside.  A mother and her toddler son walked by and stopped to chat with the firefighter.  He picked up the little boy in that way that children love to be lifted.  They all smiled and so did we.  And I was reminded of something I read years ago – that even those who merely observe a kindness are positively impacted.  In fact, seeing an act of kindness fills those who witness it with peace and thankfulness.

Kindness and a Book

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

~ Garrison Keillor

I recently ran into a neighbor who talked to me about a book that she found interesting.  I tried to remember the title, so that I could buy it.  But I didn’t quite catch the name, so I was not able to find it.  A couple of days later, I found a package outside my door – the book and a thoughtful note.

Kindness in a Box

“The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.”

~ Hubert H. Humphrey

After a long week, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a small, square box in the mail.  It seemed an odd size and shape for a mailed box.  I have never received anything like it.  Inside was one of the most unique thank yous I have ever received.  A friend of mine sent a card – shaped like a box -- that unfolds with photos of us and a beautiful note.  And inside this unusual card were caramels and tea! 

The Kindness of Sharing Love

“Love is the beauty of the soul.”

~ Saint Augustine

When I travel for work, I frequently rely on my wonderful mom friends to help out with after-school pick-ups and activity chauffeuring.  But my children get so much more than rides.  Whether it’s an after-school ice cream treat, a 7-11 Slurpie stop or the gift of a listen that these moms do so well, my children are blessed with the love that my amazing mom friends generously share.

The Kindness of an Assist at Security

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

~ Princess Diana

At the airport for a recent flight, I was going through security when I dropped my work badge underneath the machine that scans the suitcases.  As I was trying to figure out how to get under it, a passenger behind me bent down and got the badge for me.

Kindness and Honor Flights

“The highest of distinctions is service to others.”

~ King George VI

At the airport recently, I heard a message over the public address system telling passengers that if they wanted to greet WWII veterans, they should go to a specific gate.  The gate was close to mine, so I walked over.  The gate was decorated with red, blue and white streamers and flags as well as other patriotic decorations.  I learned from a gentleman there about a nonprofit organization, Honor Flights, that takes veterans to Washington to see the memorials from the wars in which they were involved.  When the veterans arrive at one of the area airports, passengers in the terminal are invited to greet them.  There were dozens of people there.  Some appeared to be family members holding signs and waving flags.  But the majority were people who heard the announcement and came to greet and honor these veterans who sacrificed so much to serve our country.

Kindness, Gratitude and Shout Outs

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change opportunities into blessings.”

~ William Arthur Ward

At a recent business meeting I attended, a gratitude wall was designated along one side of the large room where the meeting was being held.  Post-It notes and pens were provided, so that people could write appreciations and then post them on the wall.  A number of the gratitude stickies were then read out.  They included shout outs to specific people, who were touched at the mention, as well as gratitude for a job, an opportunity to serve and colleagues in general.

Kindness… Just Because

“I try to say I love you in a million different ways.  That’s what I aspire to do. That’s what I do best.”

~ Christine McVie

I recently visited the home of a husband and wife, retired octogenarians.  As I was leaving, I noticed two flower arrangements.  I imagined that there must have been a birthday or anniversary.  When I commented on the flowers, the wife said that her children had sent them – just because.  She said that every so often they do that.

The Kindness of Teenage Example

“I actually think that the most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world.”

~ Misha Collins

A middle school boy I know was in the car with his mother and a friend of hers.  When they arrived at their destination, the boy jumped out of the back seat to open the car door for his mother’s friend.  The friend was pleasantly surprised and the mother was glad that her son was being kind.  The mother knew that her son’s kindness was in no small part based on the example of a teenage friend who exemplifies thoughtfulness and who always opens and closes the car door for others.