Kindness and a Major Assist

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship."

~ Thomas Aquinas

You really hope that you don't have to disturb another mom at night and ask, "Do you have a car and 30 minutes?"  But on a recent evening, I did.  It seems that after hurrying from work to pick up children to take them to another activity, I managed to bring the sandwiches -- but not their musical instruments.  There was no way that I could make it back home and get them to their rehearsal on time, so I called one of my dearest mom friends and asked the question.  And she replied: "What do you need?"  Off she went to my house to pick up two violins.  She then drove over two bridges and met me at the parking lot of an urgent care center. (Just what you want to do after you have arrived comfortably back at your house after work.)  When I called my friend's husband afterward to tell him how much I appreciated it, he seemed surprised and just said, "That's what we do -- help each other out."  Yes, but that was a pretty big assist.

The Kindness of the Tribe

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."

~ Richard Bach

I recently attended an awards ceremony for three women, including one I have known since high school.  Several tables at the event were filled with people this woman affectionately called her "tribe."  They ranged from her mother and the mother's friends to cousins, co-workers and friends from various stages of her life.  In accepting the award, this woman said that while her bank account might not be large, she is grateful for all the members of her tribe.  It was quite a sight -- all the people who showed up to share in her joy.

Small and Simple Kindnesses

"Sometimes, the simple things are more fun and meaningful than all the banquets in the world."

~ E. A. Bucchianeri

It's the little things... There are days when I need a pick-me-up.  And somehow on those days, unexpected kindnesses come my way.  It might be the surprise "I love you" from a teenager as she rushes off to school or someone waving me through in traffic before I even try to signal an ask.  It might be my son's suggestion that we go to our favorite dessert shop or a friend's silliness that makes me laugh.  Small and simple, but they all make me smile and lift my spirits.  

The Kindness of Military Service

"The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy.  They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment."

~ Judd Gregg

At an early morning service commemorating Veterans' Day this week, I heard a veteran talk about serving in the Vietnam War.  Soft-spoken and modest, he said what most of us are fortunate not to have experienced:  "war is hell."  After the ceremony, he shared with a few of us that he had won a Bronze Star and other honors for flying a number of missions.  Those of us who are blessed to live in peace enjoy it thanks to the sacrifice of so many veterans, current members of the military, and all of their families.  We owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery, service and kindness.  

Kindness and Dessert

"Always find opportunities to make someone smile, and to offer random acts of kindness in everyday life."

~ Roy T. Bennett

My lovely friend called me on a recent evening to see if I was home.  She wanted to drop off a piece -- it turned out to be a very large piece -- of one of my all-time favorite desserts.  Called a Pavlova, this wonderful concoction has a crunchy meringue base, dulce de leche and sliced strawberries.  My very thoughtful friend had bought a large Pavlova and wanted to share it.  My family and I were thrilled.

Kindness and Liquid Soap

"If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction."

~ Martin Kornfeld

During a recent out-of-town business meeting, I had a conversation with two slightly older colleagues.  They were talking about a liquid soap that increased in popularity a few decades ago.  I had never heard of it, but I listened as they extolled its virtues.  On the last day of our meeting as we were preparing to each leave for our home cities, one of the two colleagues gave me a small bottle of the soap -- complete with the top taped so that it would not leak in transit.

Kindness and Elections

"Don't let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace."

~ Dalai Lama

During this crazy election season, I have wondered whether it is possible to run for office, not to mention win, without saying anything unkind about your opponent.  Regardless, and whatever ends up being the result, kindness toward each other is definitely the way to move forward.