Parking Lot Kindness

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."
~ Scott Adams

Just because kindnesses are small doesn't mean they don't matter.  We know that the opposite is true -- think of being cut off in traffic and how that bothers us.

Recently, I was in a parking lot and had just pulled my car into a space that had a vacant one next to it on my driver's side.  As I was getting out of my car, another car went to pull into the empty space.  But when he saw that I was about to exit my car, the driver reversed and waited for me to comfortably get out of my car before he parked.  His kindness made me smile as well as thankful for all the little kindnesses that come my way.

The Kindness in a Quarter

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~ Leo Buscaglia

Recently, I had a conversation with a woman in her 70s, the grandmother of one of my children's friends.  She shared a beautiful story.  In 1972, she was going through a difficult time.  One day, she went to buy a newspaper to look for a job.  The newspaper, which was in one of those newspaper vending machines, cost a quarter, but she only had a dollar.  She asked a gentleman who also was buying a newspaper whether he had change for the dollar.  He said no, but gave her the quarter.  She said that she remembers it because it was such a kind thing to do and it felt like so much more.  "It was as if he had faith in me," she recalled.  And during that period in her life, that gesture took on important meaning.  She still remembers that kindness more than 40 years later.

The Kindness of a Stand-Up Greeting

"Compassion may be defined as the capacity to be attentive to the experience of others, to wish the best for others, and to sense what will truly serve others."
~ Joan Halifax

Recently, I landed in an airport to which I had never been.  As I approached the Information Desk to ask the gentleman where I could find a taxi, he stood up to greet me.  I was very touched by this small gesture of formality, which made me feel that he actually wanted to be helpful -- an attitude that sometimes feels rare these days.  He answered my question and as we parted, he welcomed me again to his city. 

Gracious Kindness

"I think sometimes it is more important to be gracious than to win."
~ Dorothy Kilgallen

I had made plans to attend an evening event at my children's school followed by dinner with another mother, who had suggested the idea.  Then I realized that I would have to wake up incredibly early the next morning to catch a flight for a business meeting.  I didn't want to back out of our plans, but when I shared with this mother that I had to wake up at 4:30 am the following day, she graciously told me that she would not mind if we did it another day and said that she would opt for sleep.  Gratefully, I accepted her letting me take a rain check.

The Kindness of a Belated Thank You Note

"Take time to be kind and to say 'thank you.'"
~ Zig Ziglar

A few days ago, I received a thank you note from someone for a gift I had given her nearly a year ago.  I had completely forgotten about the present, but I appreciated her thoughtfulness in sending the note.  And it made me realize that in the thank you-note department, late truly is better than never.  The person may not remember what she gave you, but she will appreciate your kindness in taking the time to express your thanks.

Never-Forgotten Kindness

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience..."
~ Colossians 3:12

Yesterday marked 17 years since my grandmother passed away.  And as fate would have it, I had dinner last night with one of the priests who concelebrated her funeral Mass.  I had no idea that this priest, a former colleague of mine, would be participating in my grandmother's Mass.  I still remember arriving at the church entrance all those years ago and seeing the three priests who also had concelebrated my wedding.  To have the three of them accompany me again at another major life moment was very meaningful to me.  The priest with whom I had dinner last night moved away 16 years ago and we had not seen each other since.  We had a great time catching up and I told him how very much that kindness still meant to me. 

The Kindness -- and Success -- of Healthy Eating Support

"You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support."
~  Sabrina Bryan

A month ago today, two mothers I know embarked -- yes, once more -- on a weight-loss journey.  It certainly has not been easy.  It never is.  But the support they have given each other on a daily basis has gotten them through.  They have shared ideas and photos of healthy meals and snacks.  And they have texted words of encouragement to get each other back on track on days when healthy eating seemed the hardest thing to do.  And so a month later, they have lost more than 16 lbs. between them.