I’ve done plenty because it is at the core of my existence. Being kind I mean. I’ve brought small bouquets of flowers to lonely neighbors, mostly women, who are living alone in this village and that small gesture brings a spark of light back in their eyes. I usually help when it is needed and I tend to put myself out there and often to my own detriment.
One act of kindness that stands out is my offer of help to a young family who had lost the mainstay of their family to suicide. I didn’t know her well but her son and mine were friends. She was a vet and they had a good life going or so we thought. I recall the week before the incident. We talked on my front stoop and she told me they were heading to Prague for the holidays and when they get back our two boys could meet up and have a playdate.
A week later, my son had his friends over but that little boy was missing. I asked where he was and the boys kept saying, “His mom is gone!” I was puzzled so I called and found out the sad news. I wasn’t close to them but somehow this caring within me kicked in and I offered help. The father accepted. I was there at the funeral and it was a sad one. No one could understand why she had done what she did. There had been no signs whatsoever.
Anyway, the father asked if I could look after the little boy after the funeral, he needed time alone. I agreed and took him home with me. He stayed for two or perhaps three days, I can’t recall now. I would catch him staring into space not understanding but somehow knowing that his life had changed. I recall giving him hugs and saying, “Everything will be alright.” My son kept him occupied but the strange thing, I would break into tears for no apparent reason. Perhaps, it was the sadness of the situation or something else, I don’t really know.
I know that the boy still remembers the kindness that was shown to him. He is a young man now studying in Scotland. He has done well and his mom would be so proud of him. When we do meet and when our eyes touch, I see that he still remembers the kindness that was offered to him. It was a small gesture from my end but it helped him when he needed it most and sometimes that is what kindness is about.
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