What are the odds this could happen to two people in the same family in one week?
I believe. I believe in Random Acts of Kindness. That’s why I’ve had a small sign mentioning it on my refrigerator for years. Why, I’ve even participated in a few over the years, as they are really satisfying. To do something nice for someone and not get found out, just sit back and watch the results when you can. You don’t always get to see the results — it depends on how far afield you have “flung” the act of kindness.
So imagine my delight and surprise when one appeared on my windshield the other evening. I was shopping for groceries, and when I came out of the store I was solely interested in getting home and getting my stuff into the aforementioned refrigerator. I was tired. It had been an eventful day and a rough few weeks. We’d had three deaths in our large circle of family and friends recently. Plus, I’d just taken my mom to enjoy her son and grandson’s winning softball games.
So, intent on getting the task done, I didn’t notice the beautiful sunflower and the note on the windshield until after I actually got behind the wheel of the car.
I hopped out and found the lovely note that someone signed with a heart and “A Random Act of Kindness.” Talk about bringing a smile and a warm glow to this 72-year-old body! I could hardly wait to get home and share the news with my even older husband. Got the flower in water and basked in its warmth for several more days.
A week later, my husband came bopping into the house from grocery shopping with a “You’ll never guess what happened to me at the store” song on his lips.
He’d been waiting in line to pay, and the lady ahead of him, who had a full cart, told him to go ahead as he didn’t have as many things. He declined and said he was in no hurry, but she insisted. So he went ahead. Then she told the checker to put his purchases on her bill. He tried to protest but she insisted.
We were both surprised that he was able to “receive,” as he is used to giving. I am so glad he allowed someone to give him a random act of kindness, as well.
We are both still stunned and thankful and happy. We are glad still to be here in Vancouver USA, where good things do still happen.
Everybody Has a Story welcomes nonfiction contributions, 1,000 words maximum, and relevant photographs. Email is the best way to send materials so we don’t have to retype your words or borrow original photos. Send to: neighbors@columbian.com or P.O. Box 180, Vancouver WA, 98666. Call “Everybody Has an Editor” Scott Hewitt, 360-735-4525, with questions.
