What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?

SCityCuddlerSCityCuddler
in General

I visit a friend regularly at his grave site. I bring a notebook, blanket and I talk to him. One day as I was sitting there I noticed a young kid (5-7ish) and he started walking twords me. He asked me what I was doing and if I thought my friend could hear me. I said yes, I believe he does and if he doesn't it sure does make me feel good to talk to him. He said he talked to his mom too and he hoped she could hear him. He ran off for a few minutes and came back with a few flowers and placed them at my friends headstone. He looked at me and said I think he'll really hear you if he knows you brought him some flowers.

I will never forget that kid and how simple and beautiful that act of kindness was.

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Comments

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    That’s a beautiful experience of kindness @SCityCuddler. Thank you for sharing.

  • cuddles_ndreamcuddles_ndream

    That was really nice of the kid 🌌

    I shared this story before but i was in my mid 20’s , broke af at that very moment & went to put gas in my car … someone there asked me that if I gave him whatever I had he’ll use his credit card 💳 & double it … I forgot what the amount was but let’s say it was 10 bucks & he agreed to fill it up 20, when it was reaching 20 I told him & he said its cool & continued … when it reach 30 I told him again & he said it’s all good, he ended up filling the tank, I went to give him the 10 bucks & he didn’t want it, I told him to wait, went inside & bought a 10 dollar powerball or mega & gave it to him & thanked him, he thanked me back & left … I genuinely hope he won something, I haven’t payed that incident forward but I will & can’t wait to surprise someone at the gas station & fill their tank. I really hope is someone in need.

  • CuddleBarista1CuddleBarista1
    edited May 2022

    I have a friend who is a comic artist and I was telling him my vision, goals, creative ideas, etc. I told him I need to start sketching or writing my creative ideas and he asked me what anime I like. I told him Kodocha. He gave me a huge book and drew the character Sana from Kodocha on the last page. He wrote to me " don't let go of your passion and dreams until you fight to the end." It was really encouraging and I push myself harder to keep going no matter how hard it gets.

  • GreatHornedOwlGreatHornedOwl
    edited May 2022

    About 55 years ago. my wife an I were going from Chicago to Montana and Wyoming on a motorcycle. In those days, Montana had no speed limits on the major highways. I had a blowout of the front tire, at about 85 mph. It turned out that I had no trouble controlling the bike, as ling as I kept the speed up. At about 30 mph, control became difficult. At 15 mph, control became impossible, and down we went. Surprisingly, we suffered very little. I tore my pants, and took a chunk out of my helmet. My wife skinned her elbow.

    I got the wheel off of the bike, and sat down waiting for help. After a few minutes, a car with two teenage couples pulled up. We threw the wheel into their trunk, and they drove us to the nearest town, where we had the tire repaired. They then insisted on driving us back to where we had left the bike. They refused to accept a dime for their help.

    I started to reinstall the wheel, and they drove off. As soon as they left, I realized that I had left my expensive camera in their car. I was astonished that just as we were getting ready to take off, they reappeared with the camera.

    That was far more than a small act of kindness.

  • CrissyKatCrissyKat

    A friend bought me a harp.

  • JoyfulHeartJoyfulHeart

    When I was in my twenties, a young lady about my age said, "I'm glad that you're here." It was the first time anyone had ever said that to me, and I've never forgotten it.

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    @JoyfulHeart That reminded me of when I transferred my job to another post office. I have always been a good worker. I had not been there long and it was Christmas season. I worked both buildings and when I arrived at the other building to help sort the mail a co-worker said "We're glad you're here". I loved that. Especially since the guy had a lot of good qualities. A premium compliment coming from him.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    Love this thread, rock on @SCityCuddler!

    At my first job, I was often left alone to man the entire burger joint...while my manager played on her phone in the back room for hours. I took all orders at the counter, manned the headset for the drive-thru, cooked all the burgers, dressed and packaged them, cooked all the fries, poured all the drinks, and collected all the money, in between even running out to the dining room to wipe down tables.

    One day, an elderly man was standing at the side counter waiting for his order, with a clear view into the kitchen. I was running the place alone, and after watching me for several minutes, when I brought him his order, he told me warmly, "You're like a symphony in motion." It meant so much that he noticed and appreciated me.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

  • Carl2714Carl2714

    I had trouble finishing a long uphill hike in the mountains. I was afraid to call for help and the people I hiked with cane back to help me, carrying my pack and giving me water and food. I was having trouble breathing so was so thankful!

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    @SunsetSnuggles The mere act of acknowledging and word of appreciation is such a profound act of kindness indeed!

  • SCityCuddlerSCityCuddler
    edited May 2022

    @blisscuddles I'm so happy you enjoyed it! :)

    @cuddles_ndream That was so awesome of him to fill your tank up! I bet you'll be grinning up a storm when you pay that forward. Please share the story with me when you do.

    @CuddleBarista1 That's such a sweet and encouraging gesture! I wonder how he'd react if you reached out and told him how much that meant to you?

    @GreatHornedOwl My first reaction when I read 2 teenage couples was uh, oh! How sweet of them to go out their way to help you and your wife out. And, on top of that to return that camera, those are some good kids! What an awesome picture, was it from that day?

    @JoyfulHeart Such a simple statement, but so freaking powerful! I'm also glad that you're here.

    @achetocuddle Being told I'm glad you're here at work makes you feel so dang appreciated!

    @SunsetSnuggles For someone to notice, appreciate and then share a special compliment like that, that's pretty impressive. Also, I've never heard "you're like a symphony in motion" before. I'm going to have to use that one.

    @Carl2714 That was so sweet of them to come back and help you out like that. I'm glad they did, that musta been a tough hike.

  • PeopleLikeUsPeopleLikeUs
    edited May 2022

    I visit a grave too.

    I tried dating Pam decades ago but her cancer always got in the way. On one such date, I learned she had succumbed to her Lymphoma. So as I took my seat at this concert where she was going to meet me I noticed this mysterious bouquet of flowers in her seat next to me. Later that night after the show I met one of the orchestra members and it turned into a relationship. I always attribute that relationship to Pam beaming down from above at age 32. I never dated her either. Just long talks by phone about being together when things got better.

    I only visit her grave now when I'm lonely and every time someone new comes into my life.

  • cuddles_ndreamcuddles_ndream

    @SCityCuddler ty, I will : )

  • CozyWolfyCozyWolfy

    On my 18th birthday I was having a tough time and moving out on my own that day and my teacher found out and threw me a surprise party in class and even got me a cake and I cried 😢
    was very thoughtful of her.

  • waynewvwaynewv
    edited May 2022

    As a true Motörhead guy, of course it will involve a car. I had just got my drivers license as a teen and borrowed my step dads 1961 Chevy Impala conv. And was driving in the snow and slide off the WV mountain road, I was so worried, but luckily it was not damaged and a older gentleman stopped and pulled me out with his 4X4 , I was so happy that I didn’t have to call my stepdad, so I offered to pay him and this is what he said!!!
    I’ll bill the dust on the road and let the rain settle it ,
    that is an old country saying.
    A few years later when I owned a 4X4 I pulled many people out of a bad spot and never took a penny, I would repeat what that gentleman had told me.
    Just a few days ago I moved a camper for a neighbor and he offered to pay me, I told him the same thing, it took him a few minutes to figure it out as he was from the city, LOL

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    Being an introvert, large gatherings are awkward and uncomfortable at times. At one of the parties at work where had just started, that awkwardness kicked in and in a corner. One of the them, not even on my team, noticed..came up, started a conversation, introduced to others. That broke the ice and opened a lot of good friendships.
    That was a small but impacting act of kindness. Worked on getting uncomfortable approaching others till it gets comfortable. I still appreciate that gesture and it’s influence.

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    @waynewv Paying it forward is indeed a great act of kindness.

  • taminatortaminator

    A small act of kindness can mean the world to someone else

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @blisscuddles I am also the type to tuck myself back in a corner and just watch everyone else interact.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    @SunsetSnuggles I'll have company then..we could people watch together 😁

  • LovelightLovelight

    When I was a kid, I got rescued by a guy who I think was a truck driver. From what I can remember he stopped, got off the truck to assist me and my guardian. He was a superhero I tell you. ♥️

  • SlothHugsSlothHugs
    edited May 2022

    My family experienced a medical emergency in France a few years back, and their visiting hoursare very restrictive. One day when the patient was especially down, me and my dad kinda snuck in. The nurse who intentionally "didnt see us" (or report us) gave me a big gift that day... ❤️

    I grateful you asked this question, @SCityCuddler . it caused me to think about ao many beautiful moments... 😊 Also appreciate everyone else's sharing!

  • pmvinespmvines
    edited May 2022

    Too many things in life that have touched me and impacted me to name. Its not an easy thing to extract an experience because these are all things that evolve us. It's part of our DNA . Like not seeing.the forest through the trees. Too many meaningful and gorgeous experiences to name .

  • SlothHugsSlothHugs

    @pmvines -agreed! ❤️ The activity of thinking of them is fabulous though, right??

  • [Deleted User]Btown (deleted user)

    Many years ago my oldest daughter was born with complications and survival was iffy. I was comforted and consoled by a total stranger who stayed with me for hours in the waiting room.

  • SCityCuddlerSCityCuddler
    edited May 2022

    @PeopleLikeUs That is such a beautiful story. I believe deep down that those we love are watching out for us. I'm so glad you have Pam watching out for you.

    @CozyWolfy To move out on your own on your 18th birthday, that musta been scary as heck. I'm so glad that you had a teacher that made it a point to make your day special.

    @waynewv I love hearing good deeds being payed forward. It's a powerful thing for someone to help you out and not expect a thing in return. I'm so glad you didn't get busted by your step dad that night. That you crossed paths with such a kind fella and that you paid it forward 10 fold. Also, I'm going to have to start using that saying, never heard that one before.

    @blisscuddles I'm so glad that individual sparked up a conversation with you and helped you open up to meeting new friends. The feeling of being included really does make being social so much easier.

    @taminator I agree!

    @Lovelight How kind of that man to stop and help you and your guardian out. I'm glad he was there for you.

    @SlothHugs A nurse "intentionally" not seeing you and giving you the gift of more time with your family, that's so sweet. I'm grateful I asked too, I'm really enjoying the feel good stories. Plus, it makes us all feel a bit more connected.

  • blisscuddlesblisscuddles

    Echoing what @SlothHugs said ..great topic @SCityCuddler …stopping to reflect on this opens your mind to be kinder to others yourself.

  • SCityCuddlerSCityCuddler
    edited May 2022

    @pmvines Oh, look at you fancy pants, too many stories to pick one. With all that time you spend on the toilet you'd think one story would be easy peasy. :p

    @Btown I'm so glad that stranger stepped up and stayed by your side. I can't even imagine what you were experiencing emotionally, I'm glad you were not alone.

  • The_BrunnetteThe_Brunnette

    After the engine in my car died, it held on for multiple years past its time, I had my car towed to my mechanic. Mind you I had diligently saved but knew I had only recently saved enough to be able to pay for a replacement. First act of kindness, the man who towed it was so kind and genuine. Just talking with him was calming. Second I was able to borrow a car while I was deciding whether I would repair my car or continue looking for cars. Third my mechanic let me leave my car at his lot for a few weeks. While I searched for a car within my budget. My mechanic was understanding and eventually I had him replace the engine. Fourth art of kindness during this time I interacted with a car salesman on numerous occasions who genuinely tried to help me find a used car within my budget. It sounds odd but he was supportive and kind even though I never bought a car from him.

  • pmvinespmvines

    @SCityCuddler I do spend a lot of my writing time on the toilet . When you see a really long post from me , well....

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