Never underestimate an act of kindness

Small act - huge impact.

I found myself yesterday wanting to show a few people who had been extraordinarily kind to me in tough times how much their kindness had impacted on me and the depth of my gratitude. I do not have a lot to give but I could give a part of myself, a representation of what is meaningful to me, and a sincere handwritten note of thanks.

Without a shadow of a doubt I could tell you that each of these people would ask for nothing in return for being the generous souls that they are and I should say none of these acts of kindness involved any form of financial assistance - they were acts of kindness generated from something far more valuable than money.

As I sat to write my list of who I wanted to send a Thank You gift to, I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for these people and what they had done for me, without blinking an eye. I had never asked for help, it was simply given because that is who they are at their core.

I remembered the time when I was walking up the street to buy medications for my mother. I was caring for my mother full time, I was loaded up with grocery shopping and I passed a friend. Actually, at that time, he was more of an acquaintance which makes his kindness even more meaningful. He asked why I was walking carrying so many heavy bags and I explained that I had sold my car to help pay for my mother's medical bills. He simply looked at me and said "But you must be constantly taking your mother to the hospital, the doctor, how are you getting her there?" I explained I was using taxis and I was very grateful to the taxi company for always being so helpful. He turned up at my house that afternoon with a car, handed me the keys and said "For as long as you need it, it's yours".

It is doubtful that I could express in words what this meant to me, and to my mother. I was in total shock and overwhelmed. The stress of having to leave my mother whilst I walked to get her medication, or her shopping, taken away. The anxiety of whether the taxi would arrive on time for her appointments taken away. The ability to take her for a drive when she was up to it. I still have tears thinking about what a difference it made and the kindness of someone I only knew on a superficial level at that time. Needless to say, we have become life-long friends and I hope that I have been able to return his generosity in my own small way over the many years we have now known each other.

When my mother was dying and I sat with her for 10 days - the hardest time of my life - and I was alone, a friend opened her heart and her home to make sure I got through this time. Although I stayed with my mother and slept in a chair at her bedside, I knew I had a place to go and cry, to receive a hug, to shower and change my clothes before returning to present a strong demeanor. When my mother passed, she was there within minutes to ensure I had someone to lean on. I do not know how I would have coped without that support. Again, this was someone that I had met on several occasions but, at that time, we were not what you would have called close friends. We now, although living hours apart, have a friendship that is solidified forever. And again I hope I have been able to return the kindness over the years in my own small way.

Such acts of kindness have an amazing ripple effect. There have been a number of occasions when I have been able to Pay it Forward with complete strangers, or acquaintances, and those moments are the most fulfilling moments I could ask for. I need not give examples for their story is not mine to tell but I know I made a difference, had an impact, and I believe that they too will Pay it Forward when the opportunity presents itself.

If I were to make a list, my hope would be that the list on my side is equal to, or even outweighs, that of others. But there is no need for a list as it becomes simply who you are.

To all those who give so generously of themselves, I say a heartfelt and sincere thank you. And if you give to a stranger, even more so. You may be their only lifeline. You may never witness the impact you have had but I want you to know that it will have been far more significant that you could ever imagine. And, more than likely, in ways you could never foresee.

And for those, like me, who have received such acts of kindness - be grateful and Pay it Forward. It does not matter how small the footprint, what may seem small to you could be the difference between holding on and giving up to another. Make your footprint one of kindness and the world will be a better place for you walking in it.

Live in Love, Peace and Gratitude.

(c) Dianne Traynor 3 November 2020