#26acts of kindness is still alive and well over here in McKinney, Texas.
The other night I had to run to the store after putting the kiddos to sleep, for the 5th time, and get some baby food and a few other staples (yes, wine is a staple, ahem).
A customer in front of me in the line had a whole cart full of like 20 blankets, and was splitting her order into a few separate methods of payment. I felt myself becoming irritated at the thought of having to waste my precious moments of "me time" in a checkout line, instead of relaxing on my couch.
Eavesdropping, as I normally do. I heard the cashier say she thought the blankets were a great deal and wished she had the opportunity to buy one before they were gone, but had to work late.
The image of Olivia Engel popped into my head, as I had just written a blog post about keeping the memory of the victims of Sandy Hook alive, in our #26acts of kindness throughout the year.
I really just wanted to get home. But, I thought....
It's the times when it's not easy or convenient that an act of kindness really makes a difference.
So, I excused myself in line and pushed my cart all over the store to find the spot where these fleecy blankets were. There were only (2) left.
It was meant to be.
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| My second attempt at #26acts - McKinney, Texas |
I found the line with the same cashier, Marilyn, and plopped my blankets down on the conveyer belt.
"I know it's not much, but I want to buy this blanket for you," I say.
For a moment, she just looked at me.
I began to explain, all of the sudden my voice cracking, flooded with emotion, how I wanted to keep the memory of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary alive, by spreading good around with #26acts of kindness throughout the year.
She also began to tear up, and told me she was going to school to continue her education as a social worker to try to help those in need, like the families effected by the Sandy Hook tragedy, but had been having trouble finding employment.
I wished her luck in her education and career and said I hoped this blanket would give her some much needed comfort.
Walking away, I felt strange...but in a really good way. I can't remember the last time I did something kind for a stranger. Like I said, it's not much but at least it's something.
Something instead of nothing.
It may have been just a blanket, but it reinforced my commitment to continue with #26acts of kindness this year. I encourage you to do the same and share with us how you're teaching your family how to be kind to the world - one act of kindness at a time.
Loved your blog!!! A great reminder!
ReplyDeleteI got teary eyed when you gave the blanket to the cashier ~ so sweet! Yesterday, I walked into the gym eating a tangerine I had just purchased. The receptionist said, "Those just make me happy, the smell, the taste" I commented on how much I loved Fairchild Tangerines and where I had purchased the tangerines. I continued to walk into the locker room and tossed my gym bag into the locker and then it struck..."it would be nice if you walked back to the car and fetch a few tangerines for the receptionist". I battled the thought of the kind act claiming I was in a hurry, I'd have to walk to the car, she might not be there...yada yada. Fortunately, I yielded and made the thought of the kind act a reality. As I handed the receptionist a couple of balls of fruity happiness, I kindly said, "I JUST WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY." She squealed, "I love you~"
Later in the afternoon, after I had left the gym, the receptionist bumped into each other at the grocery store!!! There was a sweet connection. I asked if she had eaten the tangerine. "Why no, I am saving it for when I get home, sit down, and relax ~ it will make me so happy!" I thought about how guilty I would have felt if the tangerines were left in the car instead of deposited in her hands and heart!
That's a great story! Thanks for sharing your #26acts!
DeleteJust wanted to say that this post really touched me and made me a little teary! If we all took a moment to truly think about others (like you did), this world would be a much better place. Thanks so much for spreading a little kindness. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Keara! Now, what can you do this week to spread a little kindness? :-)
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