I have a friend who lives in a senior community in a small rural town in the Midwest. She is older but definitely anything but old. Her mind is sharp and her heart is strong and full of love to give. The drivel and gossip that comprise the daily conversations amongst most of her neighbors provided no mental stimulation or human connection for her; so to discover a kind older gentleman who lived in the same community was quite exciting. Daily she made a special effort to walk past his spot on the porch simply to say hello and offer a smile to brighten the man’s day.
Slowly they went from strangers to acquaintances. Each day, her smile and greeting received a warmer response from this shy man. One day she was told by one of the building gossips that the gentleman’s nephew had passed away. As she approached him on the porch that day she could clearly see that he was greatly saddened by the loss. This day, her good morning and smile were accompanied by a gentle pat on the arm. He looked up and briefly smiled at her. After a few more days of greetings, my friend’s kindness came back to her tenfold. As she approached and reached out to this man, he took her hand and gently kissed the back of it and smiled as he returned her greeting for the day. His response, old-fashioned yet so respectful and full of meaning, brighten my dear friends day and entire week. It was a simple act, as were her daily greetings, but both acts reached out and touched the heart and soul of another; another person in need.
Sadly, the gentleman was taken to the hospital a few days later where he was found to be riddled with cancer. He passed the following weekend. But before his departure, he touched a heart and gave a gift- simple human kindness. His sudden passing was certainly painful for those who love him, but it was also a blessing. And in some small way, I believe it was a gift to him; a thank you for the type of life that he lived. Although almost painfully shy, he found a way to share his feelings and appreciation with another. He knew that even a small gesture of kindness can touch a heart, change a person and a life. I thank him for his kindness to my friend and for reminding me of the importance of even a single moment of kindness shared with another person. I’m certain that he never thought that his compassion would be recognized by someone 2000 miles away. He was simply returning the thoughtfulness of another. But his effort to reciprocate my friend’s gesture reached many miles beyond their small town. This is another example of how a single act of kindness can and does ripple across the world. His brief moment of caring and kindness will touch countless lives.