Member-only story
The Power of Kindness
Being a gift to others can change lives
The two women in the restaurant booth next to me smiled a lot. Over cups of decaf and the senior breakfast special, they chatted quietly about many things. Clearly, they were good friends and companions to each other.
Despite my efforts to avoid listening to their conversation, pieces of it slipped through. I soon realized that the woman with the flowing white hair asked a lot of questions, often repeating the same one they’d just finished discussing. But each time, her elderly friend quietly responded, using the same warm, caring voice as before.
Throughout the meal, she continued to speak sweetly to her white-haired friend, encouraging and supporting her in every way. When they got up to leave, she gently took her friend’s elbow and guided her toward the door.
When I commented about these ladies to the staff, I learned that, every Monday, the one woman picks up her forgetful friend and takes her out for breakfast, treating her with utmost love and respect, even on her worst memory days.
That lady was a gift to her friend.
Her actions reminded me of the importance of kindness and patience in our world. What if we all started doing that? In small ways, each of us could help improve someone’s life, and all it takes…
