Great Moments in Kindness - Day 5

Great Moments in Kindness from History
 
1967  Cicely Saunders, MD, founds the modern hospice movement in London in an effort to provide comfort to people during their final days.
"I once asked a man who was dying what he needed above all in those who were caring for him.
 He said, "For someone to look as if they are trying to understand me."
 Dr. Saunders said, explaining the movements mission, "I never forgot that he did not ask for success, but only that someone should care enough to try."
 
 
(June 22, 1918–July 14, 2005)
 
 
 
Moments in Kindness Observed Today
 
I had to dig a little deeper today to find some kindness around me. It seems that arrogance, selfishness and apathy dominate some lives when they bump up against another.
 
Yesterday I experienced three people doing what one might consider less than the American dream job, yet, they were pleasant and joyful. And kind.
 
Today I experienced folks that by their very occupation and job title are meant to serve others. Yet, the simple act of displaying kindness to those they were serving was absent.
 
No details of who, what or where. Sorry, details just don't matter in this story.
 
What matters is that finally after an hour of sharing my frustration, there was but a hint and glimmer of attempting to understand and they "cared to try".
 
In the end, my problem was not solved, I was still frustrated by a "stupid" system, but as I walked out into yet another Florida afternoon downpour, I found myself thankful that I had seen kindness in the smallest attempt of "trying to care".
 
It seemed that the success I walked into expecting, soon was reduced to a desire to be heard, and to be the recipient of some simple caring and kindness.
 
So today, I observed kindness in a different way. Not in my face apparent, but perhaps like a back handed compliment, in the end, it was indeed meant from the heart.
 
Keep looking for kindness.
 Keep being kind.
 In the end, it matters if we care to try.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pathways

Image
  PATHWAYS AND PONDERINGS I recently came across a quote by Henry David Thoreau on his thoughts on pathways. " As a single footstep will not make a path on earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind." As I pondered this thought, my mind was drawn to why do I like pathways?  They are familiar ways to go, they show that someone has gone before me, they are sure and certain to get you somewhere, the obstacles have been pushed aside and cleared a smooth pathway. I like mom and pop stores, where you know you will see familiar faces. I like stores that are not always changing where things are located. I like to have my name used with a note of recognition when I arrive for an appointment. I like to hear "its so good to see you again". I like the adventure of new things discovered, but I like returning to the familiar.  I like the sense of reading a new book, by a familiar author. I like trying a new dish, at a favorite restaurant.  I like welcoming new
Read more

Pathways

Image
PATHWAYS AND PONDERINGS We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." ~ Walt Disney These photos are all taken at the site of our yearly beach vacation. Even though I know where each path goes and what awaits me, I am always curious to see what it ahead that particular day or evening.  It may be a sunset after a rainstorm, a beach full of people or a quiet and serene morning in the absence of other humans, it may be a beach full of shells, birds or seaweed. The shoreline may have altered after the evening tides, there may be a sea turtle nest roped off to keep the baby turtles safe or it may be a beach wedding that we can be informal witnesses to.                                                                                                                              In Alice in Wonderland, Alice is often heard exclaiming "Curiouser and Curiouser" (made up word) as she encounters
Read more

My Craft Room

Image
I have been enjoying gathering up all my paper crafting supplies and getting them into an environment that says "CREATE". I have been spread out all over the house and garage these past four years and have found it to be disjointed and cumbersome to be creative when I don't have my supplies handy. I have taken my time to evaluate my supplies and see what I do use and what I can live without. It has been an adventure to uncover some long forgotten once favorite tools. It has also been an adventure to find some long forgotten tools that never did the job. Good bye to them! I have also taken the time to read some good magazines and books on organizing craft spaces and have found it helpful to see what others do. I think I have made this space reflect me and am looking forward to spending some good time  there creating. It is also a nice space to share with Jackie, my daughter and paper crafting partner. Let the creating begin!!
Read more