Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 14 October 2020

Acts of Kindness

 I think that most of us agreed that the world needs more, not less kindness.  A kind act, however small can (and does) make an incredible difference.

Years ago (over his loudly voiced protests) I called an ambulance for my partner.

They came promptly, and transferred him to hospital - where he remained for the next month.

I was grateful that they did their job promptly and efficiently.  However, it was an act of kindness by one of the paramedics which moved me to tears.

Himself was operated on that night.  A long operation (over five hours).  When I went to visit him the next morning he told me that one of the paramedics who brought him in the day before had looked in to see him in the early hours of the morning 'just to see how he was'.

I know that the paramedic's job took him to the hospital on a regular basis.  Just the same I thought (and still think) that it was an incredibly caring act to chase up where in the hospital he was and to come and see him.  I wrote to the Ambulance Service to thank them - and got a thank you letter from them.

What unexpected kind acts have you received which have warmed your heart?

121 comments:

  1. Random acts of kindness is like a ripple effect it makes everyone feels good.

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    1. Steve: Welcome and thank you. I would be very happy if kindness ripples became a tsunami.

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  2. When our cattle barn collapsed in a heavy snow storm in 2009, with 70 trapped milking cows under the rubbles,
    one phone call to a farmer friend and we had an army of farmers arriving within minutes to help. It was a very delicate operation so as to not cause any harm or more stress as possible to the animals. They had to cut through metal, wood and debris and a vet was on hand to treat any injuries.

    Farmers were just amazing in their knowledge of rescue and moving the cattle to safety. They help rebuilt the cattle barn during the winter and words can't describe the feeling of gratitude we felt. They helped with donation of hay, time and money and just plain hard work. It was at a very difficult time in our lives that we received this multitude of kindness from even people we didn't know. Out of the 70 milk cows trapped under the rubbles we only lost two. Luckily, the heifers and calves were in another barn. We will never forget their

    Kindness sure make a big difference. It brings tears just remembering.
    Stay safe and well.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: That is a huge succession of kindnesses. Just reading about it made my eyes leak. How wonderful.

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  3. Dear EC
    I agree - it is more important than ever at the moment and means a lot to the recipient.
    I saw something which made me feel happy the other day. An elderly gentleman was at the side of the road waiting to cross. A young eastern european woman stopped and asked him if he was OK and did he need any help. He replied he was fine and she continued on her way. She didn't need to help, but she asked if she could. A small act of kindness and lovely to see.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Very lovely to see, and it undoubtedly brightened his day, your day - and now mine.

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  4. I have witnessed and been the recipient of so much kindness. Sometimes it is small and sometimes it is as big as the sky. Even though I am snarky and sarcastic I really do look for the good in people. I can find it in most. Not everyone, but most. The thing that has made my heart swell most recently was after having my neighbors at my house for a Covid free pool party ( they had it to themselves for the day) their daughter who is differently abled and non-verbal, signed I love you and blew air kisses at me. The ultimate kindness!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: And now I am misting again as I read this. She responded to your kindness with her own - and how beautiful it was.

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  5. I don't think of myself as growing older, aged, more infirm. Even though I can see myself in the mirror, I simply do not see an infirm old lady. But when I am out, fumbling with a grocery cart, or with my cane, or struggling to open a heavy door (and they are soooooo heavy!, more often than not someone comes up from behind, or comes from the opposite direction and says "Here, let me get that for you!"

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Isn't it wonderful. We hear so much about unkindness but when we look there is kindness everywhere. Which is as it should be.

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  6. When SG was in the hospital after having had a stroke, I was really happy to see how many of the people caring for him took an interest in his welfare. One young physical therapist kept checking on him more than I'd seen before. I even got a little jealous. :-)

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    1. DJan: Smiling at your jealousy - and so very glad that SG (and you) got the necessary care and the equally necessary kindness.

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  7. My eldest granddaughter gave me a thank you card which she made for Thanksgiving. It was the most special card I ever received. I will always treasure it.

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    1. Marie Smith: What a precious memento to have. Of COURSE you will treasure it - just as you do her.

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  8. Your warmth and authenticity always touches me

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. I try - and honesty is very, very important to me.

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  9. That was terribly kind of the paramedic. I constantly receive acts of kindness and I am never quite sure why. I suppose I must do some kind acts too.

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    1. Andrew: It was a totally unexpected act of kindness from the paramedic and even years later it warms my heart. I am glad that you are given kindnesses. Very glad. And I am sure you are kind - as I try to be.

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  10. I can feel undone by a kindness, too. It's so unbelievably life-changing to have someone share their heart so openly
    and with such warmth. I appreciate the warmth I find here always. Thanks for being such a generous fireside.
    -Jennifer

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    1. SingingRiverSoulSpa: Thank you. Your own authenticity and generosity warms me more than I can say.

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  11. That's a beautiful story. I hope your partner is doing well. Even in movies an act of kindness makes me cry more than a true sad event. Years ago when my Mother was so gravely ill. She ended up in the ER and they operated at 2 am. It was a very long surgery and they told us she might not make it, but she definitely wouldn't if surgery wasn't done. As we all sad like zoombies in the waiting room, a nurse made a big pot of coffee for us. That helped us get through the night is certainly not a nursing duty. Mom did make it through the night, but sadly was in the hospital for 6 wks and never made it home. But, still that act of kindness of a pot of coffee is something I will always remember.

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    1. Sandy: It was touch and go for a very long time there (he has had seven or eight abdominal surgeries now) but he is now doing well. Kindness always make me weep - in books, in movies, and in life.
      And that nurses act of kindness has made my eyes fill again. What an exceptionally loving gesture. I am so sorry that your mother didn't make it home and so very grateful for the kindness you received at such a difficult time.

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  12. It's the little, everyday things that i think of, people holding doors for each other, or helping someone reach something on a top shelf at the store, things like that. It takes so little time and can remind us all of who connected we really are.

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    1. messymimi: Those little gestures are huge aren't they, and you are right they do show us just how connected we are - and how connected we need to be.

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  13. What a lovely story, and I'm glad your partner is doing well now. In my memories, the people who have offered me kindnesses like that have faces that glow like angels.

    When my step-mom was undergoing chemotherapy she was very frail, and despite my best efforts she fell on a snow-covered sidewalk. A nearby man rushed over to help, a rough-looking fellow with dirty clothes and a weathered face. As we bent over my step-mom our eyes met, and just for an instant I was lost in the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen, filled with concern and compassion. The story ended well: My step-mom wasn't injured in the fall and she eventually recovered from her cancer. I wouldn't recognize that man if I ever saw him again, but I will never forget him.

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    1. Diane Henders: Oh yes. Some of the angels I have met have been unlikely looking, but their wings and their halos shine. So brightly. I am glad to hear that your step mama recovered too.

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  14. That was lovely of the paramedic to call in as he was passing through. A little bit of kindness and caring goes a long way. Lovely of you to acknowledge the kindness too.
    Take care.

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    1. Margaret D: He had to make a special effort to drop in. When he last saw my partner we were waiting in emergency. He tracked him down to the ward and bypassed the dragons at the door who were sticklers for no people being admitted outside visiting hours.

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  15. I try to give honest compliments when I can because I know how much a kind word can mean to someone. Last week I was working on my gardens in the front yard when a woman drove by and stopped her car. She yelled out that she loved my house and appreciated seeing all the work we do in the gardens. It was one of my off days and I was hurting and not well. Her kind words lifted me up and turned my day around. I am sure she had no idea what she did for me that day.

    Never miss an opportunity to be kind. There is no cost and you may never know it’s effect, but the world is a better place for it.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Snap!!! One day last week I was working in the front garden. Like you I was hurting and not at my best. A man I cannot remember ever seeing before stopped his car to tell me that the garden was beautiful. I floated inside.
      And yes, the world is infinitely better for kindness.

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    2. My gosh, Sue, from opposites sides of the world, the same kindness came to both of us from out of the blue (she actually had a silver car). How fortunate were we!

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    3. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: And another snap. The gentleman who stopped to tell me how beautiful the garden was drove a silver car.

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  16. A visit from two deputies following a death investigation just to check on me...and you are right about acts of kindness. I hope you are doing well.

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    1. e: That sounds like a truly heartwarming act. I am fine and hope that you and Lukas are holding up well.

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  17. I had an older woman tell me just this morning that my garden is still beautiful. She had her grandson with her, they used to come nearly everyday to look at the grogs and other ornaments and today the little boy couldn't find the frogs. When I said they had been stolen so everything else got put away, she said they had noted the new additions, like the bee hotel and hanging pots, so my garden is still beautiful to them. That made me happy and I'm thinking of ways to put ornaments back in there, but with burglar proofing. I also have a neighbour who is an earlybird and goes out for a walk just when the shops are opening, he brings me a newspaper most mornings and especially if the mornings are very cold or rainy. You, yourself are kindness personified.

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    1. River: That is three of us who have been really touched by compliments about our garden. Simple statements - which make a huge difference.
      How lovely that your neighbbour brings you a paper each day. And thank you.

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    1. River: I actually read it as frogs. Corrective reading?

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  19. I read this post earlier. Been thinking about it all day and can't come up with anything!

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  20. In a bitter New York winter...I'd lost my woolen hat to an East River breeze and stopped to buy one from a street trader.But I had no change and he was waiting for the bank to open. He gave me a hat and gloves and I assured him I would be back to pay him later that day.When I came back later, he was sheltering in doorway as another snow flurry blasted the city. I paid him for my hat and he hugged me and said he knew I would be back."I knew you were a good lady."

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    1. dinahmow: I remember you telling me that story. He was right. You ARE good people.

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    2. We are: Clamco: It is a beauty isn't it?

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  21. Well. just recently, I wrote a blog post about how I've been getting some hate comments and that I would be taking a blog break for a while. It has warmed my heart that so many people have commented in support of me, including you. I love my blog readers.

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    1. We are: Clamco: Of course we care. It is one of the nicest things I have found in the blogosphere, the friends we make all over the world. And there are many, many more nice people here than trolls.

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  22. I can't remember much about the many acts of kindness Imust have received but I do have one:

    One of my seniors group is a woman who has experienced a huge amount of trauma. I didn't know that she had dissociative personalities and one day she said a hugely hurtful thing to me and I believed she hated me (I now choose to believe it was "one of her people")
    Anyways, a year or two later she gave me a bookmark with the inscription "you are a blessing" Still makes me cry and more so because it was so very unexpected

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    1. kylie: Yet another story which makes my eyes leak. How truly lovely - and I suspect you are right and it was one of her people. No doubt a frightened and hurt person.

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  23. I echo what some have said--- your posts and your comments on my posts are always considered an act of kindness by this aging observer of life.

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    1. Bill: Thank you. And please believe me when I say I mean everyone of my comments. You provide me with beauty every day.

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  24. Thank you for your story. It is so wonderful when people in times of trouble have the surplus to do more then the bare necessities. Because kindness and love are necessities, especially in troubled times. Let's all infect the world with this kindness.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): A kindness pandemic would be very, very welcome wouldn't it? And can't come soon enough.

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  25. Those simple acts of kindness like that and others do hold a forever place in our hearts. We never know how a simple gesture sometimes can mean so much to someone else. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Simple acts, given with no expectation of reward or even thanks. Simple acts which make a HUGE difference.

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  26. I always love to hear about random acts of kindness from around the world, and thank you for sharing yours. One small act can make a world of difference in someone's life, and just imagine if everyone kept passing it on and sharing it. My heart is smiling just thinking about it. Thanks again! Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: I have loved reading about the kindnesses that people have received and like you they make my heart smile. Hugs to you too.

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  27. Gosh, that is wonderful to read about. I think we blogging friends show acts of kindness every day. I have often seen it in your blog posts, and in your comments when visiting, as I have seen others. The blogging world can be a very kind community. As for myself personally, someone dropped a flyer on our doorstep only yesterday. It looked like a young person who was offering to do yardwork for free. Once again we were really touched by our thoughtful neighbors.

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    1. DeniseinVA: You are right. I have found the blogosphere to be a very kind and supportive place. A home away from home. I loved the young person in your area offering their services too, and hope they get many takers.

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  28. That is an act of kindness and on your part too.
    A few years ago, we were in a wreck that totaled our car. We had to leave the luggage in the car and rent a car and go to the hospital. Firemen in the firetruck showed up at the hospital with our luggage. It was definitely above and beyond. An act of kindness we truly appreciated.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Those simple acts can make challenging times sooooo much easier to bear can't they? Something I need to remember more often.

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    2. Please remember, the work YOU do makes life easier/bearable for many.

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    3. Sandra Cox: Thank you. I hope I do make a positive difference. So much I hope it.

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    4. You definitely do. Your crown twinkles brightly with stars.

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    5. Sandra Cox: Thank you for your shameless flattery.

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  29. Your experience with the paramedic gives me hope.

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    1. Dragonquillca: It gave us hope too, at a very, very frightening period in our lives.

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  30. I had my only child in a military hospital over 40 years ago. There were some problems, labor was long and throughout I was surrounded by male doctors and nurses. My husband was not allowed to be with me for much of the time. I've never felt more alone. One doctor, who was consulted towards the end, was the only one who put his hand on my shoulder and took the time to speak some comforting words. I still cannot believe that small act made all the difference in the world to me. I hope I've been able to pass that forward.
    Thank you for this opportunity to recall that small yet immense act of kindness.

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    1. Myrna R.: That small act was huge wasn't it? And made all the difference. The medical expertise was there, but it was the kindness which gave you hope...
      Thank you for sharing this very important moment and kindness.

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  31. I mentioned this on my blog a couple of weeks ago, a former coworker heard that I had lost my beloved dog, Ginger. She crocheted a lovely shawl for me and left it, along with a sympathy card, in a gift bag on my front steps. The card said to consider the shawl a hug from her and from Ginger. I found the gift the afternoon I got home from the vet with Ginger's cremated ashes. I just sobbed because of her kindness! We aren't even especially close friends, but we had worked together for a few years. I will treasure the shawl and her thoughtfulness forever!

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    1. Jennifer: What a truly lovely act which arrived at the perfect moment. I would have sobbed too. Buckets. And of course you treasure the shawl and the gesture.

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  32. I think paramedics are amazing people. The way they treated my mother when they found her on the floor has stayed with me ever since. They don't get the credit they deserve.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I agree. I was already super impressed that the paramedics managed to convince my partner that hospital was where he needed to be (just as well because he was dying when we pulled in). The visit the next day was icing on the cake.

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  33. What a sweet post, EC. I read every comment, and I'm on the verge of crying tears of joy. If I looked up "kind" in the dictionary, I suspect I'd find a photo of you--at least that's the way it should be. So many people have done lovely things for me that I can't list them all, so I'm choosing one that came to my mind because of Julia's comment about the farmers helping with the cows. When we lived in the country in Illinois, most of the people in the area were farmers. During an icy, snowy spell, X fell and hit his head. I wanted to take him to the doctor, but we had a large house with a very long, hilly driveway. I knew I couldn't shovel us out, and I knew that if I took the car out of the garage that it would get stuck. Then I heard the noise of a motor outside. One of the farmers was out front in his tractor, plowing the driveway. I knew where he lived but had never met him. I called one of the ladies who lived up the street and asked if I should run out to give him some money. She said, "Oh, no, don't do that. Farmers take care of their own. He's plowing all the driveways on the street." I was so grateful to that man, and I was grateful that when I took X to the doctor, he was not seriously injured.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: I am MUCH more likely to weep at kindness than I am at any other time. Happy tears, sooky tears, tears I fell no shame about. I love your kindness too, which like Jennifer's arrived at the perfect time. I am very glad that X was ok too.
      There is a lot of kindness about, but there is always, but always room for more. Perhaps particularly now.

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  34. You have been unexpectedly kind to me by putting up with me and letting me be who I am, encouraging me while not trying to "fix" me. Thank you very much.

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    1. Ornery Owl: Believe me it isn't 'putting up' with you. I am very interested in your perspective. I resent being fixed and wouldn't dream of trying to fix others.

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  35. For me...just to receive a friendly smile from a friend or from a stranger is a kindness. :)

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    1. Lee: No arguments from here. And we need more kindness (a lot more) not less.

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  36. I LOVE this story so much, EC. Thank you for sharing it. It really touched my heart. I think it takes a special person to be an EMT. My hubby has type 1 diabetes and before he was regulated, we had EMTs here a couple of times a year because of low blood sugars. They are all volunteers and the kindest people I've ever met. I've baked them brownies (I'm not the best baker in the world), sent thank you cards, and contacted their supervisors because they were so reassuring to me and my kids when my hubby wasn't doing well.

    Warmly,
    Elsie

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    1. Elsie Amata: Their kindness is wonderful isn't it - and as healing as the medical attention. I am pretty certain that the paramedic in my story has long forgotten his gesture. I haven't and remember him with gratitude. Often.

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  37. Such a beautiful story, dearest Sue...that truly warms the heart.😊
    It is those little acts of kindness that revive our faith in human kind, isn't it!
    When I was on holiday, many years ago, I was feeling very low after my 8th miscarriage, when out of the blue, a complete stranger gave me a beautiful carved wooden rose!
    She said she felt I needed it. How amazing is that?!
    I was so utterly touched that I cried...

    Have a lovely day, my dear friend...and love to Jazz.😊😊

    Sending you all much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: As I read through the comments I am in awe at how often these acts of unexpected kindness appear at just the right time. The perfect time.
      And my eyes are misting again. Thank you for sharing this - and thanks to that very kind stranger.

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  38. What a beautiful story EC! I've had so many acts of kindness in my life that I find it difficult to think of the best or most memorable. But one involved a hospital too and a friend who kept calling me when I had the flu saying I think you need medical attention and he insisted on picking me up and when the doctor was dismissive, taking me to the hospital where after tests they determined I had peritonitis from a ruptured appendix, and I was immediately operated upon and he never left and was there when I opened my eyes. He dismissed my thanking him for saving my life as if it were nothing. "You'd have done the same for me," he said. To this day, I don't know how he knew I was seriously ill. He always said he just "sensed" it.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: How wonderful that your friend senses it - and acted on it. To this day I am grateful that I over ruled my partner's protests and called the ambulance. And cannot say how I knew that he was so seriously ill. And yes, he had peritonitis too from his ruptured bowel.

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  39. Kindness is a wonderful thing. Who would think that such a simple act would resonate all across countries on a blog and make people feel good! This paramedic surely has an angel within his soul.

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    1. J C: He does, and I am so glad that he lets his angel fly.

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  40. How lovely!!! I love being able to capture kindness in those moments.
    One of the staff members at Mom's nursing home takes extra special care of mom - even made a picture wall of mom's home town so she can enjoy it!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: What a wonderful thing for the staff member to do - for your mother and for you.

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  41. Yo más que contarte algún caso particular que me haya llegado al corazón, con tu permiso, me gustaría homenajear a todo el personal médico y sanitario de todo el mundo, que están dando lo mejor de cada uno, además, arriesgando sus vidas, por salvar la vida de otras personas afectadas por el Covid, muchos de ellos sin los medios de protección necesarios, como está sucediendo en África, América del Sur y buena parte de Asia; estos héroes son los que me llegan a mi, no al corazón, sino al alma.
    Muy bonita y bien traída tu entrada, porque hay que ser agradecidos.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Manuel: I agree with your tribute, and also add my appreciation for the cleaners, the grocery store workers, the postal system and more. Their contribution has meant so much and too many have died making it.

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  42. Laurie: Huge thanks for commenting despite the difficulties it gives you. It is an act of kindness which I truly appreciate.

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  43. That is beautiful EC!
    I have to admit, thinking about acts of kindness, I have been blessed to witness many in my life and I am so grateful, but the one that really sticks in my heart, was when I went into the hospital for the very first time. Back when I almost passed away. It was the winter time, as I said, I was in the hospital. I'm the one that usually shovels the snow. I live with my elderly mom. One of the neighbours new something was wrong and made sure our driveway was cleared for my mom, until I came home. My mom, still to this day, thanks them for that! Big Hugs EC!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: That is a beautiful act of kindness - and one that stays with you (and your mother). Thank you - and stay well. You are loved.

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  44. Kindness is a wonderful thing, and the act of it so often means so much.

    Something as simple as a kindly smile can make all the difference to a persons day.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: You are so right. A small gesture can mean so much. So very much.

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    1. ashok: Thank you. I firmly believe that we always need kindness, now perhaps more than ever.

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  46. I am of the opinion that the world has never needed kindness as much as it does right now, right this very minute. I have been the recipient of so many kindnesses in my 63 years. I try to never miss an opportunity to pay those kindnesses forward. I honestly do believe that even something so simple as a compliment can make someone's day better.

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    1. Debby: Welcome and thank you. Conservatively speaking I agree with you 10000 per cent.

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  47. That was a kind act, a little thing that can mean a lot. Five hour operation--that is a long one.

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    1. Strayer: It meant an immense amount to us. Sadly his operation was very, very necessary and the surgeon had a big, messy and delicate job. And I really can't remember whether it over five or over seven hours.

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  48. EMTs are true humanitarians aren't they?
    Hope your weekend is filled with kindness.

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    1. Sandra Cox: That paramedic went over and beyond... and my gratitude continues. Thank you for your lovely weekend wish. Lives filled with kindness sound pretty good don't they?

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  49. Today we ran into folks who volunteered to help us load a massive butcher block onto a truck. Just as cheerfully as if they hadn't had such fun. One even asked if we needed help unloading!

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  50. What a heart warming story and such a comfort for you. Five hours of operations sounds incredibly stressful to me. Such trying times.
    Kindness is what lets me believe there is still hope for mankind. I was on the receiving end of so much kindness in my life and I hope I have given back kindness. I try to, but sometimes I can be a real bitch.

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    1. Carola Bartz: It was a dreadful time - for him and for me. And the simple gesture from the paramedic made a HUGE difference, a difference which has echoed through the years.
      Like you I have been on the receiving end and hope that I give back. And, also like you, some days my psycho bitch from hell is dominant. Which fills me with guilt.

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  51. My school friend who was never in contact for nearly 13 to 14 years reached me when I messaged her . I told her that I am depressed and have anxiety and anger she helped me on how to come out of it with few tips . I tried it and it worked . This is when I knew friendship doesnt need all time conversations

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    1. Shilpa: Welcome and thank you for sharing this lovely example of friendship - and kindness. I do hope you are in a better place mentally and emotionally now.

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  52. Hi EC - that was wonderful to read ... so often it happens and we just accept it as normal - it's good to praise acts of kindness ... In January this year I left my phone in a taxi in a town 9 miles away ... he drove up to the Eastbourne bus area to find me ... but I'd ended up popping in for some lunch - and then gone back to the station - from where he worked, but not where my bus went from ... he'd kept it for me ... I've been meaning to write and say thank you - just never got to it. Bad me - I think covid striking etc ... and I didn't have the taxi office's address - all feeble excuses ... I'm afraid to say. But as you say so important ... thanks for letting us know - just glad he recovered sufficiently and well to be able to travel as much as he has in recent years. Stay safe - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I do try and thank people but sometimes fail. That was such an exceptional act that I couldn't let it go by. We are both thrilled he recovered. Travel is a bit of a sore point with him at the moment though. As I type he would have been off on one of his expansive adventures. Plans had been made, tickets booked... Hopefully next year.
      You stay safe too please.

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  53. Years ago I ran races. I wanted to break a 8 minute per mile pace for a half marathon. I was well on track until the last half mile which was a steep uphill. I was in pain and very tired but certainly I could overlook that for 4-5 minutes. I hypnotized myself (figured out how to do that in a painful labor) My last thought was, oh here's the hill. Apparently I started to collapse and asked some men by me to keep me steady. I don't remember that at all. ear the finish line someone called my name and the men asked if I could make it by myself. I said sure and wobbled a bit and collapsed. I was severely dehydrated. I came to in the medical tent. One of them saw me a year later. I didn't recognize him at all but they both wrecked their race to help me

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    1. Sue in Italia?in the Land Of Cancer: That was an incredibly kind and generous act. I hope that they have met similar kindnesses. It wasn't quite clear in your comment - did you manage to wobble across the finish line (I hope so) or collapse just before it?

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  54. No I collapsed right before it. Didn't count as a finish even though I had only a few feet to go

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: Oh no. I was afraid that was the answer. I am so very sorry.

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