Random Acts of Kindness

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Comment by Carolyn Nau on April 24, 2009 at 3:19pm

We all worry that what we can is too small. I came across this great story recently. I hope it's true, but even if it's not, maybe we can be inspired. I believe we make changes one thought, one smile, one action at a time.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14227288/Sack-Lunch-Story

Comment by grateful on March 3, 2009 at 12:39am

Hello good people.
I joined this group on a mission to raise awareness for random acts of kindness.
About 2 1/2 yrs ago a lone gunman entered the HS where my children attend. He took a classroom hostage, released the boys and proceeded to harass and molest some of the 13 girls left in the classroom, then released them one by one.
When there were only 2 girls left, one of the girls tried to run out and was shot and killed. The gunman then killed himself. It was a terrible, terrible tragedy for our small mountain community, where most of us know each other, now shocked and overcome with anxiety and sadness.
Before she was killed, Emily was able to respond to a text message from her parents - "I luv u guys." So began the healing in our community. An "Iuv u guys" foundation was organized to honor Emily and one thing she emphasized in her life - Random Acts of Kindness.
It is a strange awakening to be involved in these activities for some. I noticed this after stopping at a local convenience store on the way to the Columbine to Canyon annual biker rally, held to commemorate the students killed in the Columbine HS shooting and ours. (As an 'aside', this bike rally is attended by thousands of good hearted bikers around our communities. It is truly gratifying to see the stream of bikers who commit their time to this event).
A lady at the convenience store lamented that she had to work and couldn't attend, as the line of participants rode by. I went on my way to the end of the rally where there's food, commemorative souvenirs, streamers, buttons, stickers, bandanas, t-shirts etc.
Long-short, I bought an extra t-shirt and took it to the lady at the convenience store. Her eyes grew large and teary, and then she said, "thank you, how much"? I just smiled and told her it was a gift for her and left. Before I was out the door, she was putting it on. It was almost like she'd never just been 'given' anything before. In addition to the 'surprise' of it; a random act of kindness is as special to the receiver as the giver. I look for opportunities for spreading this kindness.
I hope I can participate in some meaningful way with this group.