Circles of Kindness

It started with Barbara:



Barbara VanMeter - with sons Joe, Mike and John

Barbara is the world's greatest mother, and grandmother if you can believe it, and she's been like a second mom to Brian. Barbara always remembers our kids, and this trip, she invited us over to pick up some gifts - how thoughtful! Brian had a round of food poisoning and Roland was entranced with the original Rudolf movie with Harvey, so Aria and I skipped over there, and that's how it started. Barbara's generosity lead to our inclusion in a circle of kindness. They exist, but you have to stumble into them, and she was our entry ticket.

See, Barbara gave us two simple gift cards to Starbucks, which, no offense, we never frequent. However, the very next day we're way to early for our flight and there's a Starbucks in the gate area. Aria is about postal because we are trying to corral her in the gate area so I take her to get a muffin with a gift card. While we're standing in line, we get a tap on the shoulder from a little girl. I thought she just wanted to talk to Aria, but her mom spoke up and said, "We know the holiday's are stressful, especially for mom's with little babies, take this and enjoy a treat on us." And the little girl held up a $10 dollar bill. Of course, I tried to refuse, but after two failed attempts I recognized a lesson was in place and I needed to take my part in it. I accepted the gift, thanking profusely. Then, I took Barbara's gift and passed it along to the woman behind me. Muffin in hand, I dropped Aria off with Brian to take Roland to get some juice (really trying to kill time here) and while in line I find that someone has left their new Kindle at the food counter...and no one had noticed. Luckily, there is contact information and I take it immediately to a gate attendant, and he calls it out over the loud speakers.

I'll never be certain of anything in this world, at all, ever. However, I cherish the moments that connect me to humanity and our power to give - even in the smallest ways. These circles of kindness exists, and are real and powerful. Make no mistake, be certain of their value to the world. To our kids: never, ever underestimate the power of kind words and simple gestures.

Thanks Barbara.

A challenge to me from me: have you started a circle of kindness?