To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
I love this quote because it reminds me of the hope I hold in my heart that if my work makes a difference to someone else then I know my life has had meaning.
It feels good to help others the way that others have helped me. As Emerson said, I breathe easier.
There were times in my life when I felt trapped by illness, depression or the inability to care for myself. During those darkest days I was blessed by the gifts of unconditional love and support from my family.
I also received long distance surprises that helped shine a bright light on me. All of these positive forces from family and friends helped to bring me out of my darkness.
A NaBloPoMo prompt reminded me of this. It said:
"Tell us about one time that you benefitted from the kindness of strangers."
I liked the idea of this, but what came to mind was the kindness of friends who live far away.
I often write about the short-lived depression I suffered a few summers ago. My hormones were out-of-balance after living through incredible pain, two surgeries and a few other minor procedures. I was in the doldrums with no will to eat, walk or socialize.
I was not myself.
Three friends. Three gifts.
Then something wonderful happened. A package arrived at our front door. My husband brought the box to me and opened it. We unwrapped the beautiful packaging together to find a soft, beautifully knit moss-colored prayer shawl. The card revealed that a special knitting circle from a church in Texas made the shawl especially for me. The card was signed by a dear friend who took part in the circle.
I cried at the beauty of this gesture and wrapped the blanket around me. I felt the love from this group of women envelop me. It was a powerful moment.
A few days later another package arrived and again we unwrapped it together. Inside we found a brightly painted piece of artwork with the word "BLESSED" embellished across the bottom. Another powerful moment.
And, yes, a third package arrived at our door. In it was a simple yet spiritually meaningful book that I continue to turn to again and again for comfort. It, too, was a powerful moment in time.
These gifts were unexpected, and together they reminded me of the blessings we have and the joy we derive from the simplest acts of kindness.
"I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance." ~Anonymous
I often reflect on the miracles that change the course of our lives, and how positive thoughts and deeds help to make that difference. I know it made one in mine.
It's what brought me back into the light that summer, and gave me the chance to, hopefully, pass that light onto others.
Have you ever received an unexpected surprise that made a difference in your life?
I am always touched by simple acts of kindness. It takes so little to show someone you care, and it makes such a huge impact. That Emerson quote is beautiful.
I love that quote. And, yes, I have been touched so often. One event that springs to mind, though, happened when I was heading in for surgery, again. It was 8th procedure, but the first in a string of 3 that would come in an 18 month period. When my husband returned from the hospital, he found a very large cooler filled with meals that carried him and the girls through several days. Additionally, the same friend arranged and scheduled meals each time I went in. I felt so very blessed and surprised. A weight had been taken off my shoulders knowing someone was watching out for my family while I couldn't.
Such a great reminder that we never know how one simple kind act can change someone's moment, day or even life. Kindness is the currency of the afterlife, and the price of admission, too, so at this age I'm very aware of the need to contribute--for my feel-good, theirs and my soul's.
The stunning thing is so many acts of kindness aren't even realized by the doer. The impact I mean. I have had people change the course of my life with just one kind conversation. Yes, take the time to pause and see those around you. What a lovely lovely story about the prayer shawl and all your friends.
Lovely post Cathy. Simple acts of kindness seem to happen when you least expect them. And how wonderful!
I remember years ago when I was overwhelmed at the holidays. I may have cried to a friend, "I hate f*****g Christmas." (Yes, I am sure I did). Within hours, she had dinner at my doorstep. She just left it there. I can still recall it as the most delicious butternut squash soup I've ever had (plus fresh bread, salad and dessert). Thanks for reminding me.
How sweet that people made you a shawl. I would have cried, too. Thanks for the quotes and the story.
The small things really are the big things, and this post proves it. A group of women at my church knit afghans then once a month the afghans are strewn across pew backs for anyone to take — no questions asked — for someone in need of being wrapped up in prayer and love. I took one one Sunday for my sick sister and though she's not a churchgoer, she was moved to tears by the kindness of women who don't even know her.
"an unexpected surprise that brought joy to my life"? Um, yeah. My daughter 🙂 Not always as comforting as a prayer shawl, is she, but I'll keep her nonetheless 🙂
Inspiring! So what was the book?
So true how just a little bit of kindness goes such a long way. It was a beautiful gesture of your friends to send you such thoughtful gifts. Lovely.
Love Emerson's quotes and your lovely message, Cathy. Sometimes the smallest acts are the sweetest.
What a perfect message.... We do need to remember that the gesture does not need to be big to be meaningful. Thank you for that reminder wonderful lady!
Once again you have touched my heart Cathy. what a gift you have in friendships. I love stories like these because they tear down the over played stereotypes depicted in television about women friendships.
Last, I am reminded of a favorite quote: "We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." -Ben Sweetland It always works both ways. You are a gift in this world and I am so glad to know you.
Isn't it wonderful how we are blessed just when we need it the most. I'm sure there are many, many things -- but one that leapt to mind was from many years ago. We were going to put our Atlanta house on the market. I needed to stay up all night painting. A friend called out of the blue and asked if our then 3 year old could stay with them the night, knowing I had been working hard trying to make improvements on the house. He had never spent the night out before but I thought -- how wonderful. He could be happy and I could work in his room as late as I needed.
Hi Cathy! That quote and the photo reminded me that everything we do is little a stone rippling outward on a pond. We can never know for sure how our actions will impact others but I think we need to remember that they ALWAYS do. As writers we actually carry that obligation with everything we write. Your words today have certainly done that for me and everyone else who have read them. Thank you! ~Kathy
What lovely friends you have.
I was given a prayer shawl when my best friend passed away in February. I love it. A friend of my mothers just made me a teddy bear and a pillow out of the shirt my father wore in my wedding and from his robe. I was overcome with emotion. I want to learn to make them...
Dear Kathy,
Your words speak to so many and your writing is a voice of Hope and Encouragement. I am more proud of you than you could ever know. Aren't memories wonderful? "Mom"
Hey there, I found you via the NaBloPoMo blogroll.
I love to be the sender of such things. It is very rare to have that returned, though. Recently my best friend in the US sent me a package as a surprise which brightened my week. 🙂
As part of NaBloPoMo I try to comment on as many participating blogs as I can, and I also add participating blogs to my feed reader.
So I’m just dropping by to let you know I’ve added your blog to my feedreader, I’m reading you loud and clear, I have a link up going at my place so my readers can find participating blogs which you are more than welcome to add your blog link to.
Looking forward to seeing your posts, and you’ll likely see me drop by again during November.
Happy NaBloPoMo to you!
Snoskred
http://www.snoskred.org
I truly believe that once person and one moment in time can really make a difference. I think of those chance meetings that had I been there a minute later might never had happened.