We asked writers and friends of Today’s Transitions to share about a kindness that caused a wave of impact in their lives.
Hope Through Sharing
About six months after my daughter was born in 2004, I stumbled into a severe period of depression and anxiety. I wasn’t eating; I awoke in the middle of a panic attack most nights when I tried to sleep. While awake, I either cried or sat like a zombie staring into space. It was the worst time of my life so far. A male friend of mine named Erick whom I had worked with in a previous job mailed me a card, and I’ve kept it all these years. He explained that, while not a postpartum condition, he too had suffered from sadness so debilitating that he just laid on the floor. It was an unexpected note and an unexpected moment of solidarity that sustained me. — Carrie Vittitoe
Light During Darkness
My mother grew ill and passed away while our boys were still quite young. I would drive most days of the week to Evansville to care for her, returning in the evenings to be as present as I could be for our young boys. After she passed, this tradition continued a bit longer, as I became caregiver for my father as well. Many, many friends and family helped us during those years — meals fixed, carpools driven, shoulders to cry on — you name it. One particular moment that pulls at my heart even nearly 20 years later is that my neighbor Christy McDaniel put up Christmas lights on the outside of our house. We have a really tall roof, so she may have been risking life and limb — we were young enough to not know better! As I pulled into the driveway late one night returning from a rough day with Dad, I just sat and cried tears of joy for how beautiful and festive it looked! — Megan S. Willman
Encouraging Action
If it were not for the kindness of a seminary teacher in Baltimore, I would probably not be writing columns for Today’s Transitions. Father Joe was a masterful writer and poet, widely published and well known in the Baltimore community. He kindly took time and caring to encourage me in my writing efforts. That was all I needed, and he provided the inspiration. — Bob Mueller
Someone to Count On
I met Jessica Alyea when we worked together at Today’s Publications and despite the 16-year age gap (I nicknamed her Baby J), our friendship blossomed. We took weekly walks through E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, and it was then that I learned I could always count on Jessica for an encouraging word. When I was going through a difficult period in my life, I remember her saying, “You don’t have to be strong all the time,” and for one of my birthday gifts, she gave me a devotional book that I still read whenever I am faced with a challenge. For me, her thoughtfulness and compassion has been the greatest act of kindness. — Tiffany White
Totally Unexpected
It’s the unexpected acts of kindness that stick with me. On Mother’s Day this year, my family gave me the traditional card of appreciation and hugs that say: We love you. But when I showed up at work that Sunday, I found a bouquet of flowers waiting for me. There was no card — just the beautiful flowers. I looked around the room and asked my co-workers, “Who are these from?” The other mother in the room smiled and said, “Oh, those are from me.” Her surprise act of kindness made me feel appreciated — through the eyes of another mother — making my Mom’s Day all the more special. — Tonilyn Hornung
P.S. You may also enjoy this: Here Are More Tips On How To Help Someone Who Is Helping Others
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