First, an apology. You will have to excuse the lack of pictures lately. Our camera, which I've felt antagonistic toward from the day of its purchase, is experiencing an extended sick leave. This latest illness might indeed prove terminal and force us into yet another donation to the Chinese economy. We shall see.
Now, onto what I really wanted to write about.
It is quite easy to lament the state in which our world finds itself. Evil does indeed abound and anyone who argues the opposite needs to take a closer look at many of the latest developments around the world. Nevertheless, and I really do mean nevertheless, kindness, especially on a smaller scale, is ever present. The kindness of strangers and the kindness of neighbours.
Three examples.
A few days ago our next-door neighbour stopped by with the first of the new baby's gifts. He is still not due to arrive for another 7 weeks or so; but a blue sweater, hat and booty set are waiting his appearance.
Last night, in order to celebrate Canada Day, we brought the kids to the local ice cream shop for a treat. As we finished off our cones the owner of the shop popped by our table. (She is also the proprietor of the adjacent bakery.)
She quietly said, "I was just thinking that I have one or two day-old loaves of whole wheat next door. Would you like them?" I tried not to jump at the offer as her whole-wheat bread runs a cool $4.99/loaf.
"Umm, sure," I replied.
Within ten minutes she had returned with two grocery bags filled with six loaves. With a shrug of her shoulders she remarked, "I guess I had a few more than I thought I had." I thanked her profusely and she smiled and winked.
Then, shortly after lunch today, I heard an unfamiliar male voice in the driveway. A neighbour whom I had yet to meet was wheeling over a perfectly good boy's bike.
He said, "I saw the kids one day and noticed that the bikes were either too big or too small so I thought you might like this one. My guys have out-grown it."
"Wow, thanks. It's beautiful."
"No worries. Just don't skin your knees." And with that he left for home.
Those are only three examples, but they are real, they are heartfelt and the givers of the kindness didn't have to give it. They chose to and their choice made all the difference.
And, if you would permit me a fourth example. My husband steam-cleaned all the main floors as well as the bathrooms today. If that isn't an act of kindness to a woman who takes third-trimester nesting to manic proportions, then I don't know what is.
(Oh and one more: Joseph peed on the potty twice today and we only started training yesterday. Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad.)
2 comments:
I am not a very visual person at all, so I actually really enjoy blog posts that are very wordy and for the most part, I can take or leave the photos. So, no need to apologise here!
Your stories are very encouraging. I was mentally writing a post about how the whole world seems to be filled with nasty dipsticks, but I thought better of it after reading this. Well, I still might write it. But it's good to be reminded that not everyone has some kind of Public Nastiness Syndrome.
I am glad that the stories were encouraging. There really is a lot of kindness out there but it is probably more evident in a small town like ours. I am off to take Joe swimming at the lake - Dave has the others at the farm.
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