Stories by fsmall52 (10 matches)

A Gift Card For A Weary Cashier

The supermarket cashier looked weary; like she had worked one shift too many. "I coulda been home by now," she called to another cashier as I approached. "Thanks a lot!" "I love you!" came the reply. (I couldn't tell if this was sincere, sarcastic, or both.) "No, you don't!" retorted my cashier. "Yes, I do!" I already had the supermarket gift card in my hand. Now I knew whom to give it to. "Put five dollars on this, please," I said. Since there was another customer waiting behind me I paid for my purchases, walked away, then circled back when there was no line. "So this five-dollar gift card ..." I said. "Yeah?" the cashier said apprehensively, meaning "Is something wrong with it?" "It's for you," I said, handing it to her along with the KindSpring Smile card. "Just to help your night go better." "Really? For me?" She broke into a goofy grin. "You didn't have to do that!" "I know ... Read Full Story >>

2581 Reads

$100 For A $1000 Massage

As I lay on the table enjoying my monthly massage, my soul was nourished and renewed. While I felt the caring touch of the massage therapist, I listened to recordings of music reserved only a few centuries ago for royalty and the very rich. Flutes in gentle harmony complemented by delicate piano scales; in my imagination, these gifted artists were performing just for me. I pay $80 for an hour-long massage. How much is it really worth to me? $500? $1000? I could never afford that amount every month, but if suddenly a massage cost $500 or $1000 at minimum, I realized that I would still save up and get a massage every year or two as a special treat.  When the massage was finished, I told my massage therapist how grateful I was for her work, how much this time meant to me each month, and that her massages are worth ... Read Full Story >>

2394 Reads

Thanking a Tireless Advocate

At the end of a long day, I emailed a nationally known leader, a tireless advocate for a cause about which I care deeply.

"I can't imagine how hard you work," I wrote, "but I know how hard I work, and how tired I get. I pray you get the rest you need and the love you deserve."

2279 Reads

A Human Connection With A Cashier

The cashier was tall, slender, and dark-skinned. His name tag identified him as "Mataye." After he rang up my purchase, I asked, "Is that pronounced Muh-TAH-yeh?" "Yes!" he exclaimed with apparent delight. "You pronounced it right!" I gathered most people don't. His accent sounded African, though I couldn't be sure. "That's what it looks like," I replied. "Where are you from?" I asked, smiling. (The smile was important. My question might be interpreted as a challenge or even a threat. I wanted to be sure he understood that my intention was friendly.) "Ethiopia," he answered. "How long have you been here?" I asked, still smiling. "A year," he answered. "Your English is excellent," I said. He smiled. "Do you miss Ethiopia?" Between his accent and the noise in the store, I couldn't make out his answer. Another customer was waiting, so I just smiled again, looked him in the eye, and said, "Thanks, Mataye." It wasn't a big deal, ... Read Full Story >>

2196 Reads

Carrying A Child To The Right School

As I neared the end of my morning run a woman with two young children (maybe around three and seven years old) asked for directions to a school nearly a mile away. 

When I discovered she was on foot and late for the start of school I offered to carry the older child while she carried the younger in order to make better time. She gladly accepted. 

As we talked she told me her name was Rose. She was born in Haiti and has been in America for six years. Taking her niece to school that morning, Rose had been informed that the girl was actually enrolled in a different school.

I told her my wife used to work in Haiti, where she learned to speak Creole. 

When I left them at their destination, Rose said "God bless you." I said the same in return, and was glad to be able to add, "Au revoir et bonne chance." 

1578 Reads

Life Is Better Than The Day's Headlines!

I took five dollars out of my wallet and paper-clipped them together with a KindSpring smile card. Setting off on my run, I looked for an ungated front porch with a freshly-delivered newspaper on it. I tucked the money and card inside the paper, and I was on my way.

I hope this surprise will remind someone today that life is brighter than the usual grim headlines!

1316 Reads

A Smile and Good Morning

Wednesday morning, September 11, the first day of the 21-Day Challenge: I said "good morning" and smiled at every person I saw. Out of dozens of people I passed on my morning run, one lady walking her dog, smiled back. Another person, stationary, to whom I said "good morning", smiled and returned my greeting.
 
Even with such modest returns, it felt good to start my day offering good cheer and reminding myself and others that we're all connected.
 

1304 Reads

Cycling Through Boston

Cycling through Boston, I noticed a parking enforcement officer patrolling the curb, checking for parking violations. 

I stopped, dismounted, and thanked her for doing her job. 

"I figure you must get a lot of abuse," I said, "but what you do is important."

First she looked astonished, then she looked delighted. 

"No one ever tells me that," she said. "Except sometimes in the South-End where residents are desperate to protect their parking spots."

"Well, I don't need parking," I said, indicating my bike, "but I believe in livable cities and keeping parking under control is part of that." 

We chatted about her work (her knees hurt more than her feet, she said.) 

"The next time someone yells at you," I said, "remember this conversation." 

Smiling, she promised she would.

1299 Reads

A Gift Card For A Guy On The Street

Last week someone gave me a $20 Au Bon Pain gift card. Today I passed it on to a man who sells "Spare Change News" on a busy street corner near my workplace. I introduced myself and explained that I don't buy "Spare Change News" because I don't read it. He responded by saying that I always rush by him and that he thought I didn't like him.

Delighted by the gift card, he says he doesn't need that much. Joking, I pointed out that I can't cut it (pantomiming scissors) to reduce its value. I said, "It's for all the issues of "Spare Change News" that I don't buy." I promised to say hello from now on when I see him!

1286 Reads

Surrendering "The Right Of Way" Every Time

Since I knew I'd be driving a fair amount today, I decided to surrender the "right of way" to anyone who requested it: any driver seeking to enter the traffic flow, anyone in oncoming traffic waiting to make a left turn, any pedestrian seeking to cross the street. It was a blast!

At first, traveling on the interstate, I had few opportunities to practice this form of kindness. Access to the highway is limited, and of course at high speed it can be hazardous to slow unexpectedly to yield the right of way.

Once I was back in the city, I had so many chances, and I found myself eagerly looking forward to them. Instead of pressing every advantage and insisting on my right of way, as I usually do, I happily waved others in front of me, blinking my headlights for emphasis. It was so delightful to see their relief, and I received several smiles and waves in return.

I hope this is the beginning of a new habit. Of course, I'll need to allow a little extra time so I'm not so rushed--which will be a blessing all its own!

1234 Reads



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