Random Acts of Kindness - Paying it Forward
It's unfortunate that we live in a world where Random Acts of Kindness make the news because they are so rare. I would like to live in a world where they are so plentiful that there wouldn't be time for them to be newsworthy.
My husband had a favorite saying - Pay It Forward. He lived it. When someone needed something, he made sure they got it. Nobody had to ask but if they did, he never said no.
My husband passed away on New Year's Day - unexpectedly and tragically - from a massive heart attack.
I'd just like to ask each of you out there - is it possible that you could each just do one thing, pay it forward one time? If everybody did that, this world would be a better place.
Thank you
A beautiful tribute to your husband's character. My condolences and I will think of him when I do my next random act of kindness.
even once is enough
you're a kind person, steph
Boudicea, I've been retired for8 years now. I find myself doing ''random acts of kindness'' on a much more frequent basis then when I was working. Simply, more time, or maybe it's that I have a chance to seemuch more now. Whatever it is,it makes me feel good and hopefully can make a change in a persons life.
Very sorry to hearof the passing of your husband.
Boudicea, wonderful article inremembranceand thank you.
I'm so very sorry to learn of your husband's passing! I know you must be devastated!
I'm so glad this was on the front page, so I didn't miss it. Yes, all of us can do something, each day, to pay it forward, or just to be nice to others.
I know that your husband is glad to have been your inspiration. Take care, and call if you ever need anything!
Oh, my heart just hurts to read this about your husband! I am truly sorry for you. You know, this really is a beautiful tribute to your soulmate, this dedication of all things unselfish and good. These Random Acts don't have to be big. Sometimes a little smile, or buying a coffee for the person behind you in line at McDonald's first thing in the morning....speaks volumes, and it speaks to one's heart. I have to share a beautiful Pay It Forward with you guys here. My dear friend teaches down the hall from me. She is on a walker, needing back surgery badly, is positive and wonderful, and one day she takes her elderly mother our to eat around Christmas time. She is a single mom of 3, with a rather troubled teenager in that mix. But there is my friend, patient, loving, serene as always, cutting her mom's food, trying to keep the family from arguing when an elderly couple said they wanted to buy their dinner for them. They left nearly $70 on the table and said "God bless you!" That was just such a sweet gesture! I think at times like this, your husband is smiling down from Heaven.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your husband's life! I am so sorry to hear about your loss, especially since he must have been a very kind man. You must miss him terribly!
I have always tried to pay it forward. I do so quietly. I know there are kind people out there who do, but it is never enough and there can always be more!
Thanks for reminding everyone who has a little bit more of either time or money that they can give of themselves.
What a beautiful tribute to your husband but I disagree with your assessment about random acts of kindness...I believe they go on more than any of us realize. I have to believe that otherwise I lose all faith in mankind. I've done random acts of kindness but noone knows about them except me, the receiver of my act and God himself. I'll leave it at that.
By the way, your tribute to your husband was an act of kindness...look how many people came forward to pay it forward because of you. ((HUGS))
Great sentiment Bodicea.....sorry for your loss. I've been practicing this philosophy for over 26 years. I had just gone back to work after having my son. My husband and I were getting divorced, because he was a cheater. My boss knew the situation and on the day the divorce was supposed to be finalized I went to court only to have him call the judge and tell him he didn't know what time or place the hearing was to be held. So it was postponed, on my way back to work, I got into a car accident and the bottle of champagne I was taking to celebrate with, fell off the seat and broke. The police almost arrested me for open intoxicants until I showed him the broken glass. I finally got back to work and told my boss what happened, he wrote me a check for $200.00 and said take the rest of the day off with pay.
A few years later and young woman I work with, just started working after being off for a few years. She said something about getting presents for her girls from Salvation Army, so they'd have something. Well, I took my X-mas bonus and went to Wal-Mart and got $100.00 in gift cards and typed a note and put it on her desk. The note said each girl got $25.00 and she got $50.00 and to spend it on something she wanted not something she needed. Well, she went all around the office to find out who did it and everyone was crying. The boss said, that she should have done something for her and I said it's not too late......
A few years later, we had another young mother who needed a little support. Her roomate up and left while she was a work and took everything except her bed and the baby's crib. So I sent an e-mail out and asked everyone to look around their house for items they didn't need anymore but that she needed. We had couches, television, end tables, dishes, glasses, silverware, everything a young person would need to set up a household.
Maybe it's a karma thing.....but I feel better when I'm able to help when I can and where I can.
Today was one of the "bad" days, which is why I wrote this. All of your inspirational stories of sharing and giving have made me feel so much better. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your random acts of kindness.
Thanks, Bob. And I Apologize if I have been snarky with you
Excellent tribute to your late husband. Requiescat in pace.
I think you hit on it-- doing something nice for others makes US feel good.