It has been a very long week . . . the kind of week which seems like it will never end. Today, I was in dire need of some kindness, and I was fortunate to receive it from one of the finest gentlemen in all of Louisville.
Michael is an elderly gentleman, and the very thought of this dear, sweet person makes me smile big time. I don’t know much about Michael, but what I do know about him, I like rather a lot. Michael always, and I mean always, is quick to greet others enthusiastically and flash a huge grin at them, and he has a definite twinkle in his eyes. He loves to chat, so, we get along rather well, as I, too, possess the gift of gab. Michael is a real gem. He also happens to have a developmental disability and is one of the many guests at the day shelter for homeless men where I work.
My favorite interaction with Michael used to be when I asked him one morning how he was doing, and he chuckled and replied, “I have no idea what’s going on, but I am happy.” I say that it used to be my favorite interaction with him, because what happened this morning captured the coveted favorite spot and will be tough to top. It was one simple action that made a big difference to me.
As I stood just inside the doorway of my boss’ office, catching up with her and feeling the stress of the week weighing on me, out of the corner of my eye, I say Michael heading toward me. As usual, he was grinning ear to ear and walked like a man on a mission, and it turns out that he was indeed. When he was within a few feet of me, he stopped in his tracks, but continued to smile. I greeted him, and he said something that I could not quite hear, so, I apologetically asked him to repeat himself. I am glad that I did.
He looked at me and proclaimed, “I just wanted to tell you that I kind of like you”, and he smiled even bigger. There was something so very sweet and pure about this simple statement, and it truly melted my heart. I thanked him and told him that I liked him, too, and we both just stood there for a moment looking at each other and smiling. Michael then walked away, and he left me with a new memory to cherish.
Throughout the day, this exchange replayed in my mind more than once. I found myself thinking about what a kinder world it would be if we all let people know how we feel about them and to reassure them that they are liked and that they matter to at least one person. Sometimes, we are afraid to let someone know how we feel about them, or we assume that they already know, or should know, how we feel. Other times, it is just easier to say something negative to someone or about someone than it is to speak kindly. Words are powerful, especially when they are heartfelt and genuine like the words Michael spoke to me today. He didn’t say much, but he still spoke volumes.
And I definitely see where he’s coming from with the “no idea what’s going on but I’m happy” comment. I have been there many a time and it’s such a lovely feeling.
Michael should be a trendsetter. You reminded me of the line that Robert Redford’s character in “Out of Africa” said about animals. They are more direct than humans about attraction. He noted we humans tend to screw up what should be more straightforward. Thanks for sharing, BTG
Michael definitely is a trendsetter in his own right, and we all can learn a thing or two from him. I love that quote from “Out of Africa”, as it is so very true. We human beings tend to complicate the simplest of matters, and I, for one, am focusing on being kind in what I say and do just like Michael. Thanks so much!
What a sweet and selfless comment….Michael does sound like a true beautiful spirit! Hey Kristi just wanted you to know that I really love your blog and I really like how you capture the essence of the men that you are so lucky to work with every day. I kinda like you…..
Aw, Sheila, I kind of like you, as well, and I so appreciate your most kind words and your continued interest and support. You are a special person yourself, and always remember that!
I got to meet this Michael! What an awesome thing to say, and just when you needed it most…amazing how if we’re open to it, the Universe does listen, and we do get what we need when we needed.
Joel, I wish everyone had the honor and pleasure of meeting Michael and the rest of guys at the day shelter, as they are among my greatest teachers and inspirations. Michael’s timing, like yours this morning, was impeccable, as I needed to hear what both of you had to say. So, heartfelt thanks!
Kindness Blog 
Heartwarming! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, as I appreciate your kind words and am so happy that you liked this post!
LikeLike
Oh that’s absolutely gorgeous!
LikeLike
Eva, thank you so much, as your own kind words are absolutely gorgeous, as well!
LikeLike
I love it when I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m still happy =D
LikeLike
I love that comment, as well, and I love Michael’s positive attitude and beautiful spirit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s just a lovely story 🙂
LikeLike
Many thanks, and It means a great deal to me that you enjoyed this story. I love to share these stories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this!! 🙂
And I definitely see where he’s coming from with the “no idea what’s going on but I’m happy” comment. I have been there many a time and it’s such a lovely feeling.
LikeLike
Olivia, thank you for sharing your comments, and I am glad that this resonated with you. It is a true joy to be able to tell these stories!
LikeLike
Michael’s comment, ““I have no idea what’s going on, but I am happy.” made me smile big smiles as I read this in bed at 7am this morning!
Lovely work Kristi! 🙂
LikeLike
So glad that Michael was able to make you smile, too, Mike, and I thank you for inviting me to share my stories here!
LikeLike
Honored to have you. Graced by your presence.
Mike.
LikeLike
The feeling is mutual, Mike, and I am honored and grateful to be on this mission of kindness with you.
LikeLike
Michael should be a trendsetter. You reminded me of the line that Robert Redford’s character in “Out of Africa” said about animals. They are more direct than humans about attraction. He noted we humans tend to screw up what should be more straightforward. Thanks for sharing, BTG
LikeLike
Michael definitely is a trendsetter in his own right, and we all can learn a thing or two from him. I love that quote from “Out of Africa”, as it is so very true. We human beings tend to complicate the simplest of matters, and I, for one, am focusing on being kind in what I say and do just like Michael. Thanks so much!
LikeLike
What a sweet and selfless comment….Michael does sound like a true beautiful spirit! Hey Kristi just wanted you to know that I really love your blog and I really like how you capture the essence of the men that you are so lucky to work with every day. I kinda like you…..
LikeLike
Aw, Sheila, I kind of like you, as well, and I so appreciate your most kind words and your continued interest and support. You are a special person yourself, and always remember that!
LikeLike
I got to meet this Michael! What an awesome thing to say, and just when you needed it most…amazing how if we’re open to it, the Universe does listen, and we do get what we need when we needed.
LikeLike
Joel, I wish everyone had the honor and pleasure of meeting Michael and the rest of guys at the day shelter, as they are among my greatest teachers and inspirations. Michael’s timing, like yours this morning, was impeccable, as I needed to hear what both of you had to say. So, heartfelt thanks!
LikeLike