As Kentucky took the involuntary arctic plunge today, I found my heart warmed by a number of acts of kindness:
This morning, I learned of the unexpected death of my beloved ninety-five year old grandmother. I was at work when my mom called to break the news to me, and the kindness and sympathy from my colleagues and the kind messages and texts from my family and friends got me through the day until I could return home to my daughters, one who shares my grandmother’s first name and one who shares her middle name.
When I arrived home, I was surprised and grateful that an anonymous neighbor braved the cold to put away my recycling bin and garbage can that had been set out this morning for pick up. It was something small that left a big impression on me. Thanks, neighbor!
Jenny from KIND Healthy Snacks sent me an email saying that she sent me a yummy and healthy care package as a token of appreciation for committing to be kind. I really appreciated such an unexpected gesture and look forward to surprising another kind person with a sweet treat. Pay it forward!
A group of women came to the day shelter for homeless men where I work this afternoon, bringing with them a delicious lunch that they prepared and served to our appreciative guests. Along with the food, they served up heaping helpings of smiles, kind words, and good cheer, which nourished their bodies, minds, and spirits. The gentlemen responded with grateful applause and words of thanks.
In response to the cold temperatures of late, many kind people in the Louisville community have donated hats, gloves, socks, and other items to help our guests at the day shelter survive the frigid temperatures. For most of us, the cold is an inconvenience, but for the finest gentlemen in all of Louisville, it is a matter of life and death. Thanks to our amazing donors and supporters!
These deeds made today warmer, kinder, and gentler, and for that, I am immensely grateful.
If you look for the smallest things that can make you happy, then life can really get (at least a little bit) easier. And we can get grateful to be here, on this planet, living. Thanks for sharing!
I lost my Grandmother on Thanksgiving, 16 years ago. She was never sick a day in her life, and just failed to wake up Thanksgiving morning at the age of 94.
May God help me, I try to live a good life, and hope I will pass so peacefully.
I am in SC, and it is dipping into the teens tonight. I have taken in three homeless people that have been turned away from the shelters and churches because they are full. They will sleep on my floor, but I will feed them, and they will be warm.
I have just lit a candle for your Grandmother, and also for you……….
You truly touched my heart with your kind words and by lighting a candle for my Grandmother, and I am in awe of your kind gestures for those in great need. I can feel the peace, and I wish you the same in return. Thank you!
Tears, please know I know what you are feeling my friend.
I work with my church, and I cook, and help out with the homeless when I can. I also ride the bus and help out at the homeless shelter once or twice a month. Being disabled, I do whatever I can to help.
I have several homeless that stay close by. They know I care, and I take food to them daily. When it turns cold, bitter cold, and the church and shelters fill up, I bring them in. (God help us all…….should we not all do the same)
Oh…..I have a friend staying with me that would like to say something? I will turn it over to him now.
hello, my name is chris, but i am called christi. i am a trans. and i am homeless. miss susan has never judged me and is getting me ready to take my ged. she has again taken us in her home. and now she is letting us read so many things on her computer. miss susan told us how you help people miss kristi, we hope for love from all of us for both of you. forever.
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your grandmother. It is never easy losing a loved one and I pray the Lord will give you strength in this time of need.
Kristi, I am sorry for your loss of someone so close to you. I do appreciate with you the kind deeds of your friends, colleagues and acquaintances. That shows we can have faith in each other in times of need. Take care, BTG
Reblogged this on Lizzie Carver and commented:
When big things happen, little things can make a huge difference – reblogging this lovely post from Kindness Blog…
I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. She must have been very close that you named your daughters after her. It is always interesting to see that when one pressuring or sad thing happens at the same time there are lots of acts of love appearing. They might not have anything to do with the sad event, but they happen. There is so much love on this planet, you are one of those open minded people who see that. Whatever happens around can never be to overwhelming with this state of mind. ❤
Thanks for your kind words for sharing such a lovely perspective! I have to believe that this is far more love and goodness in the world than there is hate and darkness, if only we look for it, appreciate it, and share it.
As usual, Kristi, your posts encourage kindness of all kinds. Just smiling and wishing someone a healthy and happy New Year during the day is enough for me to appreciate my fellow human beings, and shows you are giving an example to follow. Very sorry about your Grandmother. All good things do come to an end: it’s so sad when it is someone much loved as she was. Remembering the good times helps. My condolences to you and your family.
I’m sorry for the loss of your grandmother Kristi. When we lose someone who has impacted our life to the degree that we share their names that makes it even harder. I lost my grandmother many years ago and I know the pain. I have her name as part of my name, as does my aunt. My teen is named after her and I remember the tears in her eyes as she cradled my baby in her arms and said “If I had a chest, I’d stick it out”. She was that proud to have a baby named after her. As a grandmother who has had a child named after them myself, I know just how wonderful a feeling it is. I’m sure your grandmother knew you loved her so very, very much.
I send you much love at this time.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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If you look for the smallest things that can make you happy, then life can really get (at least a little bit) easier. And we can get grateful to be here, on this planet, living. Thanks for sharing!
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You are so very right, and I appreciate you sharing this wonderful reminder!
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This is such a sweet post! I’m sorry about your grandmother. 😦 Hugs!
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Thank you so very much; I really appreciate it!
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Good post. Sorry about your grandmother.
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Thank you for both the kind words and the condolences!
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So very sorry about your grandmother Kristi…what a wonderful post. You continue to inspire me….
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Heartfelt thanks, Sheila; I so appreciate it!
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Dearest Kristi……
I lost my Grandmother on Thanksgiving, 16 years ago. She was never sick a day in her life, and just failed to wake up Thanksgiving morning at the age of 94.
May God help me, I try to live a good life, and hope I will pass so peacefully.
I am in SC, and it is dipping into the teens tonight. I have taken in three homeless people that have been turned away from the shelters and churches because they are full. They will sleep on my floor, but I will feed them, and they will be warm.
I have just lit a candle for your Grandmother, and also for you……….
Peace…..please feel, and have peace.
LikeLiked by 4 people
You truly touched my heart with your kind words and by lighting a candle for my Grandmother, and I am in awe of your kind gestures for those in great need. I can feel the peace, and I wish you the same in return. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tears, please know I know what you are feeling my friend.
I work with my church, and I cook, and help out with the homeless when I can. I also ride the bus and help out at the homeless shelter once or twice a month. Being disabled, I do whatever I can to help.
I have several homeless that stay close by. They know I care, and I take food to them daily. When it turns cold, bitter cold, and the church and shelters fill up, I bring them in. (God help us all…….should we not all do the same)
Oh…..I have a friend staying with me that would like to say something? I will turn it over to him now.
hello, my name is chris, but i am called christi. i am a trans. and i am homeless. miss susan has never judged me and is getting me ready to take my ged. she has again taken us in her home. and now she is letting us read so many things on her computer. miss susan told us how you help people miss kristi, we hope for love from all of us for both of you. forever.
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Susan and Christi, many thanks for your thoughtfulness and kindness, and know that I am so thankful and sending you much love from Kentucky!!!
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I felt I had to let him talk.
I hope you understand. 🙂
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I absolutely understand and am glad that you did!
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My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your grandmother. It is never easy losing a loved one and I pray the Lord will give you strength in this time of need.
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I truly appreciate your condolences abd prayers!
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My condolences about your grandmother Kristi. I admire how you are still able to find so much good around you on hard days.
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Thank you so much, as I appreciate it!
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Kristi, I am sorry for your loss of someone so close to you. I do appreciate with you the kind deeds of your friends, colleagues and acquaintances. That shows we can have faith in each other in times of need. Take care, BTG
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Thank you very much, and I am very fortunate to have so many kind and caring people in my life indeed!
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Reblogged this on Lizzie Carver and commented:
When big things happen, little things can make a huge difference – reblogging this lovely post from Kindness Blog…
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Many thanks for reblogging this!
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I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. She must have been very close that you named your daughters after her. It is always interesting to see that when one pressuring or sad thing happens at the same time there are lots of acts of love appearing. They might not have anything to do with the sad event, but they happen. There is so much love on this planet, you are one of those open minded people who see that. Whatever happens around can never be to overwhelming with this state of mind. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words for sharing such a lovely perspective! I have to believe that this is far more love and goodness in the world than there is hate and darkness, if only we look for it, appreciate it, and share it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is wonderful that you are blogging. Your point of view is healing power! ❤
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That’s so gracious of you to say, and it really means a lot to me. Many thanks!
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😀
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So sorry about your loss, may she rest in peace.
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I appreciate your condolences so much-thank you!
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You are most welcome. I also loved my grandmother very much.
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As usual, Kristi, your posts encourage kindness of all kinds. Just smiling and wishing someone a healthy and happy New Year during the day is enough for me to appreciate my fellow human beings, and shows you are giving an example to follow. Very sorry about your Grandmother. All good things do come to an end: it’s so sad when it is someone much loved as she was. Remembering the good times helps. My condolences to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your kind words and condolences, as they are appreciated greatly!
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I’m sorry for the loss of your grandmother Kristi. When we lose someone who has impacted our life to the degree that we share their names that makes it even harder. I lost my grandmother many years ago and I know the pain. I have her name as part of my name, as does my aunt. My teen is named after her and I remember the tears in her eyes as she cradled my baby in her arms and said “If I had a chest, I’d stick it out”. She was that proud to have a baby named after her. As a grandmother who has had a child named after them myself, I know just how wonderful a feeling it is. I’m sure your grandmother knew you loved her so very, very much.
I send you much love at this time.
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Thank you so very much for sharing such wonderful memories of your own grandmother and your beautiful story with me, as I greatly appreciate it!
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