The Power of Kindness

Many people who know me, know this story.

Nearly a year ago today, I was feeling very sad. I was in a rut, and couldn't seem to climb out of it. One day, I received the "Willow Tree" Angel of Caring. It was beautiful and made me smile and feel warm... yet there was no note. The postmark lead me to believe that it was from my sister, mother, or grandmother. But they all claimed they had no idea where it came from. The next week I received the "Willow Tree" Angel of Happiness. Again, they all claimed some one else must have sent it. Only a few days after receiving the 2nd angel, my sister Stacy died of a seizure. When I came home the next day, my brother-in-law gave me several more angels that Stacy had bought to send me anonymously. The last was called the "Comfort Box". She had started to draft a letter to put in the box, stating that she was an anonymous person who I had once been kind to. She said she thought of me when she saw the angels, and wanted to return the kindness. She signed it "Receiver of a Smile". My sister loved to practice Random Acts of Kindness, and this one was her last.

Receiving the first 2 angels made my day... for a few days! But when my brother-in-law handed me the 6 additional angels... I was stunned. I cannot describe how powerful those moments were for me. None of us could have realized the impact those little angels would have when Stacy first started to send them.

I think too, that people in general don't always know when a seemingly small act of kindness will mean the world to someone else.