The kindness of strangers
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo Buscaglia
A surprise package arrived for me this week and when I opened it this is what I found – a beautiful figurine of a mother and daughter sent by online friend Michele. I am so incredibly touched by Michele’s kindness and the beauty of her gift. I find it so amazing and so wonderful how kind people can be… and to strangers, for Michele and I have never met. Michele’s thoughtfulness reminds me that we should never underestimate the power of even the simplest kind gesture or word for truly they have the power to heal the deepest wounds and light the darkest days.
What a lovely gift Marie – no wonder you were so moved.
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It really is amazing how kind and generous some people can be. When my mother died, I was incredibly hurt by so-called friends who never even sent a text to see how I was doing in the aftermath of her funeral. I really needed their support and friendship in those dark days, but they were nowhere to be found.
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How kind and thoughtful and what a lovely gift to receive
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Beautiful
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Dear Marie, I have been away visiting home and didn’t see your blog for a little while. More over I was shocked to read your mum passed away. I am so sorry for you and I cannot do much more than pass on my sincere condolences and let you know I am very very sorry for you…..
As you said well yourself, you knew the day would come and you could expect but still, the actual moment hurts so much. Being separated from your mother must give a pain which you cannot describe.
My dear Marie, take care and I wish you so much strength and courage. Especially the coming weeks with Christmas approaching…
all my love and hugs, Sandy
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Thank you so much Sandy for your kind words. You were actually on my mind today, so it is lovely to read your comment.
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I’m so glad you shared this, Marie, and the fact that you’re able to see the good in your life amidst the heartbreak is so encouraging to those of us who love you!
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How lovely. A lovely gift. A lovely post. And you’re so right, we never know who or how many we might touch with our action, or lack of action, or any given day. Thanks for sharing this, Marie.
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You know, Marie. I actually have a chapter in my memoir called “A Strangers Touch” that’s all about the very thing you touched on in this lovely, positive write up. So true … the smallest gestures can mean so much. Family and friends are everything – they are the constants in our lives – but when it’s someone we barely know or don’t know at all who reaches out, well that does tell us even more that we want to hear about how wonderful people can be at a time when we really need to believe in something good.
How are you doing, anyway? Are you starting to feel better? For me, I started out numb but the sadness is sinking in more now. Been bundling up and getting out and walking to try and feel better. Hope you have a good week. And as always, thanks for another beautiful post.
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How sweet. Both the gift AND my sister!
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For sure!
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What a beautiful gesture and touching gift! I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of this online friend. The quote at the beginning of your post is priceless. Still praying for you, Marie.
XOXO,
Jan
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Beautiful message and beautiful blog. Thanks for sharing. I just finished 6 rounds of chemo, have mastectomy and radiation to follow. Blogging has become a great coping mechanism to me, and I am inspired by other bloggers such as yourself.
Cancer Warrior
http://www.perksofcancer.com
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Family, friends, acquaintances, strangers… the smallest acknowledgement can mean the world to those suffering silently. A simple “How are you doing?” or “I’m thinking of you!” is much more powerful than people realize.
Marie, I’m thinking of you!
Renn
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All your kindness to others coming back to you Marie x
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During my illness I also was deeply touched by the love, the listening ear, the time people had for me, people from whom I least expected it. One friend wrote every day a text message of a few positive words for 2 years running all through my therapy….every day….just amazing how little things can have such a big effect…..I wonder if these people realise how important these little gestures are to us???
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A tender heart needs to be tended to especially during a time of grief. XXOO-Michele
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Simply beautiful – the post, and the gesture itself. These are such special things to cherish. thank you so much for sharing. 🙂 xox
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Marie,
This is so moving, and the sculpture is so beautiful and fitting. It’s nice to have these gestures during hard times. I had people send me nice things, but there were others who didn’t even send me a one-sentence e-mail to see how I was doing.
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There are many of us who never have met you in person, but know you from your kindness and generosity of spirit. I believe everything you give, you receive back tenfold. This is another example.
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What a perfect gift. Sometimes our cyber friends are just the best. Kudos, Michele, and much love to you, Marie.
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I hope i can have friend like Michele…
you’re lucky to have one..
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