There are people who hold a small warm place in my heart and some of them are people I don't even know. All of them are there, in a small warm place, because of some small act of kindness.
My dad's aunt gave my sister and I each a really cool, quilted leather bag with fringe on it in 1970-something. I still have mine. It's still cool. I can't remember what she looked like, but I will never forget her.
My dad's uncle Max and his wife Wilma have a warm place in my heart. I only remember being around them three times, although I'm sure it was more. The first time I was quite young and she had made haystacks with chow mien noodles and either chocolate and butterscotch. I remember thinking they were very weird, not so good candy, but the were candy, so I ate them. I don't know if those haystacks are what got them the small warm place or if it was something else. But there they are.
A man my mom took us to visit when I was about five or so, (I think he was one of her favorite teachers), taught me how to play Dominoes.
One day when I worked at McDonalds a customer ripped me up because the coffee pot wasn't working right. It was all I could do to not run away sobbing. The next man in line was very kind and said something reassuring and supportive. I don't remember the words, or his face, but I remember him.
When I was in Kindergarten the First grade teacher winked at me one day at recess. She later became one of my favorite teachers, but she would have a small warm place anyway, just because of that wink.
The man across the street let me be there when he cut up a coconut. He sang the Lime and the Coconut song while he did it. It was one of the most fascinating things I'd ever seen. (I was younger than six)
Another man across another street offered me some wisdom and comfort over the fact that I didn't have a saddle for my pony and I desperately wanted one. He said, "Indians (it was ok to say that in those days) were the best riders there ever were and they always rode bareback."
Fleeting, seemingly insignificant moments. Yet they have remained with me.
Let us live our lives so that our brief encounters leave tender fingerprints that last.
hello - wow did this take me back - I won an art contest in 2nd grade - I can still see the picture and even see the classroom, how it was arranged. It had a big blue prize tag on it. I have not thought about that in years!
ReplyDeleteThanks...
What a beautiful post, Kay! I think that we forget these beautiful little acts of kindness. Thank you for that reminder. I think we forget how much people need love and kindness..even so small in our eyes.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post.
ReplyDeleteKay, absolutely beautiful. I loved the picture of the fingerprint with it. Really well done and brought a measure of gratitude to my soul for folks who have touched me. Like you! Our God's tapestry is woven with kindness.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Kay! Small ripples in a pond that made a lasting impression on your life. We need to be thankful for moments such as those you mentioned. Thanks for sharing and brightening my day!
ReplyDeleteI still have the purse too, and remember the shell necklaces from Hawaii, and the beaded Indian necklaces? I often wonder how some little nice thing I can do for a kid at school(extra gravy or a few more fries)might make them feel a little loved. Even If it is the lunch lady.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kay. It helps us to be mindful of living deliberately and kindly with those around us.
ReplyDeleteA prisoner of hope,
Megan