Hello everyone:
A couple of years ago, I was being treated for a medical condition that required some painful tests. It could have been a very lonely experience, except for one of my nurses.
She engaged me in conversation, chatting about everything under the sun, except what I was experiencing. During the test, she worked with the doctors, but she also did something I will never forget: She held my hand.
It was a simple act, but it was something that I greatly appreciated. What kind of simple act can we do that brightens the life of someone else? I was at the mall today and I saw a woman leaning against a wall outside one of the stores. She looked a little pale, so I stopped and asked her how she was.
She assured me she was fine and said she was sorry she looked sick. I said, “No, you look fine, but I was concerned about you.” Her face softened and she thanked me for caring enough to ask. This took less than a minute of my time, but she said it made her day to know that a total stranger cared for her. I wished her a happy day and left. It made my day, as well.
A radio show I was listening to lately had a guest who had spent a couple of years going around the country, seeing who would help a total stranger. Those who did help were surprised when the man, who did not appear rich, then handed the helper person $500. When he heard their stories, he had a couple of people who he started a “Go Fund Me” page for because their needs were so great. Yet they were still willing to help him. This reminds me of the widow’s mite.
“Try a little kindness” is a mantra that could change the world, if we each took a few minutes to reach out to others. We need to be careful in today’s world, but we can still be kind.
Best,
Dr. Sheri