Acts Of Kindness

I’m always surprised and delighted when I see people displaying acts of kindness. I don’t believe there is any such thing as a “little” act of kindness. I also believe that these acts benefit the giver as much as the receiver.

I’d like to share a story about kindness:

A year and a half ago my husband and I sold our home in San Rafael and move to Palm Springs. I had lived in that home for thirty years, and one of the things I loved most about that house was the plum tree in the back yard. The fruit was as deep red on the inside as it was on the outside, and had the most delectable flavor. My mother, sister and I would can jam using those plums. So every summer we would feast on the fresh fruit, and enjoy the jam from that tree the rest of the year.

When I handed over the keys to the new owners, I jokingly told them I would miss that tree, and I gave them a jar of plum jam we had canned. Last year about this time, we received a box of plums in the mail. We were flabbergasted that this wonderful family took the time to ship us fruit from out beloved tree. We were overjoyed, not so much to get the plums, but because of the kindness shown by people we hardly knew. It was a moving experience (no pun intended.)

A few days ago, we receive another box of plums in the mail. I can’t help but think that these people are so generous with their time and energy that they intend to do this every year? Wow.

We will be driving up to the Bay Area in a few weeks to attend a wedding and visit friends. We plan to drop by the old house for a visit, because the thank you I feel in my heart truly needs to be said face to face.