Sharing a story, random thought

Good morning/Day to you all. I just wanted to share a random story that warmed my heart yesterday... off topic from CP, totally relateable (sp?) to compassion,so apologies.

I went to my original rheum office (Rheum A), yesterday to pick up my records for my latest "put my records together" binder project, and across from me in the waiting area was an older man and his wife. they called her back and he remained seated. after a minute or two he began to look around the room and when his eyes met mine, I smiled at him (perhaps he reminded me of my grandfather who passed last year) and he smiled so big back at me :) he then began to talk to me and he told me how he was there with his wife and they been together since the eightes (after both had lost their first spouses) and that he was 93! he told me how they met living in the same building and about how he spent 5 years in WWII overseas serving as a marine. He then came and sat next to me and shared photos from an envelope he carried in his jacket (of his wife, vacations, and even a picture from the war!) When My records were ready, so I  thanked him for sharing his stories, and for his service to the country. He bade me farewell and as I left he remained smiling.

I spent all day thinking about him, wondering if he felt heartwarmed too, if he had grandchildren to hear his stories (Like my grandfather, who also served near when this man did...) (I wonder if they ever met?),and how alienating our society can be. (Esp. towards the elderly, the injured, the weak, etc...)  Sometimes the best medicine is compassion, listening,and a smile. For both sides....Just a thought.

 I hope maybe this touches you in some way too, or if you have a story that made you smile, Id love to hear it.... in need of "Chicken soup for the soul" today :)

 

Lord knows I have been searching to turn my perspective around, and those few moments in time really helped. Im glad in sharing this little storyyour spirits were lifted too Ga Peach! I hope everyones day is awesome and low pain.

SE, Thank you for sharing your story! Im hoping for an inspirational day, and appreciate your contribution :)
I agree that we can get so caught up in as you said "the horror doom and gloom" and seemingly small acts of kindness can have the potential for such a large impact.

Love your signature quote BTW!

Hi kwi & SE,

Thanks for sharing your very inspirational and wonderful stories. I enjoyed reading these positives stories. It really made my day.

Thanks

UA

great stories! thanks for sharing

david

I just got to read this since I was not on yesterday and what a nice story! Im sure the man thought of you as well yesterday after your encounter and most likely couldnt wait to share with his bride the news of the nice young person he met waiting!! After working with the elderly for years and seeing how much it hurts to outlive family and friends and how little it takes,no more then a few minutes of your listening,to make them happy.

I had to catch the bus in this crazy millions of Bikes town last evening and had my 8 year old grandaughter with me and carrying 2 bags and my purse and holding her hand,I was having a hard time digging for the right change to pay the driver and the gentleman behind me in his 20's too said "here Ive got this lady's" I about fell over,his age floored me and even though it was only $1.20 it was worth a million to have trust reinstilled in our young folks.

Thank you for sharing

Vickie

I know Lexi,I think I have some pretty awesome kids and I know they do alot for others.

Just here in Florida especially the tourist towns,seems so many young men walk around with a grudge almost,it's hard to explain. Like the world owes them for some reason.

I'm not one to judge strangers cause you never know how their lives really are but I see so many that will sit on the bus while an elderly lady on a walker will be left to stand


So it floored me when he offered.

So many with no compassion or respect for people.

My thanks to all those that stop to lighten another's load or brighten someone day

Vickie

kwitbugin thank you for writing this, it is indeed a very moving story, and one that is very much appreciated! I applaud you in taking the time to sit and listen to this man and look at his pictures with him. I am sure that you brought allot of joy into his life, just as he did in yours. Such a simple act of kindness can make such a big difference in a persons life. I just wish it happened more often and when it does people would share the experience as you have done.

White Beard

perhaps we along with our weekly check in thread, we could have a weekly inspiration thread??? A place to share triumphs, heart warming stories, or just plain good news.... I know that after posting this, and seeing so many say that it made their day or share a "feel good" story of their own really helped me get through some tough patches this past week, and peeking in on this thread's comments gave me something to look forward to. What do you all think?

thanks Lexi... Ill be looking for a good story this week to share :)

I was living in Birmingham, AL when hurricane Katrina hit. I was involved with a civic group who answered the call for people to help in the shelter they set up in the civic center. You'd be surprised what a cold soda and a compassionate ear can do. They had enough volunteers for their physical needs, so our organization just started talking, playing with the little kids (who's moms would not let them out of their sight, but we were able to distract them so the parents had a moment to process what was happening), and trying to accommodate special requests.

One guy wanted to borrow a guitar really bad because he wanted to write some songs, and sing for the little kids for entertainment. I called in favors and got him that guitar, and the pawn shop owner I got it from gave it to him, no charge.

But mostly, what they wanted, was to be heard. We'd find a corner, and just listen. Some had digital pictures of the convention center and Superdome and they just wanted someone to listen and show those pictures to. To hear about the struggle they went through to get on a C-130 not knowing where it was headed to, but it was out of New Orleans. Then the aftermath of trying to reach family scattered everywhere.

That's where I learned how powerful a stranger's ear could be. Plus I had a connection with the city. I had lived in NOLA previously. I knew what they were talking about. I knew how important it was for the food guys to make red beans and rice on Monday. It didn't have to be perfect, it just had to be there.