A little kindness goes a long way

It happens at the most unexpected times yet, most often it comes at the time when we need a beacon of hope in our periods of darkness. Sometimes these happenings are purely accidental and there is no pre-meditation. In all cases, the next step in the journey of life is changed for the recipient.

I am indeed talking about RAK’s, better known as “Random Acts of Kindness. It could be a hello to a stranger who does not feel worthy, a coffee for the car behind you at the drive-thru, a visit to someone who is housebound, or a little attention to a child who is lacking interested persons in their life. Sometimes the smallest gesture means the most to those who have not experienced the greatest power of humanity, the giving of oneself, unselfishly for the betterment of others.

So why might you ask am I bringing this subject to light. I went to a funeral yesterday for a wonderful man who unconsciously gave great enjoyment to many while I am sure he was not even aware of the significance. To my dad, he was the brother that my father never had. These two together could accomplish much. For my entire childhood, they shared the same well and water pump in an effort to ease the cost of building their first homes. An ingenious and unselfish idea that many could benefit from today.

These two families were always willing to share and as an added bonus each time a family member celebrated a birthday, there was an exchange of cake for the neighbors. We received the bonus six times per year and they were the benefactors nine times. A pretty good deal for any kid. 

To me, he was kind enough to allow me to go on my first hunting trip. Does not seem like much but after losing that expertise in our family through deaths, it meant that a tradition, that should have been father and son, could be passed on to me. I especially liked his explanation of carrying a gun when you go to use the woods. For that, I will be forever grateful to Jimmy. 

You have left each of us richer in many ways and we all possess stories that we can laugh and retell. But the greatest thing you left was your example of friendship to family, friends, and community. You were bigger than life and that was matched only by the size of your heart. Next time hunting, I will be on the lookout for the Big Black Bear…