WHAT’S THE KINDEST THING ANYONE EVER DID FOR YOU WITHOUT BEING ASKED?
March 4th 2007 05:36
I’m not sure why, anyhow, today for some reason I found myself thinking of acts of kindness and genuine gestures of friendship and asked myself, “What’s the nicest kindest thing anyone ever did for you without being asked?”
I guess maybe I don’t often take the time to think of my few good friends and the situations and events that have cemented our relationships.
I was slightly surprised that when I though of each of them, I could count a few, in some cases several truly kind gestures or deeds.
In recent times, with ever dwindling numbers in my phone book, one event stands out in my mind, over and above the call of friendship duty.
18 months ago I got into a spot of bother with the Police, this culminated in an admission to the Mental Health Ward of a small country town Hospital.
Cashless and fairly irrational, I came to on a Public Holiday in a place where eftpos isn’t a god given right and amex is a dirty word. I was 500kms in any direction from the closest family or friend and needless to say quiet disoriented and becoming increasingly twitchy all the while. While I was formulating a convoluted escape plan that more than likely would have escalated the situation from pretty dreary to seriously dismal, a good friend drove 600kms and collected me and drove me another 500kms to my parents house.
I cried tears of joy and gratitude when she arrived. I hope, for her sake, I never have to rescue her from a situation like that, but if she got into trouble and I could help her, I most certainly would without hesitation anywhere, anytime…………….
I guess maybe I don’t often take the time to think of my few good friends and the situations and events that have cemented our relationships.
I was slightly surprised that when I though of each of them, I could count a few, in some cases several truly kind gestures or deeds.
In recent times, with ever dwindling numbers in my phone book, one event stands out in my mind, over and above the call of friendship duty.
18 months ago I got into a spot of bother with the Police, this culminated in an admission to the Mental Health Ward of a small country town Hospital.
Cashless and fairly irrational, I came to on a Public Holiday in a place where eftpos isn’t a god given right and amex is a dirty word. I was 500kms in any direction from the closest family or friend and needless to say quiet disoriented and becoming increasingly twitchy all the while. While I was formulating a convoluted escape plan that more than likely would have escalated the situation from pretty dreary to seriously dismal, a good friend drove 600kms and collected me and drove me another 500kms to my parents house.
I cried tears of joy and gratitude when she arrived. I hope, for her sake, I never have to rescue her from a situation like that, but if she got into trouble and I could help her, I most certainly would without hesitation anywhere, anytime…………….
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Comment by David
Firstly, I'm astounded (yet not really, for the net is a virtual land inhabited mainly by nasties who don't know what kindness is) that no-one has responded to this Post ...
I'm flabbergasted that no-one has responded to this ... Utterly gobsmacked ...
Just sitting here pondering the meanness inherent in human nature that everyone denies is there ...
(because we're all New Agey 'intrinsically good'? ... Pfft! Human nature is inclined to evil from birth ... (make that conception ... (make that pre-conception ...
This Post should be at the top of the popularity list ...
It is such a great question.
I'd have to say the kindest thing a person ever did for me without being asked was to invite me into their room, (make that order me), then sit patiently with me, (for ages, I might add ... for I've always had a problem with opening up and revealing my innermost self to another human being), and ask me questions about what was on my mind, and what was really troubling/disturbing me, and refuse to let me leave the room before I told them what was troubling/disturbing me, and then, after I finally told them honestly what it was? To offer me a different perspective on life and the human condition, in a way that I could accept it ... rather than stick doggedly to my own warped opinion of what life was all about, due to my dysfunctional upbringing, and the evil influence of the people I had formerly surrounded myself with, due to utter ignorance ...
It was a long time ago ... and the person who did this? ...
I often wonder how that person is going ... what that person is doing .. where that person is ... and whether or not we'll ever meet again in this life ...
David ...
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I have been the recipient of several random acts of kindness. The top two (sorry could not narrow it down to one)
1. I was in a plane crash many years ago and am still a "wiggly" flyer. I have to travel a lot in my job and have colleagues who accompany me. Without a word from me, each will distract me in various ingenious ways, all without fanfare or complaint. Each has there own creative manner of being as they call it "Mis whisperers"
2. After a very bitter and expensive divorce and custody battle, I was totally without means. Friends of mine all got together and purchased a POS car for me to drive until I could get back on my feet. I was so touched by this gesture
Thank you so much for reminding us to be grateful
I agree with David... I am surprised that there weren't more comments (although I just woke up myself... ACST)
Mis
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by JoshZ
I have had people in my life that have gone beyond the call of duty to make sure that I get out amongst people and that I generally don't give up on life. They have been amazing to have in my life.
I think the most extravagant was a friend of mine won a national barista championship and the prize was a trip for two to Seattle for a week.
Seattle was great.
JZ
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
But most noteable, is last christmas, when he said, "Im going to shower you in gifts like I always do, because you missed out on so much being poor, you had none of the things I had growing up, and I want to make it up to you"
It touched me deeply because no one has ever gave a damn what I suffered growing up, let alone tried to make it up to me!
Great post.
Comment by Miss Nomer
thanks for sharing that......
Someone intuitive to know that you werent "doing so good" and taking the time to hear your "story"...worth a lot...priceless in fact.
Maybe you should try to look up that person and see how they are travelling, I would, someday.....
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Miss Nomer
To hear recounts of such practical and sincere kindness lightens my often heavy heart..... seemingly tiny gestures that have made such a difference to your life....
It gives me faith that we have the capacity for love and compassion and kindness....................
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Miss Nomer
thanks.I think?
X
Miss Nomer
Comment by Miss Nomer
A friend in need is a friend indeed, true friends seem to selflessly "get it"?
Never give up!!!!!!!(well not sex or chocolate?)
Thanks for sharing that......
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Miss Nomer
Does your boyfriend have a brother?
Seriously, soul mates.........kindred spirits.............we've all got them, sounds like you may have found yours..........
May your journey become and remain a joyful one..........
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
gosh ... what a question?
My life today, is filled with smiles becuase of the kindness of strangers and friends alike, even some wonderful Orbler's ... but that's today, it wasn't always like that in my life... and to quote a song by Allan Parsons: I can remember a time when; "one kind word meant more to me, than all the love in paradise..." It's still like that some days...
... but for the most part, for now however, it just keeps getting better, perhaps I am amongst the reaping years, of what I have previously sown?
thanks for making me smile, just thinking about it,
...another kindness,
Lilla ...
Comment by Miss Nomer
If I really think about it, I think for a long time I rejected offers of kindness, perhaps worried about ulterior motives of the offerer of the kindness, if that made sense, or too caught up in myself to notice a kind offer, both I think??
These days I try to accept people at face value and accept kindness and repay it in kind......
I'm glad the post brought you a smile.........
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I read this post early this morning and realised that there were many acts of kindness that I could think of, that my life is littered with them. I just wasn't sure which one/s to talk about. Now I have to dash off so I'll write more later,
Byeee
Comment by Miss Nomer
Its funny how I have kind of taken so many acts of kindness for granted, I have been the recipient of many, fairly recently as well, maybe not life changing, but certainly all worth being grateful for......
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by Candice
What a wonderful post! I have received several acts of kindness in my life but the one I most remember was in Nepal.
My hubby and I stayed in a village, where the villagers have very little, and even less in the way of possessions. On the last day of my stay my 'host grandmother' summoned me close to her (she spoke no English). She took my hand and placed a bracelet on my wrist. Here I was trying to help out people who are in poverty, so I felt guilty but also very touched for having received something so 'precious.' Anyway, I still have the bracelet.
I also keep a gratitude journal do help remind me of the kindnesses and joyful things in my life.
Comment by Miss Nomer
Thanks for sharing your story.......people with so little wishing to express their heartfelt thanks, those of us in so called western modernised societies could learn a lot from such folk....
A gratitude journal, I really like that idea, thanks for passing that on......
X
Miss Nomer
Comment by Hope
Gifted Parenting
Freelance For Life
Comment by Miss Nomer
What a great story......I wonder where this woman ended up and how her life is ?
I often wonder about people from way back when......
WIse words......
Thanks for sharing...
x
Miss Nomer
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
I have seen many acts of kindness all around--too many to recount here. Maybe I'll post a blog about that. We only hear the bad stuff about people nowadays.
What a marvelous question! Please repost and spotlight this.
A quick one, then: when I was first starting out as a drummer, and very unsure and emotional, a successful pro drummer took the time to sit down and show me some tricks and tips (that you'll never find in a book). I had gone to see his show and was quite intimidated by his talent and success. He was just as kind and helpful to me as though I were his own student, and the next time his band toured in my area he came to one of my gigs to hear me play. He's always encouraged me and we have become great friends over the years.
Comment by Miss Nomer
Thanks for your kind comments here and on the other posts.....maybe I should repost this....and concentrate my thoughts and energies on positive things...thanks for dropping in xx