A few months back i loss my job and i met the most wonderful little women. After telling her about what happen and i felt unjustly cut loose from my job we came to a decision that i out grew the organization and i should go back to school. She offered to pay my for me to go to school if got a part time job every things going great all because of a few good women thanks peggy and yolanda
Today is Thanksgiving. On a day when we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, I think it is important to note how special it is when we run across people who offer generosity and kindness, with no expectation of getting something in return. One particular random act of kindness sticks out in my mind, and I never got the opportunity to say a proper thank you. Hopefully this can be my place to say thank you. One afternoon a few years ago, my car stopped running on a residential street in Shorewood. Luckily, I was only a few blocks from a gas station that could tow my car to its shop. I called the station and made the arrangements for my car to be towed. However, I was told that it would be a while before they could get the car and the tow fee was heftier than I expected. It was all very manageable, but it just seemed to top off one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. I’m sure I had a sour face while I waited by my car. A man with a big pickup truck drove up and slowed down. He rolled down his window and asked me if I needed help. From a passer-by’s view, I don’t think there was any indication that something was wrong. I’m sure I just looked like a frustrated (and unapproachable) lady standing by her parked car. Amazingly, he somehow knew to stop. I explained the situation and that assistance was on the way. Before I knew it, he was out of his truck and latching my car on to the back of his pickup. I think he may have secured it with some rope that he had in the truck bed. I am not car savvy in the least bit and have no idea how to secure one vehicle to another for towing, so this all seemed quite “MacGyver-ish” to me. I just stood there in awe as this stranger took over the situation and quickly went to work resolving my dilemma so that I would not be stranded. He drove me and my car over to gas station shop. I said thank you and offered to pay him, but he just said, “No problem; don’t worry about it.” And then he was gone. In retrospect, I’m so thankful that this stranger—this nice person who happened to be driving by—took the time to help me out and make my day a lot easier. In the bigger picture, I am thankful that people have the capacity to offer generosity and random acts of kindness. Cheesy as it may sound, such generosity really does make the world a better place. I’m thankful that I live in a community like Milwaukee, where I know that people in the area are compelled to do nice things for others—even strangers. If the man who helped me out that day is reading this, thank you, and happy holidays.
M Magazine has been my favorite publication since it began. It sat along side me on my coffee table through years of raising four children, volunteering at a local church and building my life coaching career and school. I have relished issues at doctor's offices, in sibling's homes and with neighbors. I would be lying if I didn't admit wishing to be featured in the magazine someday. Last fall, M Magazine contacted my business partner wanting to feature her and her separate business. With out missing a beat, she asked that they include me and my individual business, too. The interview and photos were just the beginning of many connections and priceless experiences, all stemming from the act of kindness from a friend.
Many people have been helped by someone in one way or another. A person close to me in my life has helped many that I know of and I am proud to know this person. We share in a desire to help others. She does not seek attention in what she does. There are many in the world that do this. Last year at Christmas time I came in contact with a lady through a Craigs List ad about cooking meals for needy families on Christmas Eve. I responded to her ad; not for a hand out but to help in any way. Timing was not on my side to help her though but it turns out that many had offered the same as I.
While I can’t lay claim to sizable charitable donations to save the hungry, homeless or other charities, I can lay claim to being compassionate or thoughtful of others in everyday activities. So where do I start? I don’t ask this because I have a long list that I keep track of but more so because it comes as second nature and all the thoughtful things I do are not memorable. In sharing some of my experiences I don’t seek recognition or a pat on the back but more an offering of stories that made me feel good and as an example how I help others.
I like to go out of my way to help people. It may be just offering directions to someone by leading them on their way or catching someone’s attention at a stop light to tell them that they have a light out or a low tire. I have more memorable experiences such as watching an older lady run up a curb and causing a flat tire. After checking to make sure she was alright I went to get my own tools and jack to change her tire. When she went for her purse and offered to pay me I kindly asked her to tell her friends and family what I had done so they might do the same for someone else in need.
On the more bizarre side of helping someone I had found a roll of film in the gutter not far from my house. This was on a busy street so I new I could not just ring doorbells. I did something crazy, something that most people would never do. I developed the film with the hopes of finding the owner by recognizing someone from the neighborhood. I actually don’t remember how I found the link to them in one of the pictures so I could make the call but I did. There was not anyone I knew. My investigation led me to the owner and she was so happy because the event was so special to her.
Although I did not seek attention for this act the outcome did make it to a story in the newspaper and provided maybe two minutes of my possible fifteen minutes of fame but I wonder if most people reading it would consider doing the same or if they just thought I was crazy. When asked by the reporter why I did it I said that I would hope someone would at least try to find me if I had lost my film. I figured it was an adventure that cost me a couple of bucks but what if it worked. I know I am not the only one as I recently read a column in the Journal Sentinel about a couple who did what I had done.
I look fondly on these events and others. Knowing that I helped others makes me feel good. Peggy’s desire to offer a place for sharing stories of helping others may help the readers think more about helping others in any way. Go the extra mile. Go out of your way to help. Do what the bumper sticker says, Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty. It just might make you feel good.
A couple of years ago I smashed up the front of my new car. I was still in college, and the car was a gift from my dad. I don't think that I had it for even a month at that point. I was terribly upset that my car (which I loved) looked a mess, but even more upset about the prospect of calling my dad to tell him what had happened. I know he would have helped me, but I did not want to appear irresponsible or disappoint him. As a student, I did not have much money, but did have a part-time job. I told someone that I knew through work about the situation. I was shocked when this person, who I knew only a short time at that point, offered to loan me the money to get my car fixed. I graciously declined the offer; I had some money saved up so that I could cover it myself. However, I was so profoundly struck with the kindness this person showed me--it was like his natural reaction was to help in any way he could. Just the idea that someone's first inclination is to offer a helping hand is pretty awesome. That kindness says a lot about someone's character. I hope I continue to meet people who have that same "gut" instinct to be helpful to others, and that I can emulate the same.
Last Friday I was driving through downtown and stopped at a red light. While I was stopped, a few women started walking through the crosswalk together. One of the women took a nasty spill while crossing the street. Had her friends not immediately jumped to her aid, I would have gotten out of my car to help her. What was truly notable about the ordeal, though, was that several folks passing by were also quick to jump to help this woman. It was fortunate that this woman's friends were around to help her, but I was impressed and happy to see that people around did not give it a second thought to stop and help. Often times, it seems people are hurried and busy, especially during the downtown workdays' hustle and bustle. Also, we hear stories where someone is in trouble and receives no help because people are quick to assume that someone else will take care of it. I guess it sounds like a like a little thing, but I as glad to see not one, but many, strangers on the street happy to help a women who seemed like she could use a little help.
Thirty years ago, I was a frazzled undergrad at UWM commuting from Glendale to the Kenwood campus via the UBus(an experience in itself). Without a car of my own, I would get a ride to a stop on Silver Spring. One blizzardy winter morning, before the days of cell phones,(how did we survive?) I was either late or the bus didn't show up. I stood at that stop for an hour in the blowing snow and wind without a hat or hood thinking my ears surely were going to fall off from frostbite and wondering if I'd make it if I walked home. Just when I had given up all hope of making it to class that day, a man pulled up and offered me a ride. Now I would NEVER advocate that women take rides from strange men, but something about him suggested that I could trust him (a lesson in trusting your gut!). While I have never taken a ride from a stranger either before or after that day, I gratefully hopped in the car and relished the warmth of the car's interior and his kind smile. He turned out to be a karate instructor at UWM on his way to class there. I have never forgotten his generous act of kindness and now that I have daughters of my own, I am quick to pay it forward and offer a ride to school girls who seem to be in the same predicament I was in on that snowy winter day.
7 comments:
A few months back i loss my job and i met the most wonderful little women. After telling her about what happen and i felt unjustly cut loose from my job we came to a decision that i out grew the organization and i should go back to school. She offered to pay my for me to go to school if got a part time job every things going great all because of a few good women thanks peggy and yolanda
Today is Thanksgiving. On a day when we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, I think it is important to note how special it is when we run across people who offer generosity and kindness, with no expectation of getting something in return. One particular random act of kindness sticks out in my mind, and I never got the opportunity to say a proper thank you. Hopefully this can be my place to say thank you.
One afternoon a few years ago, my car stopped running on a residential street in Shorewood. Luckily, I was only a few blocks from a gas station that could tow my car to its shop. I called the station and made the arrangements for my car to be towed. However, I was told that it would be a while before they could get the car and the tow fee was heftier than I expected. It was all very manageable, but it just seemed to top off one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. I’m sure I had a sour face while I waited by my car.
A man with a big pickup truck drove up and slowed down. He rolled down his window and asked me if I needed help. From a passer-by’s view, I don’t think there was any indication that something was wrong. I’m sure I just looked like a frustrated (and unapproachable) lady standing by her parked car. Amazingly, he somehow knew to stop. I explained the situation and that assistance was on the way. Before I knew it, he was out of his truck and latching my car on to the back of his pickup. I think he may have secured it with some rope that he had in the truck bed. I am not car savvy in the least bit and have no idea how to secure one vehicle to another for towing, so this all seemed quite “MacGyver-ish” to me. I just stood there in awe as this stranger took over the situation and quickly went to work resolving my dilemma so that I would not be stranded. He drove me and my car over to gas station shop. I said thank you and offered to pay him, but he just said, “No problem; don’t worry about it.” And then he was gone.
In retrospect, I’m so thankful that this stranger—this nice person who happened to be driving by—took the time to help me out and make my day a lot easier. In the bigger picture, I am thankful that people have the capacity to offer generosity and random acts of kindness. Cheesy as it may sound, such generosity really does make the world a better place. I’m thankful that I live in a community like Milwaukee, where I know that people in the area are compelled to do nice things for others—even strangers. If the man who helped me out that day is reading this, thank you, and happy holidays.
M Magazine has been my favorite publication since it began. It sat along side me on my coffee table through years of raising four children, volunteering at a local church and building my life coaching career and school. I have relished issues at doctor's offices, in sibling's homes and with neighbors. I would be lying if I didn't admit wishing to be featured in the magazine someday.
Last fall, M Magazine contacted my business partner wanting to feature her and her separate business. With out missing a beat, she asked that they include me and my individual business, too. The interview and photos were just the beginning of many connections and priceless experiences, all stemming from the act of kindness from a friend.
Many people have been helped by someone in one way or another. A person close to me in my life has helped many that I know of and I am proud to know this person. We share in a desire to help others. She does not seek attention in what she does. There are many in the world that do this. Last year at Christmas time I came in contact with a lady through a Craigs List ad about cooking meals for needy families on Christmas Eve. I responded to her ad; not for a hand out but to help in any way. Timing was not on my side to help her though but it turns out that many had offered the same as I.
While I can’t lay claim to sizable charitable donations to save the hungry, homeless or other charities, I can lay claim to being compassionate or thoughtful of others in everyday activities. So where do I start? I don’t ask this because I have a long list that I keep track of but more so because it comes as second nature and all the thoughtful things I do are not memorable. In sharing some of my experiences I don’t seek recognition or a pat on the back but more an offering of stories that made me feel good and as an example how I help others.
I like to go out of my way to help people. It may be just offering directions to someone by leading them on their way or catching someone’s attention at a stop light to tell them that they have a light out or a low tire. I have more memorable experiences such as watching an older lady run up a curb and causing a flat tire. After checking to make sure she was alright I went to get my own tools and jack to change her tire. When she went for her purse and offered to pay me I kindly asked her to tell her friends and family what I had done so they might do the same for someone else in need.
On the more bizarre side of helping someone I had found a roll of film in the gutter not far from my house. This was on a busy street so I new I could not just ring doorbells. I did something crazy, something that most people would never do. I developed the film with the hopes of finding the owner by recognizing someone from the neighborhood. I actually don’t remember how I found the link to them in one of the pictures so I could make the call but I did. There was not anyone I knew. My investigation led me to the owner and she was so happy because the event was so special to her.
Although I did not seek attention for this act the outcome did make it to a story in the newspaper and provided maybe two minutes of my possible fifteen minutes of fame but I wonder if most people reading it would consider doing the same or if they just thought I was crazy. When asked by the reporter why I did it I said that I would hope someone would at least try to find me if I had lost my film. I figured it was an adventure that cost me a couple of bucks but what if it worked. I know I am not the only one as I recently read a column in the Journal Sentinel about a couple who did what I had done.
I look fondly on these events and others. Knowing that I helped others makes me feel good. Peggy’s desire to offer a place for sharing stories of helping others may help the readers think more about helping others in any way. Go the extra mile. Go out of your way to help. Do what the bumper sticker says, Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty. It just might make you feel good.
A couple of years ago I smashed up the front of my new car. I was still in college, and the car was a gift from my dad. I don't think that I had it for even a month at that point. I was terribly upset that my car (which I loved) looked a mess, but even more upset about the prospect of calling my dad to tell him what had happened. I know he would have helped me, but I did not want to appear irresponsible or disappoint him. As a student, I did not have much money, but did have a part-time job. I told someone that I knew through work about the situation. I was shocked when this person, who I knew only a short time at that point, offered to loan me the money to get my car fixed. I graciously declined the offer; I had some money saved up so that I could cover it myself. However, I was so profoundly struck with the kindness this person showed me--it was like his natural reaction was to help in any way he could. Just the idea that someone's first inclination is to offer a helping hand is pretty awesome. That kindness says a lot about someone's character. I hope I continue to meet people who have that same "gut" instinct to be helpful to others, and that I can emulate the same.
Last Friday I was driving through downtown and stopped at a red light. While I was stopped, a few women started walking through the crosswalk together. One of the women took a nasty spill while crossing the street. Had her friends not immediately jumped to her aid, I would have gotten out of my car to help her. What was truly notable about the ordeal, though, was that several folks passing by were also quick to jump to help this woman. It was fortunate that this woman's friends were around to help her, but I was impressed and happy to see that people around did not give it a second thought to stop and help. Often times, it seems people are hurried and busy, especially during the downtown workdays' hustle and bustle. Also, we hear stories where someone is in trouble and receives no help because people are quick to assume that someone else will take care of it. I guess it sounds like a like a little thing, but I as glad to see not one, but many, strangers on the street happy to help a women who seemed like she could use a little help.
Thirty years ago, I was a frazzled undergrad at UWM commuting from Glendale to the Kenwood campus via the UBus(an experience in itself). Without a car of my own, I would get a ride to a stop on Silver Spring. One blizzardy winter morning, before the days of cell phones,(how did we survive?) I was either late or the bus didn't show up. I stood at that stop for an hour in the blowing snow and wind without a hat or hood thinking my ears surely were going to fall off from frostbite and wondering if I'd make it if I walked home. Just when I had given up all hope of making it to class that day, a man pulled up and offered me a ride. Now I would NEVER advocate that women take rides from strange men, but something about him suggested that I could trust him (a lesson in trusting your gut!). While I have never taken a ride from a stranger either before or after that day, I gratefully hopped in the car and relished the warmth of the car's interior and his kind smile. He turned out to be a karate instructor at UWM on his way to class there. I have never forgotten his generous act of kindness and now that I have daughters of my own, I am quick to pay it forward and offer a ride to school girls who seem to be in the same predicament I was in on that snowy winter day.
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