The Kindest Thing Anyone’s Ever Done for Me
First off, let me start by saying that so very many kind things have happened to me over the years that it makes it really hard to narrow it down to one. Honestly, there are two huge instances that will forever stick out in my mind, one was geared directly towards me, the other to my immediate family. I’d like to share both if that’s good with ya’ll!
Also - both of these instances happened within the same year, probably no more than a month or two difference if I am recalling correctly. My family was going through a difficult time; my parents had separated, my dad moved out, my sisters and I lived with my mom in the house we grew up in, but eventually had to move due to money issues. So, we packed up and moved into the Cloisters Apartments in Mount Holly. My sisters and I all shared a room. My mom had her own room. It still baffles me that we fit two beds and a dresser in our room, but we did it. Miranda and I shared a bed and Caitlyn had her own twin bed.
Before I continue - I want to say, this story makes me SO HAPPY. Looking back, it has completely helped shape me into the person I am. It’s a little touchy/feely, but it all works out. Please don’t think for a second that we went without, we never did. My parents worked their tails off to make sure we had what we needed.
Moving on - so my dad lived in Lincolnton and we saw him every other weekend. He worked A LOT. Prior to my parents separation, my mom had been a stay at home mom since Miranda was born, but after the separation, she started working at Bank of America in Belmont part time, and cleaned a couple houses two days a week. We weren’t poor, but money was definitely tight at times. Driving through the line at McDonalds was much more a luxury than I realized. It was the fall/winter of my 5th grade year, so I guess I was about 10 at the time… I had a bit of a growth spurt. (Don’t think I’ve grown anything but round since) I remember one of the ladies at our church took me out to dinner of my choice and then shopping. Her name was Mrs. Mary Whitaker. I’m pretty sure I chose Taco Bell because my love for tacos has always been a thing. After supper, we went to Kohl’s in Gastonia and she let me pick out some new clothes. It wasn’t just a tee shirt or two. She bought me several long sleeve tops and a sweater, also some new jeans, socks and underwear. Looking back it absolutely warms my heart at the kindness and generosity I was shown that day. I didn’t realize that I even really had a need for it, but she somehow knew.
My second story is similar. It was the same time frame, I know for certain we still lived in the Cloisters Apartments and my dad and mom were still split. I’m not sure where we had gone that day, but I’m assuming it was probably Wednesday or Sunday night church service. When we got back to our apartment and my mom unlocked the door, we walked inside to a kitchen and living room full of groceries. I remember being a little perplexed, like how did they get in here with no key?? My mom was emotional. Us girls were giddy trying to find all the goodies and snacks we liked. Turns out a couple from our church Mr. and Mrs. Shuford stocked up items for families and people in need. They go to the grocery store every once in a while, after hours, and do huge hauls with their coupons. Then they donate the goods. Everything you could imagine was right there in front of us. Again, at the time I was like “wow, that’s cool”, but I didn’t realize the bigger picture until much later in my life.
As you can see, this isn’t a “poor us” story. This is a story of how someone else’s kindness and generosity can mold and shape your life. This is a story to help remind ME of the power of a simple act. These are two moments I’ll never forget as long as I live. It’s odd - I don’t have many memories of living in the apartment. I remember a few random things that don’t really matter. I think it all boils down to seeing the good that came from that situation.
“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”
With a pandemic, an election, and many other headlining topics surfacing daily - we need kindness now more than ever. We need to be selfless. We need to show love and generosity. If you have a story of the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for you - I would love to hear it. Even if you don’t share it with me, maybe just sit and reflect on the kindness that’s been shown to you and how you can be kind to someone else.
Warm Hugs & Much Love - Alexis