Acts of Kindness

I had a great thing happen to me, which is great for this blog too. I was going to write about not feeling very good, and my parents going away for a night (they had a good time!) and how much homework I had. But I knew that probably wouldn't help my mood or the fact that I am feeling pretty overwhelmed with schoolwork.

But then, my dad came in from outside, holding a painting. He said our neighbor had just given me a painting and that I should come outside to say thank you.

I should say here that she moved in a few months ago (rental), and that she is very private. I see her almost every day sitting on the porch, or outside walking, but I haven't really talked to her. She has fibromyalgia as well, and my mom told her at one point that I have fibromyalgia as well. She told us one evening that she is a painter, but she is just getting back into it after a while off because of the fibromyalgia.

My dad was holding the painting, which, I should say, is amazing! I showered her with thanks; she seemed pretty embarrassed. She just said she thinks about me a lot, and wanted to give me hope. I am so touched, and I smile every time I look at it.(That's me on the left, Eileen, the painter, on the right. I just realized this is the first picture you've seen of me...)

Whenever I see someone do something for someone else so selflessly, I am just floored. The ability to touch people so deeply can be very easy, sometimes all it takes is a kind word or a hug. Granted, this probably took a few more hours, but I am very grateful. And it reminds me to look for opportunities in my life when I can help someone.

Have you reached out to anyone recently?