Sometimes We May Underestimate How Much Kindness Means

As Published at: Ashland Daily Tidings

“Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two days I do not work every year.” That was the response two weeks ago that I received when I asked her how much time she gets off from work. My heart sank.

She is so very nice. And her cooking is amazing. She and her husband run a restaurant and they have several children. I take them baked goods every so often since I enjoy their food on occasion and figure they may not get to taste other flavors besides what they cook.

I asked her, “When it is warmer weather, would it be possible for you to take one afternoon off so I could take you to some waterfalls?” You should have seen her eyes grow as big as quarters. I could see a little girl in there that was starved for a fun adventure. She lives in Medford, is from another country, and has never even gone down the interstate to visit Ashland, 25 minutes away.

Today I had lunch in their establishment. She came to my table to talk as she always does. She asked me when I was leaving if she could have a picture with me because, she said, “You are my best friend.”

Ohhhh, my heart. We never know what simple acts of kindness mean to others. I was so glad I took her family some homemade cupcakes. It’s a long time til Thanksgiving.