My view of life has been shaped by so many good people. I know I am very blessed.
And yes, there are some very nasty people out there. We hear about them on the news every night. I think Bregman would call them outliers, the terrible exceptions to the rules of decency and fair play. But what we don't often hear on the news is the good stuff; the teen who helps a senior with some yard work, the man who volunteers at the vaccine clinic, the grandmother who makes masks for complete strangers.
Here are two more heartwarming personal stories about people I've never met in person. A few days before last Christmas, a $50 Amazon gift certificate appeared in my inbox from an American I'd recently met playing on-line bridge on a site called BBO. Rigby said it was a thank you for some bridge help I'd sent him from time to time. I was totally blown away by this gentleman's thoughtfulness which has subsequently led to an emergent friendship.
A few weeks later, I was further heartened by another random act of kindness when a book appeared on my daughter Carolyn's doorstep in appreciation of her posts on Instagram. It was from another friend I've made from afar on BBO. Kate lives in Australia and, over the past year, she's been a constant reminder to me of what it means to be a compassionate and caring person.
There are many Rigbys and Kates in our midst, especially during these Covid times. In fact, I believe we're surrounded by countless heroes whose kindness and sacrifices make this world a better place for everyone.
At least for today, seek them out and celebrate them. Better yet, become that ray of hope for someone else.
We all have it in us to aim a bit higher.
No comments:
Post a Comment