SALT LAKE CITY — How has someone impacted your life?

Trying to recognize the kind acts of others, each week, KSL.com asks readers to share a moment that inspired them to be kinder.

Thelissa M.

On giving back to military members:

"My brother is a nurse practitioner and a commissioned naval officer for the department of public health bureau of prisons in Memphis, Tennessee. On two occasions — one while he was waiting in line at Chick-Fil-A and the second while enjoying his coffee at Starbucks — people either paid for his meal or gave him a gift card. He doesn’t expect it but says it makes him feel good that people out there appreciate his service for the country they live in. It makes me so proud that I have a brother that takes pride in what he does and that people take time out of their day to express their gratitude for his service. I'll admit he does look sharp in his dressed blues.”

Christy W.

On rewarding kids:

“One day after school, my 7-year-old son and I went to the gas station to get a treat. As I filled my drink he was looking at the candy aisle, picked his treat and met me at the cash register. The cashier told me he was paying for my son's treat because my son picked up some candy off the floor and put it back where it belonged without hesitation. A great act of kindness for some sweets.”

Megan S.

On helping without being asked:

“My own mother makes a restaurant’s day. Whenever we go to our favorite Thai place they always seem to be overwhelmed. My mother will pick up our plates, clean them off in the trash can and place them on the rolling tray they have for dirty plates. She then will proceed to help the other tables by filling water from a pitcher and clean off the tables after someone has left.

“My mother does not really know the owners she just has somewhat become a frequent diner. She sees a need and helps out. She is simply amazing!”

Kristen R.

On showing you care:

“These stories have inspired all of us to do better for others, including our own customers here at work. One girl learned how to say ‘have a great day’ in Portuguese, to tell a customer that confided to her that he felt like people only remembered him because he is black, but he is Brazilian. She used this knowledge to just make a quick, simple statement that showed him that she does care enough to even remember that he is Brazilian and say a nice comment in his native language.”

Tamra B.

On going the extra 25 miles:

“My husband and I were out rock hunting and exploring on Memorial Day weekend. Taking a lot of back roads, we ended up on the Brush Highway, west of Delta, Utah, out in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly the front tire on our truck blew and, unfortunately, we had no spare. We were stranded with very spotty cell service on a Saturday night on a holiday weekend. Then Robert and Sharon appeared.

Related:

7 kind gestures that made someone's day

There are infinite ways to give service each day. Each week, we run an article highlighting the kindness of people in the community. Every week we learn about new ways to serve, and are reminded of the familiar methods, too.

“Through texting, they tried to find someone to assist us or a tow service. When they struck out, Robert pulled out his tools, removed the shredded tire, took our rim and drove 25 miles to the nearest town. He somehow found a used tire late at night in a small town and had it mounted, brought it all the way back to us and proceeded to put it on.

“They spent four hours helping us and adamantly refused any money beyond the cost of the tire, but we insisted they take at least some to enjoy a night out. They were truly angels and I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

Jessika

On the impact of small sacrifices:

“I was having a terrible day at work a bit ago when one of my co- workers stopped by to see how I had been doing lately. I'm sure he was surprised when I told him things had been horrible. I was under a lot of stress and just struggling with some personal things.

“He listened kindly but didn't really know what to say. He left my desk only to come back moments later with three homemade cookies in a sandwich bag. He obviously had taken them from the lunch he brought for himself from home and gave them to me.

“Though it seems small, those cookies were the most thoughtful gift I could've received at that moment — better than any words. I don't think he will ever know what a difference they made to my day. It was such a kind gesture that spoke from his heart.”

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

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