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SALT LAKE CITY — Mahatma Gandhi said one can find himself by serving others.
Since March, KSL.com has asked readers to share times they found themselves in service, or times they were given the little help they needed. Each week, we publish these stories in our Make Your Week column, hoping it will inspire others to lose themselves in service.
On shaping your life by service:
Cade A.
"All my life my mom has been a talker. I used to think it was annoying because she would stop and talk for 15 minutes to an hour, but when I turned a little older I started seeing what was actually happening. When she is talking she looks for things to help them. She is the loving mother of 13 children and an RN who works at homes for disabled children on ventilators. She will slave over homemade blankets for hours, getting frustrated and tired until she is finished but then give the blanket to one of the kids she works with or a stranger without a second thought."
On stepping in to help:
Melanie F.
"Due to the shutdown of a government facility, we lost a very good job. This job was replaced by a job that paid half the salary we were making. Trying to make ends meet has been extremely difficult and many times we have very limited sources to buy food and supplies at the local grocery store. I always check the bank to see how much I can spend and did so before going to the store. I bought the necessities and got to the checkout only to find out that I didn't have the funds to buy my groceries. The gentleman behind me offered to pay for my groceries as I struggled trying to figure out where my money had gone. I pulled out of the line to call the bank and during my phone call the gentleman paid for my groceries. I am forever grateful to him! I don't know who he is and wasn't able to thank him for his kindness. This act of kindness truly was done by an angel in disguise."
On helping a neighbor:
Chris R.
"My wife, Britnee, saw that a neighbor of ours in Layton desperately needed a new roof. The family has struggled to raise four children, the youngest severely autistic. Their roof had been damaged by a leaking evaporative cooler over many years. The cooler had been replaced recently, but the roof continued to rot.
"Britnee organized a yard sale over the course of three months. Donations poured in from neighbors and friends as far away as Brigham City for the sale. By the first day of the sale, Britnee had already sold over $1,200 worth of donated items on KSL Classifieds.
Related:
Accepting help and 4 other moments that made someone's day
Accepting help can feel undermining to your independence. Or maybe you feel someone else needs charity more. But sometimes, being on the receiving end can teach us a few things. Each Monday, we share moments in which someone received or gave help."After all the preparation and two days of yard sale, she raised over $4,500. She got bids and selected Intermountain West Contractors, who made a special effort to complete the work in one week. The contractor contacted their subs and the shingle manufacturer and dropped their original estimate to $2,500, because they wanted to be able to donate as well.
"Thanks to Britnee and Intermountain West and all the good people involved, the family has a new roof and $2,000 extra in the bank."
On helping the sick:
Colleen G.
"My mom has been ill for the past two months. There is a little boy in her ward that always drew her pictures and would love to sit by her in church. His mom has brought my mom dinner and pictures that he has drawn her to help her get better.
"One Sunday afternoon they came by with some food and some more pictures. My mom was really sick that particular day and had been throwing up all day. This sweet lady and her son stayed with my mom until my sister could get there. She even gave her a little massage and laid on the bed by her side. It's great to have people around who love and help us care for our loved ones!"
On easing some anxiety:
Katie L.
"I am a relatively new driver and my mom and I were coming home from the grocery store. We drive a large vehicle and I was struggling to get out of the parking spot. Cars were starting to pile up behind me and then some nice gentleman walked up and started directing me to help me get out. That meant the world to me."
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.
