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SALT LAKE CITY — Have you had someone extend kindness toward you? Are you trying to make the world a better place?
Each week we share stories from our readers about times that have touched their hearts and inspired them to be more mindful of those who exist around us.
On teaching kids honesty:
Roxane S.
“After a fun evening with our grandson at a local fast-food restaurant, my phone rang. It was a young woman who said she had found my purse in the parking lot of the restaurant we had just left, and she wanted to return it to me with an apology for having to go through my purse to find identification.
“When I met her to get back my purse, her little girl wanted to be the one to give it back to me. Her mother said they were teaching her to always return things you find when they don’t belong to you.
“What an amazing role model for their daughter, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for calling me! It is so wonderful to know that there are honest caring people who will go out of their way to help another.”
On reaching out when others pass by:
Monica B.
“I was leaving the Provo Recreation Center with my 2-month-old, my 4-year-old, and of course, a million things in tow. While walking towards the parking lot, my 4-year-old stepped off the curb and while trying to get back on, she fell face first on the sidewalk. I put the car seat and all our belongings down as quickly as possible and ran to her aid. Of course, there was blood all over and she was screaming.
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.
“We had people walk and drive past us and there was even a man parked in front of us watching everything. No one helped. How was I going to carry her, the baby, and all our stuff to the car?
“Finally a woman and her kids asked if we needed help. I burst into tears. Finally, someone to help me. They watched my kids while I ran to the car and brought it to the curb. I know I told her thank you, but I still think of her and how much I needed her.”
On acting on a feeling:
Karla H.
“The total hip replacement I had this summer left me with my legs uneven in length. Having already had two back fusions, this unevenness has made my back very painful. But life has to go on.
“One day, as I was getting out of the car, a young man was walking by on the sidewalk. Suddenly he stopped, took a couple of steps back, and asked me if I needed help. Startled by his kindness, I at first said no, that I would be fine walking to the entrance to the store. But as if he knew, this young man stepped down off the sidewalk and came right over to my car and as I stood up, gently (and with the kindest smile) extended his arm toward me.
“On the walk to the store, it suddenly hit me. ‘What made you know I needed help?’ I asked.
" ’Oh, I just knew,’ he quietly said. Then he smiled again as if he knew something I didn't.
“I really was grateful for his help, as each step was very painful. This pleasant young man not only walked me to the door of the store but opened both of the double doors to make my entrance easier. Then he went on his way just as quickly as he had appeared.”
On holding back judgement:
Joan L.
“I was driving an old ‘65 Pontiac my husband was restoring when I came to a stop light and it quit. I had my two little boys with me. I tried to move the car myself but couldn't. No one stopped to help. I was near tears when two long-haired, rough-looking men stopped and helped me. They pushed my car off the road into a parking lot, then bought my little boys a drink. I will never judge people on how they look again.”
On helping someone up:
Wes C.
“Recently, in St. George, my 88-year-old mother fell while taking the garbage can in from the street. The garbage truck driver saw her fall and immediately went to her aid. He helped her up, got her inside and made sure she was OK. He then saw a group of women walking in the neighborhood and asked them to check on her. I don't know who the good Samaritan was, but I would like to publicly thank him.”
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.
