SALT LAKE CITY — Recently, I was the recipient of a thoughtful gift.

It wasn’t something I could hold or even look at. It didn’t smell sweet or warm. But it meant so much. The gift? Someone taking a genuine interest in my life and feelings. For the rest of the day, I carried myself a little more proudly and held my head a little higher. This person didn’t go to great lengths to serve me; he just thought outside of himself for a moment. And it meant so much.

Each Monday, people share their stories of moments in which someone made them feel special or a time when they reached out to another person. Some don’t experience the act themselves but watch from the sidelines, noticing the kind exchange between two people.

Carol M.

On going the extra mile:

"A couple of weekends ago I saw that the Macey's store in Clinton had barbecues on sale. When I told an employee, Dustin, I wanted to purchase one he asked if I wanted one assembled or in the box. I said I would love one assembled but I don't think it will fit in my car. He asked where I lived, which is nearby, then got the key to his boss' truck.

"Next thing I knew, I was following him out the front door with my brand new 'assembled' barbecue where his boss had his truck. They lifted it in and strapped it down, followed me to my house, took it off the truck and around to my backyard. They even hooked it up to my gas tank and started it up to make sure everything worked. Now that's the best customer service I have ever had! Thanks Macey's for having such an outstanding staff."

Page Two:

Uplifting

Read more stories that aim to uplift and highlight the good in the world in KSL.com's Uplifting section.

Sylvia W.

On leading by example:

"After exhausting visits at the hospital I would take my son to eat at Village Inn. While discussing the events at the doctor's, we noticed an older couple visiting and enjoying their meal.

"When it came time for them to pay, the lady asked the man about getting some pie; they started counting their change to pay for their bill and he nodded no. I went to the hostess and asked to pay their bill and paid for two slices of pie — I wanted this to be a pleasant surprise.

"The man went to pay as the lady sat waiting. It was so cute to see him come back and let her know their meal was paid for and they were able to enjoy a slice of pie.

"Years later, we continue the visits to the hospital and recently stopped in at Village Inn. After enjoying a nice meal and conversation, we noticed an older gentleman eating by himself. As he started counting his money for his bill, my son stood up and walked to the hostess.

"When my son returned to the table, he told me it was his turn to lighten someone’s load and thanked me for my example. This warmed my heart beyond words.

"I have learned that when you help others, whether in service or to enjoy a nice meal, this seems to lighten the burdens you have. This day I learned a valuable lesson: no matter what we do in life, others are watching and learning from our examples."

Michelle B.

On giving someone a day off:

"I don’t drive and my daughter has three small children, so we help each other out by shopping together on Fridays.

"One Friday, my son-in-law told his wife he had no work for the day and was staying home. Once she was ready to leave for my house, he handed her some money and said she should take me to lunch and get a manicure and pedicure while he watched the kids. He had taken the day off just for this wonderful surprise."

Korilee G.

On a child giving fun:

"It’s nothing big, but we were at Chuck E. Cheese's over the weekend and a little girl wanted to ride on the carousel but did not have any tokens. My 4-year-old daughter made sure she put one in so she could have a ride and also put a token in another game for a little boy so he could have some fun.

"It made her so happy to be able to help give those kids some fun! And it made me happy to watch her kindness to two complete strangers."

Stephanie L.

On compassion:

"While waiting in a hospital for some additional tests for a medical issue I was having, another woman and I began talking. We were both in the same situation and both terrified. She went first and had her tests and came out clearly thrilled with the outcome. Before I went in, she gave me a thumbs- up and wished me good luck as she left.

"After my tests, I came out of the hospital and there was this sweet, beautiful woman waiting to make sure I was OK and to give me a hug. I was a total stranger to this woman, yet she took the time to make me feel better. I was truly touched by this act of kindness."

Dustin M.

On being concerned for others:

"A couple of months ago, my son’s first-grade teacher lost her husband at age 45, leaving her with four young children. Amid her own overwhelming grief, this sweet teacher was highly concerned about her little first-graders being without her for a few days. When she returned, she showed an immense amount of gratitude and love to her schoolchildren. What a strong, amazing woman to think of others in her own traumatic ordeal."

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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