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SALT LAKE CITY — How often do you reach out to other people?
Whether you're reaching out physically, financially or emotionally, you can make a difference. This week, several readers — including a mother who had a touching experience while trying to send a package to her deployed son — share stories of times people reached out and made a difference.
On supporting a military mother:
Arlene T.
"Four years ago, my son was deployed to Iraq. I attempted to send him a Christmas package, but it was heavier than I thought and cost about $20 more than I thought it would.
"This was the last day to ship the box and the post office was going to close soon. I was getting ready to write a check when the clerk placed all the stamps and postage needed on the box and said, 'Merry Christmas to your son.'
Related:
3 stories to make your week
Sometimes the smallest acts can give you a different perspective on the world. Maybe your boss set a good example or maybe, like in the story featured here, people come together to help a local business."I was in tears. That is the sweetest act of kindness I ever experienced."
On helping someone up:
Janell S.
"I was shopping with my daughter at University Mall, when as I was walking across the crosswalk I fell. People from out of no where came and picked me up and cars stopped for me."
On stepping in to pay:
Linda B.
"My elderly father was checking out of a grocery store and forgot his checkbook. A young gentleman in line behind him gave him $20 to pay for his groceries.
"My father asked for his name and address so he could send him a check. My father sent the check, but he didn't cash it. There are still some kind and caring people in our world today!"
On giving back:
Mary W."Recently, my family was taken care of in a time of need after my husband had a very major back surgery. "Then, earlier this month, at WalMart, the guy in front of us was $1 short for his purchase. I gave the cashier the money for him and told him not to worry about it. It was only $1, but I wanted to pay forward the kindness we were shown. Then, unexpectedly, the lady in line behind us handed me a $5 bill to pay for the milk I was buying. A chain reaction of love and kindness." On being brave and helping:
McKel J.
"Last week, my husband and I witnessed a domestic dispute at a home next to the park we took our son. We couldn’t see what was going on, but we heard a lot of yelling and a young child crying. As the mood intensified, we decided it was best to call the police.
"Before the police arrived, we watched a neighbor go over to the house, tell the disputing couple that he was taking the child and then carried her out of there. I was humbled to see someone enter an unstable scene to protect an innocent child."
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.
