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SALT LAKE CITY — In the midst of negativity and sorrow, there are always those people who go out of their way to show kindness and service to others.
Some find help from strangers while facing financial difficulties, while others are gifted with respite by a family member who looks beyond themselves to help in a time of need.
Here are four stories featuring examples of service that made an impression on those who sent them in.
When she was pregnant
Anglia C.
"To begin, at one point in my life, I went through a major trial in which the struggle was financial. During this time, my husband and I were expecting another baby. Buying clothes and taking care of other needs for the baby were a concern. I wasn't sure how this would happen.
"A few weeks prior to my delivering my baby, there was a sweet lady, who I will call Angel, who I would occasionally meet in passing when I would attend school functions as well as when I would make quick trips to the grocery store. One day when she and I saw each other in the grocery store, she noticed that I was pregnant. She asked me if I had everything that I needed. My simple reply was, 'No.' She said that she had some clothes from her granddaughter that she could give me. I was so happy.
"A few days later, she called and asked me whether or not anyone was going to throw me a baby shower. I again said, 'No.' She then offered to give me a baby shower and also said that she and her friends would come and shower me with love. I was in disbelief. I could not believe that someone who did not even know me very well would do such an act of love ... for me. She has no idea what a blessing that she and her friends were to me."
Share Your Story:
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 <a href="mailto:crosenlof@ksl.com">mchristensen@ksl.com</a>.
When they come home from Afghanistan
Patrice B.
"I was in the waiting area of the Atlanta, Georgia, airport. A family came and stood next to me, including an older couple and a mom with two beautiful little boys, ages about four and six. They were dressed in red, white and blue and carried a big, patriotic balloon bouquet. They unrolled a banner that said 'Welcome Home Major, Afghanistan 2013-2015.'
"As we were all watching the arrivals coming up the escalator, an older man in a suit walked behind me and approached the mom. He handed her three $100 bills and said, 'Please take the Major out to dinner tonight.' As she started to object with, 'We can't...' he turned and was gone. The tears from the eyes of the parents and the mom were enough to get me started too."
When her sister was in need
Colleen S.
"My sister was one of the nicest and most thoughtful people that I know. When I had one of my babies, she cleaned my whole entire house, which took hours."
When they wanted to pay it forward
Katherine M.
"As I was walking into the grocery store this morning with my baby, I walked by a mom and daughter that were out front. The daughter looked about five years old. I said 'Hi,' and so did they. They looked clean and simple, but looked as though they didn't have a lot.
"Then the mom said after I walked by, 'Actually, my daughter has something for you.' I turned around and she handed me this note and money, folded in half. I opened it up and read the note, then gave the little girl a big hug and thanked her for being so kind. She had the biggest smile on her face.
"Then the mom briefly explained that she was a single mom, and there were many times that strangers had reached out to her and given generously to her. She and her daughter wanted to pay it forward. The mother said, 'I don't know if the people that helped me were billionaires or maybe they were poor single moms like me, but I don't know or care, I just want to pay it forward.'
"It made me tear up. The few dollar bills they gave me feel sacred to me. They gave me so much more than money. They gave me the sweetness of knowing that people care about other people, even strangers."
