The Pledge of Kindness

As you know by now I try not to do a whole lot of planning when it comes to each days act of kindness, I like each day to bring me inspiration or an idea based on my experiences, mood and often I believe divine intervention. Don’t get me wrong with 365 days to fill I have indeed given some thought and have some ideas…but I prefer for my acts to be more naturally influenced. To me I think that’s how life is in general, you never know what life brings you and the reasons why certain events or experiences are presented to us. Today was just such a day where I woke up with no pre-thought out ideas. I have an open mind and an open heart and was just waiting for my inspiration to fall in my lap. It came in the form of a book sitting on the counter during my check-out at CVS around lunch time.

The book was called “Chicken Soup for the Grandmother’s Soul.” Naturally my thoughts turned to my own Grandmothers and how blessed I am to have both my maternal & paternal Grandmothers in my life. Each Grandmother special and unique in their ways. I love them both very much and at 34 years old I am grateful to have them both still healthy, active and a part of my children’s life as well. But on this day, and with this book staring at me I thought most about my Grandma Mim…because this was the sort of book I could picture sitting next to her big chair. My Grandmother is a very strong-willed Christian woman, who could best be described as fun, outspoken, a little cooky eccentric and very loving! I am very guilty (as I’ve discussed in previous days) of getting very caught up in my daily busy life that I don’t spend nearly enough time with her…both my Grandma’s actually. Often times we take for granted that a person we love will just always be there…but the reality of life is that my grandparents are getting older. One day they won’t be there anymore and I will regret not having spent enough time. My mother-in law passed away last year in the summer of her 80th year. She is the perfect reminder of how fragile time is and why we must make every moment count in our memory bank.

As you could most likely surmise, I purchased this book today. I inscribed a little message to Mim on the front cover (as she has done many times for me over the years) and I stopped by her house this afternoon to bring her this gift. She was very surprised to see me, happy and grateful I was there. I let her know I was just stopping in to bring her this gift and to let her know that I loved her and was thinking of her today. My timing was good too because on this day, my crazy old Grandma was under the weather…struck by the stomach flu that has been floating around since Christmas. As I am sure we can all relate when we’re not feeling well it is always nice to have a little cheering up! We sat and visited for a while and I shared with her my new journey for 2013. I let her know that she had been specially chosen for day #24. She has a special place in my heart as only a Grandmother could hold. I am glad to have spent some time visiting with her today, and I vow to try to be better about giving her more of my time….so that one day hopefully long, long, long from now, when she does pass, that my mind and heart are full of our memories together.

The Act of Kindness today is multi-part. It is a gift given, time spent, thoughts shared, a relationship nurtured and lesson shared, right here! If you take anything away from today it should be this; Life is short, time is precious and it is imperative that if you love someone….that they know exactly how you feel before it is too late for your words are spoken.