Acts of Kindness #718

Name: Cousin Carol Depaul
Location: Indiana

I took someone in pain in for a surprise reflexology massage tonight & explained it was from Rosie! Her love will live on through each one of us that she touched! Thank you for sharing & please know she is a life changer! God bless you all!

Thank you for sharing, Carol!

Acts of Kindness #79 - #717

Name: Paying It Forward For Rosie by her friends
Location: From the heart

Led and organized by Jaylee Bennett an online event was held in Rosie's honor on June 25, 2013 for her 26th birthday. The event was called "Paying It Forward for Rosie" to make Rosie's birthday wish of 26 or Limitless Acts of Kindness as the only gifts she wanted for her birthday. An amazing 213 friends responded committing to attend with each performing 3 acts of kindness in her memory.

Rosie would be overwhelmed by everyone's spirit of generosity. She would be so grateful to each and every person who spread love and light in her name. Thank you to all of you amazing friends for caring so deeply and making it happen. It warms our breaking hearts.

Thank you all of you amazing human beings!  We are  one........We are love!

Acts of Kindness #78

Name: Mom & Dad
Location: Tennessee

Today is Rosie's brother Dusty's 24th birthday. It's been difficult for him because Rosie's 26th birthday was just last week and they have always been birthday buddies. He's struggled to enjoy his day missing his sister so. He wanted to do something she would like to celebrate so we spent part of the day at a favorite spot in the mountains but the rain did not cooperate. Then we went to Rosie's favorite sushi restaurant for dinner where we/they would often go. But most importantly, his wish was to carry on Rosie's birthday effort to pay it forward and spread the love. So Happy Birthday Dusty!  This one is for you and Rosie.

Donated to the effort to get a service dog for a wonderful little boy, Blaise, who has Prader-Willi. Rosie and he were buddies and he visited Rosie twice while she was in the hospital. He is an amazing little guy and we were happy to help for Rosie and Dusty.

Thanks for sharing, Mom, Dad & Dusty!

Acts of Kindness #77

Name: Bridget & Jim
Location: the worldwide web

We donated to help sweet Blaise get his service dog.

http://www.gofundme.com/gyjyw

Thank you for sharing, Bridget & Jim!

Acts of Kindness #75 and #76

Name: Bridget

Location: Tennessee

In honor of Dusty's 24th birthday!

The kids and I were out at Kroger on Monday, getting some much needed groceries.

1) When we were parking, I saw this really primo, upfront spot. There was an older woman also eying the spot, so I decided to let her have it.

2) We were ready to check-out, and there were only two lanes open. Despite really wanting to just get out of there, I let a man with less groceries go ahead of us in line.

♥ ♥


Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

Acts of Kindness #73 and #74

Name: Tanya Ewig

Location: Unknown

 

I  gave a ride to a women I knew who was walking to a doctor appointment, she lives 5 miles from the clinic. Saw her walking and pulled over. 

Made a cake for a friend who is sick, did not stay long as I am on oxygen 24/7 and my immune system is not as good as others.

Thank you for sharing, Tanya!

Acts of Kindness #72

Name: Bridget

Location: Georgia

We were driving down to Florida and had stopped at a rest stop in Georgia. I was taking over driving and needed bit of a "wake-up" snack (as Dad dubs it) and a soda, so I hit the vending machines. I successfully acquired my small bag of cheesy snack chip concoction, but--after loading in all my remaining change--I was a quarter short for the money needed for a soda. I decided to just leave the $1.25 in the machine for the next person to use for their soda.

Thanks for sharing, Bridget!

Acts of Kindness #71

Name: Lindsay
Location: Tennessee

 The other day, I was at a gas station buying a quick soda. There was an elderly woman in front of me, paying for her pack of crackers with change. She ended up dropping the coins all over the floor. I felt so badly for her. So, I helped her pick all every last coin. She thanked me over and over again, and so did the cashier :)

Thank you for sharing, Lindsay!

Acts of Kindness #70

Name: Lindsay
Location: Tennessee

While a friend was recently out of town, I volunteered to take care of her dog.

Thank you for sharing, Lindsay!

Acts of Kindness #69

Name: Ellie
Location:  Florida

I was in line for coffee the other day. There was an elderly gentleman in front of me and I decided to pay for his coffee.

Thank you for sharing, Ellie!

Acts of Kindness #68

Name: Alex
Location: Tennessee

A friend of ours was recently making several trips to and from Georgia. She desperately needed her tires rotated and balanced for safe travel. I decided to take her car and take care of it all for free, after work. It made me feel better that I knew her car was ready for the road :)


Thank you for sharing, Alex!

Acts of Kindness #67

Name: Mallorie
Location: Tennessee

Today I was able to donate money for first responders while I was at firehouse subs. Today i'm looking for an opportunity to befriend someone like Rosie did for me. If i can use friendship as kindness like she did I feel like I will be making a difference. 

Happy birthday to my wonderful friend!!

Thank you for sharing, Mallorie!

Acts of Kindness #66

Name: Erin
Location: Tennessee

While my close friends had to go out of town to attend a very important celebration, they desperately needed a pet-sitter. I volunteered to walk and feed their dog, feed and play with their cat, and feed their fish every day that they're gone. I also watered and looked after her tomato plant, which means a lot to her. I was more than happy to help out!!


Thank you for sharing, Erin!

Acts of Kindness #65

Name: Gale
Location: Tennessee

Happy Birthday to Rosie.

 

Yesterday, I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of canned and non-perishable foods, toothbrushes and toothpaste and took them to our local food bank here in Maryville, The Food Connection.

Thank you for sharing, Gale!

 

Acts of Kindness #64

Name: Erin
Location: Tennessee

My act of kindness is a bit more planned. A couple of weeks ago, I had finished hand making a colorful, lively, cozy and flattering little wrap dress for Rosie. I packaged the dress up amongst some beads, a vegan cooking book, and a few things that my mother sent up for her as well. Unfortunately, before the package made it's way out, I heard the news. I decided a few days later that I would try and find a CF patient via searching blogs and did find a man who was blogging about his wife's experience with CF and current transplant. I messaged him but have yet to hear back from him. Essentially, this will be my gift, whether it be to this woman or another, someone will enjoy the dress that I made for sweet Rosie. :) I know she would have loved it.

That being said, since the gift has not been given just yet, I will spend part of my day making cookies for our sweet neighbors and all of my day thinking of Rosie. I miss her very much, but I am so happy to celebrate her life and carry all the love she just poured every day. I am so thankful for her.

Thank you for sharing, Erin!

Acts of Kindness #63

Name: David
Location:  Tennessee

While reading on the front porch this very morning (and last night we were talking about our gifts for
 Rosie that we hadn't quite fulfilled yet), he noticed a man attempting to push his car up the street right in front of our house. David quickly asked the man if he needed anything in which he responded that a jump would be wonderful. David quickly jumped the car and the man asked what he owed him. David replied with "nothing at all, of course!" The man was so pleased and so was David :)

Thank you for sharing, David!

Acts of Kindness #60, #61, and #62

Name: Cousin Sandy
Location: Georgia

A gift to a missionary

A package of family photos and a memento of her grandmother to a Bumpus cousin (Trudi's grand daughter)

We took our 2 and 4 year old great grand daughters to church yesterday and watched them the rest of the day. 

Thank you for sharing, Cousin Sandy!

Act of Kindness #59

Name: Beth
Location: Florida

I take a meal to the widow across the street to her on Monday.  My church, Deltona Alliance, has a Community Dinner on Monday, so I pick her up a meal and deliver.  

Thank you for sharing, Beth!

Act of Kindness #58

Name: Rhonda
Location: Tennessee

When I got the news about Rosie last week my husband and I were camping in Cades Cove.  I came back to town on Tuesday to go to class and checked my email per my IPhone.  After I got back to the campsite I told Randy about Rosie and we had a special prayer thanking God for the blessing of Rosie and asking for peace for the whole family.  On Wednesday we hiked to Abrams Falls and I told my husband about how much Rosie loved other people.  The next morning we set out at 7am to ride the loop and look for animals.  One of the first things we came across was a young couple from Indiana on their honeymoon who had a flat tire and didn’t know who to call or where to go.  We took them back to our campsite for breakfast then drove them down to Townsend to a gas station.

The owner of the station came back up with us, aired up the tire with a compressor type machine and some Fix a Flat.  He then followed them out to the highway so that they could get a proper check of their tire.  This kind man refused any payment just said he was happy to help.

Thank you for sharing, Rhonda!

Act of Kindness #57

Name: Carolyn
Location: Florida

I will propose a special food drive for Students Reach-Out with the Kiwanis in Rosie's name explaining your family's connection to Tom Hoffman and SRO.  In celebration of Rosie.  

Thank you for sharing, Carolyn

Acts of Kindness #56

Name: Aunt Robin
Location: Florida

My act of kindness is making dinner for an elderly couple who are having health problems.

Thank you for sharing, Aunt Robin!

Act of Kindness #54 and #55

Name: Aunt Diane
Location: Wyoming

Two acts of kindness lovingly and anonymously performed in honor of Rosie.

Thank you for sharing, Aunt Diane!

Acts of Kindness #53

Name: Uncle Corky
Location: Florida


Corky just last week spoke with our neighbor George, who is a truck driver and has 3 sons.  Since he only gets home about every 6 weeks, George was concerned for his teenage son and his need for an adult male in his life.  So on Fridays, his son Wyatt comes to work at the shop to sweep, clean up and learn about cars, trucks, boats, etc. Last Friday, he was helping Tim work on a customer's boat, handing Tim tools and whatever Tim needed. 

Thank you for sharing, Uncle Corky!

Acts of Kindness #52

Name: Cousin Rachel
Location: Florida

  I hope that this little act of Rachel's , which was so kind and unexpected counts also.  The week before last, I was feeling quite down and depressed.  She drove down from Gainesville to take me to lunch at Panera Bread and bought me several scones, just to brighten my day.  We also  went shopping at several stores just for fun.  She also puts food and water out for stray cats in her apartment complex.

Thank you for sharing, Rachel!

Acts of Kindness #51

Name: Aunt Judy
Location: Florida

I let people ahead of me in the grocery store, book store, pet store or just in traffic.  If someone does not have a pet perks card in Pet Smart, I hold out mine, for example.  If a stray cat or dog shows up at our place, I feed them once a day, just to help them out.  If my neighbors go away for the day, I look after their dog, Stella.  If they are away for vacation, I make sure their garbage cans get to the curb and I pick up their mail.  I hope these little things that I do everyday and do not even really think about as being kind gestures helps with reaching Rosie's 26 love and kindness acts for her birthday.

Thank you for sharing, Aunt Judy!

Acts of Kindness #50

Name:Cousin Tim
Location: Florida

A while back I had a friend who was involved in an accident that totaled her car and neither insurance company would pay because no ticket was issued. I found her a car that was just like hers and took parts from the two so she had one that worked. All I asked for was for her to pay for any parts needed, I took nothing but a good feeling for helping someone in need. I continue this practice (in moderation of course, I have bills too) as often as I can. To be helped when you really need it is an awesome feeling, To be able to help is something completely better.

Thank you for sharing, Tim!

Acts of Kindness #49

Name: Lauren
Location: Florida

Today was the first day with campers.  My mind kept going to Rosie.  The day was overwhelming and I tried to remain kind, positive, and loving...just like Rosie.  Today offered me the opportunity  to provide some comfort and resources to a family in transition.  It also allowed me to facilitate campers saving the life of a little lizard.  (That probably seems silly, but he was so cute.) :) I don't think a day will pass where I'm not motivated by Rosie and how she lived. I'll always carry that with me.


Thank you for sharing, Lauren!

Acts of Kindness #48

Name: Errin
Location: Georgia

An anonymous Act of Kindness lovingly performed in Rosie's honor.

Thank you for sharing, Errin!

Acts of Kindness #47

Name: Bridget

Location: Georgia

We were driving down to Florida and had stopped at a rest stop in Georgia. I was taking over driving and needed bit of a "wake-up" snack (as Dad dubs it) and a soda, so I hit the vending machines. I successfully acquired my small bag of cheesy snack chip concoction, but--after loading in all my remaining change--I was a quarter short for the money needed for a soda. I decided to just leave the $1.25 in the machine for the next person to use for their soda.

Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

Acts of Kindness #46

Name: Toni
Locations: Florida

An anonymous Act of Kindness performed with love in Rosie's honor.

Thank you for sharing, Toni!

Acts of Kindness #45

Name: Granny & Aunt Nancy
Location: Florida

Our friend Debbie, who lives behind us, takes care of the dogs for us when we are away.  She is working hard trying to finish her collage education and also find work to support herself.  She is a life counselor, she helps people who are traveling down the wrong road find their way to the better life.  We try to support her in many ways and have supplied clothes for her and the ladies at the prison who need new clothes when they are released.

Thank you for sharing, Aunt Nancy & Granny

Acts of Kindness #44

Name: Granny
Location: Florida 

Mom made up some soup for a lady from her Sunday School class who was having trouble swallowing because of a medical condition.

Thank you for sharing, Granny!

Acts of Kindness #43

Name: Granny & Aunt Nancy
Location: Florida

 Mom and I had lunch Friday at Red Robin and again we had a wonderful waiter who is working 35 hours a week and also attending collage 20 hours a week.  He's also a Navy Veteran and using his school scholarship the Navy award the soldiers.  We think he will pay it forward and then some and gave him an extra $10 to give him an 'atta boy' for his great service.

Thank you for sharing, Granny & Aunt Nancy!

Acts of Kindness #42

Name: Dody
Location: Florida

The lady who is in charge of the food collection at

church has been very ill for over a week.  I told her

the Deacon and I would divide up the food for the

pantry at the church and our Mission church.  I wanted

her not to worry so she could regain her strength.

Thank you for sharing, Dody!

Acts of Kindness #41

Name: Dody
Location: Florida

I attended a Liturgy Conference and was able to talk

to one of the vendors and bring a sample back to

the daily communicants in our church.  They will

have prayers and liturgy for July.

Thank you for sharing, Dody!

Acts of Kindness #40

Name: Dody
Location: Florida

I am mentoring a young man who I had in first grade.

He is a Deacon and would like to become a Priest.

For some reason he did not think he could pursue

a college degree.  We worked on this together and

he has completed a year of college with As and Bs.

I look forward to his ordination.  I think maybe God

kept alive to help him with this.

Thank you for sharing, Dody!

Acts of Kindness #39

Name: Rachel
Location: Tennessee

My friend had to leave town at the last minute to visit her very sick grandfather in Nashville, and I offered to do anything I could to help. She asked me to stop by her house and check on her cats, which I did, more often than she asked. I also noticed she was running low on some groceries and things I knew she'd need when she got back late that Sunday, so I stopped by the store and stocked her up. She didn't expect it at all, and I thought of Rosie when I saw how surprised she was — and confused at why I would go so out of my way to help her like this. I was always inspired by Rosie's love and kindness, and I was happy to honor her request.


Thank you for sharing, Rachel!

Acts of Kindness #38

Name: Dody
Location: Florida

I buy the two for ones at the grocery for the food

drives at church.  Everyone laughs at my trunk when

they see the cereal, soup, peanut butter, etc.  I

bring it in once a month.  Jesus said to feed the

hungry.  

Thank you for sharing, Dody!

Acts of Kindness #37

Name: Dody
Location: Florida

We have an usher at church who made a decision

not to bring some of the Eucharist to a disabled lady.

I talked to him today, while not being confrontational,

but explaining how important it was for her to receive

the Precious Blood.  We worked it out and she was

able to receive what was so important to her.

Thank you for sharing, Dody!

Acts of KIndness #36

Name: Linda
Location: Florida



Tonight I joined the Daytona chapter of Team RWB (short for red, white, and blue) which helps returning combat veterans reenter the community through social and physical activities.

Thanks for sharing, Linda!

Acts of Kindness #35

Name: Aunt Sue
Location: Florida

I went to lunch the other day with Granny, Nancy, Jennifer and Hayley and we had decided to pay for someones lunch to honor Rosie's wishes for her birthday...we asked our young waiter if there was someone dining alone, and he didn't find anyone. We were talking with him, (he was a really nice guy with 5 sisters!) his name (Bryan Hitchcock) and general chitchat, turns out he was a second grade teacher that had lost his job due to job cuts in the school system. He hasn't finished college yet (he is a certified sub) and he was second guessing becoming a teacher and finishing college. We told him about Rosie, that she wanted to be a teacher too, but didn't get the chance. We had decided that HE was our act of kindness for the day, not someone random after all. He was really touched and said he would never forget her and that it gives him the incentive to continue school after all.

Thank you for sharing, Aunt Sue!

Acts of KIndness #34

Name: Sandi
Location:


This is something I have done for the past 4 years for a very good friend and mother.  Her son is 37 years young and has attended Camp Thunderbird in Apopka FL for the last 26 years.  This is a camp for people who have Down Syndrome.  This family moved away from Florida to Tennessee but this young man looks forward to attending camp every year.  I pick him up at the airport each year, 4-5 days before camp.  I take him to visit all of his local relatives and to his favorite restaurants.  Camp usually starts on Father’s Day (always a Sunday), so we take him to camp and make sure he is settled in.  Camp lasts for 10 days , so on Thursday, I go to camp to pick him up and attend the awards ceremony.  I take photos of him receiving all his awards and photos of him with his friends and counselors.  We then return to my house for 1-2 days, until I take him back to the airport to return home.

 Thank you for sharing, Sandi!

Acts of Kindness #33

Name: Allison & Harold
Location:  Florida


I had a dinner party @ Chilis on Thursday with friends for laughter and smiles in honor of Rosie for the person she was and the person we all hope to be one day. Everyone got a sunshine and daisy necklace with a smiley sticker to remind us that Rosie was our Sunshine.
Saturday night my brother and his wife had a Farewell dinner because they are moving to Chicago Monday. As a surprise my husband and I bought them a cake and wrote, "Best Wishes Andrew&Mel, We Love You"..
Happy 26th Birthday Rosie

Thank you for sharing, Allison!

Acts of Kindness #32

Name: Cousin Frannie
Location: Florida

I have a friend that had lost her job and fell behind in her car payment.  Two days after she started her new job her car got repossessed.  She was distraught because how could she keep her new job and pay back her car payments if she couldn't get to her new job.  My thoughts went back and forth about helping her because I have some money tucked away for when my nieces and brother come to visit - I can spoil them and we are going to Disney.  Then I saw Rosie's plea for her acts of kindness bday gift.... Two minutes later I told my friend that I could let her borrow the money and she could pay me back before my Disney trip. 


Thank you for sharing, Frannie!

Acts of Kindness #31

Name: Wendy & Chuck
Location: Florida


We had floors put down throughout our house. We had quite a bit of material left over.  The guy doing the work overheard me say to Chuck let's just take the leftover to Goodwill. He asked was it the write off we wanted? I said no I just want it out of our garage. He mentioned he had a buddy looking for some flooring for a room and he would take it for him if we just wanted to get rid of it.  It felt really good knowing we were helping someone get a new floor too :) Thank you dear Rosie for sharing this wonderful idea. Happy Birthday Rosie you continue to be an inspiration to us all. You will forever be in our hearts. Love, Wendy

Thank you for sharing, Wendy!

Acts of Kindness #30

Name: Margy & Gary
Location: Florida

Gary and I are making a donation in Rosie's memory to the Random Acts of Flowers.

Thank you for sharing, Margy & Gary! 

Acts of Kindness # 29

Name: Gail
Location: Massachusetts

In keeping with your beautiful tribute to Rosie, today I made a donation in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Thank you for sharing, Gail!

Acts of Kindness #28

Name: Carole
Location: Florida

I donated to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation in Rosie's memory on June 20th.

Thank you for sharing, Carole!

Acts of Kindness #27

Name: Cousin Jimmy
Location: Florida

Because of the work I do, pest control, I need to drive a lot everyday, and i'm stuck at a lot of red lights. There are homeless people at every light and because I often stop for soda, water, etc...I usually have some change or stray dollars laying around so I would give a dollar or two every now and then. The last few months though, things were real tight for me, so I stopped and started saving the money for myself. After about a month, I had accumulated about $40.00. Not much, but could a least get me a tank of gas. One day though, there was a particularly downtrodden guy at a light. Thinking of Rosie, I put all 40 bills in an envelope and handed it to him. He was thankful, but also curious, and he looked inside. I could tell from the look in his eyes, that I did the right thing. It looked like he wanted to cry and give me a big hug, but the light changed. I may never see him again, but I'll always remember how grateful he was. And now I'll always remember Rosie.

Thank you for sharing, Jimmy!

Acts of Kindness #26

Name: Uncle Gene
 Location: Ohio

My life long friend, Doris, fell last Friday sometime during the night.  I received a call early Friday morning from her son-in-law, Steve, informing me that she was in the emergency room of the Salem, Ohio hospital.  Tests were being done but no information was at hand.  Later in the day I called Steve to learn that Doris had a fractured vertebrae and was admitted to the hospital.  She was asking for me so I left early Saturday morning driving the 160 miles to Salem.  I arrived at about 11 AM.   Doris’ daughter, Linda, her son Bob and several other friends were visiting with her.  They all left for lunch while I remained to visit with her and to help her with lunch.  She has lost a lot of weight in the past months, weighing only 75 pounds at present.  I helped her eat lunch which required a lot of coaxing but she did better than usual.  After three hours she dismissed me so that she might take a nap.  So I made my departure.  As I was leaving I met Linda and we had some serious discussions about what next.  Unless she can feed herself independently she will not be able to return to her assisted living facility but she does not want to go to a skilled nursing facility.  Her four children and I agree that she needs a living environment where the residents are alert and friendly so that  there is social interaction and mental stimulation.  This is a tough situation but I shall be there for her to help resolve the problem.  I drove home Saturday.

It was a long day but worth the effort to reach out to a person I care about.  I’m sure Rosie agrees and understands.

Thank you for sharing, Uncle Gene!

Act of Kindness #25

Name: Bridget

Location: Tennessee

As I was backing out of my space at Walgreens today (knowing that I needed to get home to prepare for tomorrow's journey to Florida), I noticed an older woman holding the hand of a little girl, who couldn't have been more than three years old; they were exiting the store. The little girl--who had long, beautiful strawberry blond hair, with curls at the tips--was hopping and be-bopping along, much to the chagrin of the woman, who appeared a little unsteady and extremely nervous as she walked ever so gingerly, trying to guide the little girl to the edge of the store's sidewalk so they could make their way to their vehicle. In fact, when the woman saw me pull out of my space and to the end of my parking row, she seemed to become even more nervous, even though I would have had plenty of time to safely drive by. Seeing this, I decided to just wait at the end of my row; I smiled at her and waved them across the parking lot. After a few minutes, they were safely across and I headed home.

Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

Act of Kindness #24

Name: Jason
Location: Tennessee

On Wednesday, our 2nd traumatic day back from Atlanta, everyone was reeling and scurrying to make plans befitting a celebration of your life.  There was no time for eating just planning and doing. Your craft cart out, the phone burning hot, people running errands, everyone busily doing their part. I decided to make brunch for everyone to help sustain their bodies if not their hearts. After going to the store and buying everything, with Wyatt's able help I prepared a brunch that was ongoing throughout the day. Everyone enjoyed the pick me up and it allowed us all to do what we had to do for you. Happy Birthday, little sister!

Thanks for sharing, Jas!

Acts of Kindness #23

Name: Mom & Dad
Location: Tennessee

After running around this morning getting errands done, Dad and I stopped in Olive Garden for a little soup and salad. We sat in a booth in the bar area which was vacant except for us. The hostess had asked us if we preferred a window booth and with you in mind, we said sure. Our server, Lee, was quite pleasant and attentive.  Our bill came to a little over $20 and we had a $15 gift card that I had purchased weeks ago for one of the staff at Wesley Woods as a thank you, which you and I would often do. Sadly, when things fell apart I hadn't had the chance to gift the card. So we used it to pay our bill and had a balance due of just $5. We then proceeded to tip our server $50 with a note that read, "Pay it forward. Spread love and light. Thank you!"  We hurriedly left before he could see, but we would have given anything to see the expression on his face.  Happy Birthday, Rosie-Posie!

Thank you for sharing, Mom & Dad!

Act of Kindness #22

Name: Dad
Location: Tennessee

We were in Kroger doing some shopping for something to eat tonight(one of your favs..fruit, bread & cheese) when I walked down an aisle and came upon something I might just normally be oblivious to. An older woman was struggling to reach Gatorade which was of course on the high shelf and even on her tip toes she couldn't reach it.  We were kinda in a rush getting dinner and travel food and cleaning supplies for the condo. But I stopped to give her an assist and she happily continued on her way with a smile on her face and a thank you. The magic of your birthday gift as that really before I might have been too preoccupied to even notice. It was simple but meaningful to each of us.

Thanks for sharing, Dad!

Act of Kindness #21

Name: Mom

Location: Tennessee

After waking up this morning I checked my Facebook page as I usually do to see what's going on with everyone I care about. I've been on less lately for obvious reasons. Anyhow, the first thing that came up in the feed was a message from an old and dear high school friend, the person who introduced Dad and I to each other all those years ago. Patti's adult son was undertaking quite the challenge today of riding in a bike-athon event in support of MS in Chicago. His goal to raise $2000 and to ride 150 miles to support his wife and father who both suffer from the disease. Thinking of what you would do, I immediately made a donation to help him achieve his goal and support another very worthwhile cause. I did that for you my sweet girl!

Thank you for sharing, Mom!

Act of Kindness #20

Name: Dad
Location: Tennessee

Dad and I were shopping in Belk today looking for clothes for your celebration. An elderly lady was struggling with boxes of shoes and she needed the size in the bottom box which had many boxes piled on top of it. Dad  jumped in and asked her if she needed help. Before she could answer, he was picking up all of the boxes and handing her the box she was after. She happily went on her way with shoes in hand and a thank you to Dad for the assist.

Thank you for sharing, Dad!

26 Acts of Kindness: #19

Name: Dad
Location: Georgia

"I was coming back from the parking lot at Emory Hospital returning to the ICU where Rosie was. Getting on the elevator in the main lobby I met a woman who was obviously lost. As we were going up, I asked her if I could help. She told me she was trying to find the level where the parking lot was. First, I attempted to explain the way to the lot, but I soon realized she didn't understand. So, I sent the elevator back to the floor where we had started and guided her in person to the bridge that crossed over to the parking level."

Thank you for sharing, Dad!

26 Acts of Kindness: #18

Name: Bridget
Location: Tennessee

"I was at our local Gondolier getting take out last night and decided to pay for another customer's meal. When I approached the couple in line behind me about paying for their meal, the husband immediately responded 'Absolutely not!' He was clearly suspicious at first and was argumentative until I briefly told him your story and of your birthday wish for 26 Kindnesses. After that, he and his wife looked at each other and heartily agreed to accept my gesture. I asked them to please spread the love."

Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

26 Acts of Kindness: #17

Name: Bridget
Location: Georgia

"There was another family at Emory when we were all last there with you, Rose--two women with a male patient, their brother--who was in the room next to yours. I'd noticed them on and off as we were there with you; they were obviously worried, to which we could relate. The morning you flew free, afterwards, I was walking from your room to the waiting room, and was moved to reach out to them. I stopped and put my hand gently on their shoulders, and told them that I was sending them love and good vibes for their brother to recover. They expressed their sorrow for us, and said how Dad had stopped to talk with them, too. I shared with them that you, Rose, are love and light and that you'd surely pass some of your strength on to their brother so that he would make it out of there to savor more of life. They thanked me profusely for taking the time to reach out, especially on that day, of all days. Your love and light continues to shine..."

Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

26 Acts of Kindness: #16

Name: Mom
Location: Georgia

"I attended our weekly support group meeting here. There was a gentleman there who was new to our group. His mother had a stroke and they had just arrived here the day before. His mother had a lot of work ahead of her on the road to an uncertain recovery. He clearly needed to vent and express some feelings that he himself said he couldn't to his family. Myself and the only other family member present consciously limited our time to allow him all he needed. We listened with caring hearts and supportive words. Toward the end of our meeting, I assured him that his mother was in good hands; that the staff and doctors here would take very good care of her. I shared that in the last 4 months you had made great strides here thanks to them and shared some of your milestones. He was visibly relieved to hear a first hand account and reassured that things would be okay. Before leaving I offered him a hug(something I don't usually do with people I don't really know) which he accepted and we warmly embraced. We chatted all the way back to our perspective rooms. Since that day we have waved, nodded, exchanged supportive words, inquired about progress, etc. Today as I closed the door to your room I looked and saw his mother walking. Our eyes met, he with a wide smile on his face and me with a big thumbs up back at him."

Thank you for sharing, Mom!

26 Acts of Kindness: #15

Name: Christine
Location: Massachusetts

"I don’t know so much if I would call it a random act of kindness as I would the right thing to do...As I was in the grocery store the other day, waiting in line in front of me was a family of 3 generations from India.  Grandmother, daughter and grandchild with golden brown eyes as full of wonder and sweet innocence.  They were carefully looking over their food items and counting with a strained look on their face; worrying if they would be able to put the necessary food on their table.  I know that look and feeling all too well.  As the cashier was ringing up their order, the Grandmother quickly grabbed the 2 loaves of bread and gave them back to the cashier, before she was through... I took one look at the little girl and it broke my heart to see the loaves of bread being handed over and not making it to the table where it needed to be.  As the cashier was ringing up my groceries; I gave her back some of what I was going to buy, paid for the 2 loaves of bread instead and handed them to the family, as they were still standing nearby checking their receipt.  The Grandmother was surprised and said no at first, but then a smile of relief and joy came over her.  Like I said, the right thing to do... I then bowed to her with folded hands; Namaste."

Thank you for sharing, Christine!

26 Acts of Kindness: #14

Name: Mary

Location: Florida

"Last week my granddaughter Cheyann and I took one of my neighbor to the ice cream parlor who is unable to drive herself due to a hit and run driver. She was so happy to have someone take her. She told us that is her only pleasure she treats herself too, unfortunately her family is to busy to take her to most places she needs to go to. Some days the grandchildren and I will ask her if she just wants to go run errands with us so she can get out of the house for a little while. She is so grateful. After these days the grandchildren  will ask if she can go all the time because she is so happy when she ride with us Grandma."

Thank you for sharing, Mary! 

26 Acts of Kindness: #13

Name: Terry
Location: Virginia

"My younger sister, Mary Jo, has involved me in your quest for better health.  I have been praying for you for some time now.   This blog of yours has so inspired me to continue searching for joy everyday.  My normal positive outlook on life has been overshadowed by my husbands unexpected death.   I smile at everyone I meet or pass and continue to find joy in all the small things in life."

Thank you for sharing, Terry!

26 Acts of Kindness: #12

Name: Sue

Location: Unknown

"Broke a rule today and let a family bring in a very ill patient's cute fuzzy white little dog to visit her.. She signed up with Hospice today and I'm not sue she'll make it home to see her little pup again.. She could barely speak or open her eyes, but you could tell she knew her dog was there"

I am an LPN at a local hospital and over the weekend my patient's family had come to the realization that she was near the end of her beautiful life. She had been ill for a few months and we had done all we could medically, so they had chosen Hospice and to make her as comfortable as possible. They asked me if they could possibly get her into a wheelchair and take outside to visit with her dog which she loved very much. I explained to them that she probably couldn't tolerate being in a wheelchair due to her condition, but if they could bring the dog up and we would sneak it in her room for a visit, that nobody would be the wiser..so later that day they brought in this adorable white poodle. i walked in and both the dog and my patient were comforted as her dog snuggled on the bed next to her.. It was a touching sight. I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Thank you for sharing, Sue!

26 Acts of Kindness: #11

Name: anonymous
State: California

"At the gas station there was a man inside when my husband went inside. He was holding up the line trying to use a gift card to buy his gas. The cashier kept telling him that it wouldn’t work, but he kept insisting that it had to work and asked them to keep trying. My husband came outside and got back in the car, and I saw him looking inside and around the pumps to a van that was parked at one of the pumps. I asked him what he was looking at or for, and he told me about the man inside. He described the man’s bracelet and how it read 'Daddy,' and he saw that the man’s family was waiting outside in the hot van as they tried over and over to get the gift card to work. My husband started to talk about how that could have been him, and that could be us waiting in that van. He pulled the car back around and went in to see if the man was still inside. Still unable to use his gift card, my husband put $25 next to him on the counter and quietly told him to take it and use it for whatever he needed. The man looked confused and took the money, and my husband quickly came out to the car to get out of the way for the next customer. We saw the man come running out of the gas station as we left. His smile was beaming, and he thanked us profusely as he walked back over to the van with his beautiful family inside. I could get used to this. There is no feeling like helping lift others up in whatever ways we can."

Thank you for sharing, you beautiful being!

26 Acts of Kindness: #10

Name: anonymous
State: California

"My husband and I saw a man sitting in the grass by Best Buy as we waited at the stoplight. He was disheveled and dirty, but it was his eyes that I can still see as I put these words on the page. He had the kindest eyes, the way I imagine Jesus’ eyes to look. That old song What if God Was One of Us  popped into my head as he looked toward our car. Rolling  the window down, we quickly asked him if he was hungry, the answer to which was an emphatic, 'Yes!'

"We handed over our leftover chicken and cornbread from Boston Market that I had been holding as we drove around looking for someone to give it to. On the opposite side of the highway was a man with a sign, but as we turned the car around to take it to him, we saw this man. I’m calling him Jesus in disguise. There he was, sitting in the grass and obviously in need of knowing that someone else cared about him. He was so thankful, and his eyes and face shone with his gratitude for the kindness. He ran back over to his spot in the grass and started to devour the food. We started searching the car frantically for a bottle of water, or something to give him to drink. We only had my husband’s beloved insulated and very expensive water bottle which was only half full of water, but immediately we rolled down the window as the light had now turned green. Not wanting to leave him with nothing to drink we asked him if he could use a refillable water bottle. He ran to the car as traffic grew impatient behind us. Our hearts overflowed with such immense love and I felt the joy of what it means to love others as yourself. There is no greater feeling than that. Truly. The exchange that day was seemingly small from an outsider’s perspective, but so deeply meaningful in every sense of what it means to be human."

Thank you for sharing, you beautiful being!

26 Acts of Kindness: #9

Name: Jenna
State: California

"My act of kindness was to introduce a young science history professor (studying coral reef science) to a group that could potentially get him out to see the coral reef scientists in action, and to experience the reefs for himself. He was really happy!"

Thank you for sharing, Jenna!

26 Acts of Kindness: #8

Name: Jen
State: NY

This act of kindness is a bit different in that it happened to Jen, not the other way around. But it is just as beautiful and just as worthy of being shared. So thank you anonymous man, and thank you Jen for sharing his kind act with us:

"Today when I left for work, I realized at the station that somewhere along my walk to the train I had dropped my Metro Card. Tears in my eyes, four bags in hand, I fumbled through my belongings to no avail. Instead of being pushed to the side as the train approached the station, a man in coveralls handed me a Metro Card and motioned for me to swipe in. Thinking it was mine and he recovered it, I grinned and took the card, only to realize that he had just paid my fare. I thanked the man profusely and offered him cash, but he refused it and told me simply, 'Have a great day today, miss.'

"Train kindness, I hope, will become a part of my daily routine."

Thank you for sharing again, Jen!

26 Acts of Kindness: #7

Name: Bridget
State: Tennessee

"The kids and I were at Kroger earlier this week doing our grocery shopping. We turned onto the main aisle from the cereal aisle, and were making a beeline for the peanut butter when we happened behind this adorable older woman. You've seen the kind--dressed in layered clothing, a slightly disheveled, librarian-type look, hair pulled into a loose, gray bun atop her head, rosy cheeks and cherub nose supporting a pair of spectacles (surely she would call them spectacles). She reminded me of how I always pictured Mrs. Whatsit from A Wrinkle In Time. Walking slowly and pensively in front of us, pushing her cart and looking every which way, she suddenly did an about face, nearly crashing into our cart. Mrs. Whatsit looked at us, startled, tense, perhaps a little embarrassed, and started to walk away. I smiled and asked if she was alright; she sighed and replied with a flustered 'Yes,' while I continued to smile at her. She looked at me, then at the kids, then back to me and returned the smile, as her tension seemed to almost melt away. She then asked me if I knew where the pasta was, and I told her she'd find it at the far end of aisle #3, on the right. Mrs. Whatsit replied with a warm, bubbly 'Thank you, Honeys!' and was on her way."

Thank you for sharing, Bridget!

26 Acts of Kindness: #6

Name: Jen

State: NY

"Anyone who's ever been to New York knows that there is an incredible amount of kindness here, it just never occurs during rush hour in the subways. I decided I would target this time for a random act of kindness to a stranger. On Wednesday afternoon, I was waiting (albeit impatiently) for the 4 train at Atlantic Ave. It was crowded, elbow to elbow, noisy, and humid. Instead of complaining quietly to myself, I happened to notice a couple standing by the map looking puzzled and arguing in a language I don't understand. It was safe to assume they were tourists. Most people, including myself, ignore tourists during rush hour, often pushing past them, shoving their luggage out of the way, and bemoaning their alleged idiocy aloud. Instead of mindlessly joining the grumpy commuting masses on the approaching train, I approached the frazzled couple and offered to help. The woman stared at me, squinted, and asked if I spoke Farsi. I said, 'English or Spanish?' She shook her head and named a couple more languages in thick broken English. I shook my head.

"After a common tongue could not be agreed upon, I took to pantomiming the basic tourist commuter questions, 'Where are you going? What street? A hotel?' She showed me a printout with an address and I plugged it into my iPhone. I found the best train for her to take and pantomimed the station name and 'get out of the train here.' She asked, 'You go here?' I shook my head, and pointed to the approaching train. She looked discouraged and sighed to her husband. Instead of hopping on the 4 train, that I had now waited 12 minutes for (that's an eternity in rush hour commuting time) I motioned for them to follow me and brought them to a neighboring train (really, it wasn't that far out of the way). I rode with them to Manhattan and made sure they knew where to get out before making my exit. The woman and her husband smiled genuinely at me and said, 'Thank you' more times than I could count. I smiled back and said, 'Welcome to New York'.

"This may not seem like a huge deed, but it made me smile to think my rush hour commute typically characterized by shoving and groaning and sweat was that much more pleasant because I sacrificed a mere 12 minutes out of my day to help two people that most other commuters were unlikely to give the time of day to."

Thank you for sharing, Jen!

26 Acts of Kindness: #5

Name: Angelica
State: FL

"So I work in a restaurant. The other night I was working and I had two people at my takeout counter. One was a lady that had just paid for her food and the other was a gentleman that had raggedy clothing. And it was obvious this gentleman did not have a home or a job. He approached my counter and asked me how much breadsticks would be. He then pulled out a $10 bill, and I could just tell he was clinging to the money as if he really did not want to give it up. The lady I had just helped watched on, curious as to what I was about to say. I then told the gentlemen not to worry, that I would gladly give him some breadsticks. The lady looked on and then walked over and said she didn't need her breadsticks, that he could have hers as well. I grabbed him a drink to-go as well. The gracious look on his face was incredibly priceless. I've never felt so good about doing something so wonderful yet so simple. I will never forget the woman or the gentleman. I hope one day he can pass on the good deed as well."

Thank you for sharing, Angelica!

26 Acts of Kindness: #4

Name: Jim
State: Tennessee

"Today I went through the Starbucks drive-through and bought the car behind me their order. It is really fun to give a surprise gift to a stranger!"

Thank you for sharing, Jim!

26 Acts of Kindness: #3

Name: Tyler
State: FL

"On my way home from work yesterday, I noticed a car pulled off to the shoulder on the county road. Hazards blinking, hood up. I pulled off to see if the man was okay. He was fine, but his car was broken down. No cell. I let him use mine so he could call his family. He seemed grateful for my time and I was happy to assist."

Thank you for sharing, Tyler!

To participate, read the details here: Welcome to my birthday project...
Help spread the love! ♥

26 Acts of Kindness: #2

Name: Tara
State: Massachusetts

"Here is my good deed for today! We heard a creature stuck in my grandma's gutter. Thought it was a bird. I took the hose and we brought out the ladder and flushed it out. A tiny (soaked) chipmunk came whizzing out the bottom, rolled a few times, and took off running as far away from us as he could!"

Thank you for sharing, Tara!

To participate, read the details here: Welcome to my birthday project...
Let's start spreading the love! ♥

26 Acts of Kindness: #1

Name: Mary Jo
State: FL

"Since my own father was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago, I make it a point to always open doors for caregivers pushing their loved ones in wheelchairs, or anyone having challenges getting through a doorway. I have seen my parents struggle with this in years past when my mother would take my father to an appointment. We take these little things for granted, but these folks always give me a smile and really appreciate this simple, small gesture. It's such an easy thing to do, opening a door for someone, yet brings with it so much satisfaction knowing I have helped in my own heartfelt little way."

Thank you for sharing, Mary Jo!

Let's keep spreading the love! 

1) Look for opportunities to act in kindness. (The possibilities are ENDLESS!)
2) After your experience, write about it in an email to me at we.are.one@inbox.com
3) Then I will add it to our archive of loving acts, right here!

Join in on the love, share the effort with others, and let's see how far we can spread it!

Peace, thanks, and infinite love to you all. ♥

Welcome to my birthday project...

This is "26 (or limitless) Acts of Kindness!"

Dear beautiful souls: this year, on June 25, I turn 26 years old. And I am inspired to celebrate in a new way, thanks to my beautiful oldest sister, who did "40 Acts of Kindness" for her birthday.

the Idea:
Anyone and everyone is encouraged to join. To participate, perform any act of kindness and love, big or small. Preferably for a stranger; but it can be for loved ones, friends, and acquaintances too. It might be something you plan, or it might happen unexpectedly. But keep your eyes and ears and hearts open for opportunities.
They are EVERYWHERE.

You can pay for someone's order at a drive-thru, help someone in need on the side of the road, carry groceries for the elderly or a single mother, make conversation with someone who looks lonely at the coffeeshop, give a sandwich or blanket to the homeless, pay for a stranger's gas, give someone a flower, or simply wear your beautiful smile everywhere you go. Everything counts, large and small, near and far. Just be open, and seize the opportunities.

And once you've done at least one act, come and share it with the rest of us! Email me a description (with your first name and state or country) at we.are.one@inbox.com and then I will share it with everyone, word for word, right here on this site "We are one." From today, June 1 until my birthday June 25, we will work together to act in kindness everywhere we go. Join the effort, and share with friends! The more who join, the further we can spread our kindness with the world. And hopefully, by June 25, we will have at LEAST 26 acts of kindness. But the possibilities are infinite!

All I want for my birthday, and every day, is to spread love.
Please help me in doing just that. I could not ask for anything more. ♥

Peace and love to all of you beautiful beings.
Now let's shine our light and spread our love!