Recently one of the bloggers I read, "Arkansas Patti" wrote about something she did when she was young. And at the end of her post, she asked 'if anyone remembered a kindness' that was done to them.
Well, I certainly do...
I wasn't a child at the time, but a young married woman (23) who had just come from a visit to our Pediatrician's and had just been informed that my one year old son had German measles. Now this wasn't a problem as the Pediatrician informed me that German measles was not dangerous to my one year old, but could be extremely dangerous to an unborn child. At which point, I informed him that I WAS PREGNANT. He then proceeded to ask me if I had ever had German Measles myself... which of course I had no idea. Apparently if I had, there was no danger as I would have antibodies in my system that would protect the child.
"But if I didn't?", I asked.
"Then I would recommend you get an abortion."
These words were said very matter of factly... and to this day he probably had no idea as to how these few words affected me. I was devastated... said nothing, but left the office in a state of panic.
I drove over to my husband's work-place to share this news with him, but before I could call him, began crying uncontrollably in the parking lot. After a few minutes, I heard a knocking on the car window. Looking up, I saw a stranger standing there. Wiping my eyes, embarrassed, I rolled down the window. It was a young man and he looked embarrassed too. But he handed me some samples of perfume that he apparently had in his car and said that he didn't know what was wrong, but perhaps this would help.
Well, I don't use perfume due to my migraines, but was so taken by the gesture that I did smile and thank him. And I never forgot this act of kindness. I'm 70 years old now and have had my unknown good Samaritan in my prayers for years.
As it turned out, I had a blood titer test run and apparently had had German Measles at some time in my past, so my unborn child was safe and all was well.
And I'm sure that other acts of kindness have been done to me over the years, but this one stands out in my memory. It was such a little thing - but it stayed with me forever.
I hope doctors have developed empathy since then. His first statement should have been a cheery "we will just do a blood test and be sure you had German measles, along with every other child in America." There was nothing we didn't get back then, except polio, thanks to all our mothers' magic tricks to keep us safe.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, some people don't realize how their words affect... as a doctor, you would hope that he would, but I don't think he did.
DeleteIt is funny how some men feel totally helpless when faced with a crying woman, but he did manage to make a sweet gesture of kindness.
ReplyDeleteIt was sweet... wasn't it. Totally unexpected, but kind.
Deleteoh my you are so right you never know what others may be suffering or worrying about in silence, one day a year ago at the grocery store I was rearranging my money in my wallet, I guess the lady behind me thought I was counting my money to see if I had enough, she offered to pay for my groceries, several times, I said I had enough money but I was in awe of a perfect stranger who would offer to pay for my groceries.
ReplyDeleteI know, Linda. DH and I had something similar happen to us. We buy a lot of catfood and the person behind us in the store asked if we had cats. (I was tempted to say "no..."). But I told her that we did... and we also fed the feral cats in the neighborhood. She reached into her purse and handed us a $20. We said oh,no we didn't need that. But she insisted that she wanted to help and to put it towards the ferals. We thanked her... and did. But later we passed on the act of kindness by leaving a $20 tip for coffee to a waitperson who looked like they could use it.
DeleteWhat a lovely gesture! Perhaps more likely expected from a woman, who would understand another woman's tears, but especially not expected from a young man.
ReplyDeleteI have been the recipient of many gestures of kindness over my lifetime, and have been blessed for them. I hope that I have made at least a few kind gestures in turn.
It's amazing how such a little gesture can remain with you forever.
DeleteI'm going to try making more acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteMe too, John.
DeleteThat is such a wonderful memory, Rian. And I'm glad you were able to determine that you did have the measles earlier. What an unfeeling person he was! So glad it all turned out well. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think some people don't realize how their words affect, DJan.
DeleteWhat a wonderful act of kindness. Many people, both men and women, likely would have walked on by and left you to your tears.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful all was well with you after all. I can recall having the German measles as I was hospitalized as a result.
As for kindnesses I know there have been many. Nothing quite so memorable though!
It takes courage (maybe that's not the right word? possibly boldness?) sometimes... to act... even such a small act. I sometimes want to do something, but am afraid of embarrassing the recipient.
DeleteSo glad my post reminded you of this special young man. I love this story. What a sweet young man who evidently had a caring family life. If we all realized it doesn't take much to improve another's day. Money and labor are nice but it is usually the simple things we remember.
ReplyDeleteYou are right there. Simple acts of kindness are remembered.
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