Reflections

Regarding Valued Qualities
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.

I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.

It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.

I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.

I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.

Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.

As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.