Simple Acts of Kindness

al·tru·ism

ˈaltro͞oˌizəm/

noun

1. the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.

  When I was telling my mom, way back when, about everything  that our Warrenton community was doing for us, she was in disbelief.  "I can't get over that all these people are bringing you meals!", I remember her saying.  Well Mom, to this day, the generosity still continues.....

A few journal entries back, I wrote about the waiter at Maggios, here in Atlanta, who unexpectedly surprised Kyle with lit candles in a plate full of cookies.  It was a simple act of kindness, but it meant so much.  And it had reminded me of another restaurant kindness shown Kyle not too long ago back home.

Kyle had gone out to eat in Gainesville with his girlfriend and another couple.  When the check was brought to the table the waitress told Kyle that someone had paid for his dinner.  He had no clue who it was, and since we rarely go to Gainesville, his guess was as good as mine.  We probably will never know, but a huge thank you goes out from all of us to whomever it was that reached out to him.  These good turns are never forgotten.

This next huge kind act came from yet another stranger.

While living in Atlanta for four months, Greg and I found a favorite place to eat, a restaurant in walking distance called Ted's Montana Grill.  I would describe it as a fine dining establishment, yet it is as comfortable as the setting of the old "Cheers" show with Ted Danson.

We would sit at the bar to eat because we enjoyed the many conversations that were struck up with fellow patrons, and because whether it was Drew or Shane, our bartenders, they always greeted us like we were old friends.

Kyle and Drew

♪ Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot
Wouldn't you like to get away? ♪

♪ Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came ♪

(Sentiments that Greg, Alex and I shared for the many months while living in Atlanta)

So this next incredible, generous offer came from someone we met while eating at Ted's.  After hearing Kyle's story, a man sitting a few seats down from us, offered his in-town condo to Alex, if ever he needed a place to stay when visiting Kyle.  All I could think was what an amazing person,  and who would do something like this?  We didn't take him  up on the offer at the time, but he did reach out again after hearing from Drew that we were returning  for Kyle's surgery.  The generosity from a stranger to allow us to stay in his condo for the past three weeks goes way beyond Simple Acts of Kindness.  To simply say thank you seems entirely inadequate.

All of this reminded me of the time Kyle and I used to carry around little "pay it forward" coupons for just that right moment.  I encouraged Kyle to come up with ideas when we were out together, and he did!  There is nothing like the feeling of giving without expecting anything back.  I remind Kyle of how fortunate he has been to experience the receiving end, and to always remember to pay it forward when you can.

Post Surgery Arm Therapy

Out-patient Days 1 and 2

The incision for the H.O. surgery was precisely placed along his original incision.

Shannon was given explicit instructions to use aggressive therapy!

And she did!

                                    Keep On Trucking', Kyle!