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An Act of Kindness for
a Broken Heart...
My husband, Hanoch, and I wrote a book Acts of Kindness: How to
Create a Kindness Revolution, which has generated much interest
across America. This story was shared with us by an anonymous caller
during a radio talk show in Chicago.
"Hi, Mommy, what are you doing?" asked Susie.
"I'm making a casserole for Mrs. Smith next door,"
said her mother.
"Why?" asked Susie, who was only six years old.
"Because Mrs. Smith is very sad; she lost her daughter and
she has a broken heart. We need to take care of her for a little
while."
"Why, Mommy?"
"You see, Susie, when someone is very, very sad, they have
trouble doing the little things like making dinner or other chores.
Because we're part of a community and Mrs. Smith is our neighbor,
we need to do some things to help her. Mrs. Smith won't ever be
able to talk with her daughter or hug her or do all those wonderful
things that mommies and daughters do together. You are a very
smart girl, Susie; maybe you'll think of some way to help take
care of Mrs. Smith."
Susie thought seriously about this challenge and how she could
do her part in caring for Mrs. Smith. A few minutes later, Susie
knocked on her door. After a few moments Mrs. Smith answered the
knock with a "Hi, Susie."
Susie noticed that Mrs. Smith didn't have that familiar musical
quality about her voice when she greeted someone.
Mrs. Smith also looked as though she might have been crying because
her eyes were watery and swollen."What can I do for you,
Susie?" asked Mrs. Smith.
"My mommy says that you lost your daughter and you're very,
very sad with a broken heart." Susie held her hand out shyly.
In it was a Band-Aid. "This is for your broken heart."
Mrs. Smith gasped, choking back her tears. She knelt down and
hugged Susie. Through her tears she said, "Thank you, darling
girl, this will help a lot."
Mrs. Smith accepted Susie's act of kindness and took it one step
further. She purchased a small key ring with a plexiglass picture
frame -- the ones designed to carry keys and proudly display a
family portrait at the same time. Mrs. Smith placed Susie's Band-Aid
in the frame to remind herself to heal a little every time she
sees it. She wisely knows that healing takes time and support.
It has become her symbol for healing, while not forgetting the
joy and love she experienced with her daughter.
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