Airport Kindness

 by Diana McCollum    

A while back I was flying from Bend OR to Sacramento, CA. From Bend to Portland OR passengers were asked to put their carry on luggage on a baggage cart as the smaller jet didn't have overhead compartments. So easy, peasy.

Arriving in Portland I picked up my bag from the baggage distribution center, and proceeded to go to the next gate. 

I had to go down to the next floor and the escalator was not working. My carry on was large and heavy. it did have wheels so I could roll it arround from place to place.

Escalators wahen not working have very tall steps. I am a short 5'1" person. I stood pondering what to do as the elevator close by was out of commission.

A very nice young man asked if he could carry my overnight bag down the escalator for me. I said yes. What a kind person he was for doing that. I didn't ask him he just took it upon his self to do it.

I got on the plane and couldn't lift the bag into the overhead compartment. Another gentleman saw me struggling and took it from me and stashed the bag in the overhead compartment, and got it down for me when we landed.

On the trip back home to Oregon I was blessed with two more kind gentlemen.

I try to smile and open doors for people. I always talk to the waitresses, store clerks, and compliment them on earrings, clothes or hairdos. It makes their faces light up that someone noticed. 

As human beings we should always be kind to one another. Kind, gracious and courteous are good actions to incorporate in our daily lives.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

The Kindness of Strangers, and Ourselves by Lynn Lovegreen

 

Thanks to old Covid habits and retirement, I don’t get out as often as I used to. My main haunts outside my house are the grocery store, the gym, the library, and the post office. (Yes, I still use snail mail!) But even with my limited activity, I still see the kindness of strangers on a regular basis.

 

It’s common in my town for people to acknowledge each other, usually with a smile but sometimes verbally. I get many “Good morning” or “Hi!” greetings from employees and customers at these places.  I also do the same. It’s a small way of saying, “I see you as a fellow human being.”

 

Living in Alaska, there’s often opportunity to talk about the weather. During a recent cold snap, as we left the building, the guy next to me said, “Whoa!” It was natural to reply, “Yeah, it’s really cold today,” and chat for a minute before we went our separate ways. This also works when it’s snowing hard, too warm for this time of year, you get the idea. I have snatches of conversation with strangers on a regular basis. It feels nice to make that connection.

 

My favorite grocery store moment is when a young man was looking at the cereal and I hesitated to pass in front of him, not wanting to block him if he was about to reach for a box. He met my eyes, waved me on, and said “Go ahead, Mama.” It tickled me to hear him call me that. Maybe I reminded him of his mama or grandma? Maybe he was calling me an elder? Whatever the reason, I felt seen. I smiled through the rest of my shopping.

 

Maybe these small kindnesses won’t change the world. But they might make someone’s day. And they help build a sense of community. The next time you’re out running errands, take a moment to show kindness to the people around you. It just might make the world a better place.

 

Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. 

Gratitude is an Attitude

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

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Ages ago I attended a conference where the keynote speaker asked the audience to write down three things in their lives they were grateful for. The attendees scribbled away, and at the end, the presenter asked a few select people to share what they had written. Many listed families, jobs, and financial stability. He listened, smiled and then said, “If you haven’t listed your health then you have nothing.”

Throughout my life those words stuck with me.  Recently, I lost friends in their prime, two to cancer, and one through an unfortunate mishap. He went into the hospital for something minor and never came home. My male friend who lost the battle to cancer was funny and optimistic. He never told anyone of his diagnosis. I learned of it after he’d passed away.  My female friend was an old housemate, vivacious, funny, with a memorable laugh. She left behind two smart, well brought up young men. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to say thanks and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.  The journey, while often unpredictable, and sometimes not fun, teaches you resilience and strength.  It reminds you to be grateful for what you have. Without good health you are nothing. I would not be able to juggle a day job and still write. I would not be able to care for animals and meet friends for the occasional bite. I couldn’t exercise, and that is something that has helped keep my sanity even through very trying times. 

In the last few years, as our economy struggles to rebound, friends have lost homes and jobs. If you are one of the fortunate ones, be grateful that you have survived those challenging times.

This month, His Golden Heart, my re-release is the perfect reminder of the power of positive thinking and how the mind works.

Beaumont Hill is a champion skier slated to win gold at the Olympics.  During a downhill race, tragedy strikes and he ends up paralyzed. Shayna DaCosta; a former Olympic hopeful, is charged with putting him back together, body, mind and soul. Shayna believes that a positive outlook makes the impossible possible.

As you sit around your table giving thanks, be grateful for what life has served you. Not everyone is well enough to have friends and family at their table.  Many aren’t even in a position to eat. Take that good fortune and pay it forward. Your generosity will come back to you in the most unexpected way. Some call it karma. I call it your just rewards.

Eat, drink, and give thanks,  but don't forget your fellow man. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving all! 

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