On Tuesday I had a conversation with an adminstrative assistant at my younger son's school. Her first words to me left me at a loss and coloured my perception of "who" this woman is, her ability, her personality. I will say she spoke without thinking but it was inappropriate and disheartening. Nothing negative or bad about my son at all, but her ability to deal with her job left me questionning. Put me in a bit of a frustrated funk.
Yesterday this same son played in his school hockey championship game. A game that went into overtime...a 5 minute overtime period, followed by 5 minutes of 4 on 4 hockey, then when it was still tied, 5 minutes of 3 on 3. Still tied. Into a shoot out which is no one's idea of how to end a game. In the end the other team scored the winning goal. But it was a heck of a hockey game, lots of action, and considering our school had a short bench of players to the other team's full bench, and my son played all but probably 5-10 minutes of the game (a total of 60 minutes) and he was sucking air by the end, it was an excellent match.
At the end of the game, one of the students who had come to watch approached me. I don't know this boy, although he knows my son. This 17, almost 18 year old boy approached me and said "your son is an amazing hockey player and he played an excellent game." Proud? Oh yes. I was. I am. But I was so very touched that this young man would be comfortable enough to come and say that to me. A true kindness.
A few minutes later, one of the teacher coaches approached me and one of the other mothers and gave us medals! There were 3 extra and he felt that the mothers who have attended all the games all these years, driven players and been so supportive were as deserving as the players on the ice. Very unexpected but an extremely thoughtful gesture.
Today I saw a young mother and her 3 year old son in Starbucks. As I waited for my beverage they were laughing and he was giggling over his hot chocolate. He had chocolate all around his mouth and kept diving for the whipped cream, hoping to catch it with his tongue. They made me smile. And as I left, I stopped by their table to comment on how wonderful it is to see someone enjoy a treat and how lovely that they were enjoying their time together. Mother told me that they do this once or twice a year and he so looks forward to it. I remember those days with my own sons.
I see my own young motherhood and my motherhood now of the time spent with my children and how much we've all benefitted from shared experiences. I'll miss these opportunities as this one gets ready to leave the nest. But I know that kindness will continue...it costs us nothing. The return is priceless.
22 comments:
As proud as only a mother can be!!
It's AWESOME!! And you are so right...Kindness goes a long long way and it does not cost a thing, sometimes just a simple gesture or a smile is enough.
Be proud!!
Yes, yes, yes. This crazy world needs more kindness. Life has become so fast paced that many people don't pause to share a kind word or gesture. I love the Dali Lama's quote: "Kindness is my religion".
Funny how we so often don't think to share our kindnesses with strangers or acquaintances. Why NOT tell someone they think what they do/are doing is outstanding or uplifting or that it has touched us in some way. I used to be so painfully shy but after being married to an American, I learned to open my mouth and talk to anyone and everyone. Of course there is a limit to that as well! So glad you experienced kindness yesterday, I know you will pass it on.
One of my very favorite posts I've read in a long time. It is just those little simple gestures that mean the most. And I love it when they are unexpected. I'm going to try harder to be the giver of gestures like that.
Thanks -- and have the greatest of days. :)
Bravo to that young man that complimented your son for the game.Being kind is such an easy thing to do but often overlooked in our hectic lives. I could go into a long conversation (but I won't) about parenting and how I truly believe it affects the kind of adults our children grow into. I bet it was instilled in him at a young age that it's easy to be kind.
I remember fondly the days at home with my little sidekick. It was important to me to raise him myself and I'm grateful that I was able to be a stay at home mom. I was recently complimented by a neighbour who hasn't seen or spoken to my son in a long time. She said that he's grown into a kind, polite young man. Now that's a feeling you can't beat!!
Acts of kindness, words of kindness – their impact and importance in life cannot be overestimated. I think we’d all crumble without them.
And I am a proponent of it is better to be kind than right...a lesson learned over many years...
My congratulations to your son for a game well-played and to you – for your medal!
Congratulations on your Great Kid! Oh don't we just live for those moments in mothering. And just phooey on the administrative assistant!
Ah, yes, kindness is so important and actually so easy. I do live by my quote on my comments,
If you can't be kind, at least be vague. **BIG kisskisses** Deb
You know how much I love to hear stories like you included in this post (other than the woman at the school, of course !). Putting that added energy into kindness brings such immediate returns ! And it is a wonderful gift to teach your children to pass it on as well.
"My religion is simple. My religion is kindness." - Dalai Lama
Beautiful and so very true!
What an uplifting post. How many times a day do we miss out on the chance to make someones day with a simple word or gesture of kindness? that young man who complimented your son could have taken his admiration home with him and never said a word, how lovely that he gave you that happy feeling instead! Congratulations on raising a wonderful and gifted kid, the kind of person you are has everything to do with that!
You get back everything you give!
We encounter caring and kind people everyday. It is the little things that make us believe and hope with endless possibilities. What a delightful post.
You notice so many wonderful and good things about people and also your surroundings.
Great game your son played in! I'm sure he appreciates knowing that you are there, cheering him on and supporting him.
I smiled when I thought of the little guy with his mommy enjoying his cocoa. I can almost picture his smile too. It's special to have that time together.
Kindness matters - so much! And really - what does it cost - nothing! Yet how much a little kindness leaves in its wake!
Here's to acts of kindness for others every day!
It's amazing just how we are surprised to receive or see an act of kindness. We've become used to rudeness and insensitivity people display about anything.
I believe if each of us would share our kindness, we could definitely impact our world--if not our little piece of it.
A smile, a nod, a knowing look...holding the door/elevator, offering assistance, sharing words. There are so many ways to add kindness to our day.
It was nice to read this, as my day is over now. I will definitely be more mindful of offering my kindness to everyone!
its those simple acts of kindness that touch us the most. lovely post.
I loved reading this. Kindness, yes! Can you imagine how different our world would be if everyone said a kind word to anyone? The world would be a much more beautiful place to live in.
This post was heartfelt and beautifully written. It took me back through emotions I experienced when my children were growing up. Posts like these are what makes blogging worthwhile.
A touching post, Sherry! How lovely of the teenager to approach you and pass on such kinds words about your son. It sounded like it was a great game all round to watch.
My son loves going on shopping trips with me as we usually sit down for a treat in one of the cafes. He likes his one-on-one time with me which I think is sweet.
My daughter left the nest nearly six years ago and we still see a fair bit of each other. It makes these times all the more special as we savour each moment.
So True I work at an elementary school and see it everyday the good and the not so good, I try to let the not so good roll off by back but make a point to remember the good. one of my favorite quotes is...
It's nice to be important, but It's more important to be nice.!
it makes a difference, as my 11 year old wrote it down and posted it to a wall in my office, (I work at my childrens school) I came back from lunch to find it and I smiled, knowing I am passing this along and hope my children never forget it!
Oh what a true and beautiful post. Kindness is free. Why not share it? Thanks for this and for being you!
Well you should be a proud mother!
I'm sure your son deserves all the praise and more. So do You!
And how I miss those days. It's so hard for us moms when our babies grow up and leave the nest. But time moves on. Just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
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