Ever since I can remember I have always tried to do Random Acts of Kindness with Bethanie and Lilie. One of the first RAOK that I did with Bethanie was when she was about 3. We made these little Easter baskets with candy in them and decided to take them to the Fire Department that was at the end of our block.
Even though Bethanie was so young I was really trying to teach her that life is about serving others and bringing them joy in their lives. So as we were putting candy in the baskets I was trying to explain to her that we wanted to make the firefighters happy.
I went on to explain to her that after when we give the firefighters the baskets that she should say “happy easter” She seemed so happy to do that.
So we walk down the street to the fire station. And I continue to remind her to say “happy easter” So we get to the fire station. We had interrupted their dinner. I felt bad, but they reassured me that it was okay. It worked out perfect that we made 8 baskets and there were exactly 8 firefighters.
Bethanie started giving out the little baskets. She was so happy. She was giving it her all. She was handing out the last basket and had not said “happy easter” So I was trying to “coach” her by saying “What do you say” All at once 8 firefighters said “Thank you Bethanie”
I was so surprised. That was not what I was expecting when I said: “What do you say” I was trying to get Bethanie to say “happy easter” But instead the firefighters thought I was trying to cue them to say thank you. It actually warmed my heart to hear them say that in unison. I did finally get Bethanie to say “happy easter”
Sometimes it is the giver that is more encouraged than the receiver. Even as I type this my heart is smiling remembering back almost 2 decades to an amazing Random Acts of Kindness moment. Take Care. Much Love
