A drop of kindness
Last weekend, my daughter and I went into Stockholm to the vernissage of the talented Maria-Thérèse.
As we got on and off various tubes, we saw buskers playing for money. My daughter opened her purse and gave some of her money to the first man, and then declared, “Let’s do three kind things today, mama!” This was easy as we found many more street artists to give coins to.
We finally emerged blinking into the grey light at Stockholm’s Old Town. And old it is with its alleys and cobbled streets dating back to the Middle Ages.
Suddenly – we saw him. A man kneeling on a coat, head exposed to cold air, hands together in prayer or supplication. He remained there kneeling, as tourists rushed by, totally immobile. A carved statue; a true medieval picture of poverty. His sunken eyes typical of those who cannot see too well.
We put some notes into his hat. I was glad to see that it was full of coins.
But it was a damp, cold day – with a chill that sneaked into your bones and stayed there.
I saw my daughter was almost in tears. “Shall we buy him a sandwich?” I suggested. “Yes, and a big hot coffee too,” she added.
As we returned to offer him our small gifts and exchange a few words, I saw a few people watching my daughter as she handed over the food.
They stopped, paused for thought – and then opened their purses to drop in some generous donations.
It really does seem true that if you carry the flame of kindness, you can help light it in others.
Or, as Beecher once said, “Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”
For more kind stories, please visit: My World!
Wonderful!
I’m so glad that kindness is sometimes contagious. As long as someone takes that first step! <3 Thank you for being such lovely persons.
November 29, 2010 at 17:15
beautiful post…and you touched more lives that day than you can probably imagine…love the architecture too…but it pales in comparison to compassion….
November 29, 2010 at 17:45
Your daughter is learning from you to really see the world, and you shared your gift of sight with those around – and by speaking with the man, reminded him that there are those who see and respond to his humanity, even though many people rush by, too busy to look.
November 29, 2010 at 17:47
You clearly did something right with your daughter. That man will remember her generosity.
November 29, 2010 at 17:52
Oh, you must be so proud of your daughter and the kindness that she keeps in her heart…
Winter and particularly the holidays are such a difficult time for those who are homeless and in need. Even here in Scandinavia.
If we all did just a little bit, we could make a difference…
Lovely pictures of Stockholm’s old town.
xoxo
November 29, 2010 at 18:01
What a lovely little human being you’re raising. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
November 29, 2010 at 18:04
Wonderful act that you all demonstrated and I hope others can take the lesson they saw with them into tomorrow.
November 29, 2010 at 18:57
Your kind child reflects your family’s values, Fi. Sometimes small acts have large consequences. Good for her (and you)! I like the towering ancient buildings in Old Town.
November 29, 2010 at 18:57
This post brought such sweetness to my heart Lady Fi for you’ve obviously been a wonderful role model for your lovely daughter. I hope others that saw her give him the sandwich and hot coffee felt the same and responded in kind.
November 29, 2010 at 19:17
How proud you must be of your daughter. Beautiful sentiments and images.
November 29, 2010 at 19:29
You must be so proud of your daughter. So sweet of her. Beautiful pictures. Love the old buildings.
November 29, 2010 at 19:44
very very moving.
and I’m glad she saw that others were moved too.
November 29, 2010 at 20:49
She must have learned her compassion and kindness from you! How wonderful!
November 29, 2010 at 20:54
What a wonderful post this is and how proud I am of you and your wonderful daughter. You are truly the epitome of kindness.
November 29, 2010 at 21:11
My goodness, you have brought up your daughter so well!!
November 29, 2010 at 21:25
I love seeing kindness and compassion in children. Sorry to change the subject onto my son, but as you know, he’s now dressed in military uniform when he travels back to his school. The airlines wanted to give him a first class seat. Instead of taking it, he said, “Please can you give it to this man, he’s enlisted, and I’m not.” That made me proud, when he told me the story. Our kids are showing us their kindness.
November 29, 2010 at 21:41
What a wonderful gesture by your son.
November 30, 2010 at 05:58
A fabulous example set by your daughter, you must have been very proud of her.
The photos are great too – love that last one in particular, it goes so well with your words.
November 29, 2010 at 23:57
What a lovely post. You are raising your daughter right. She’ll be making the world a better place for her whole life, I’m sure.
November 30, 2010 at 02:24
This made me cry. Beautiful. Thank you for buying him food and hot coffee and sparking the giving spirit in others. Bless you and your daughter. XX
November 30, 2010 at 02:24
we ought to be learning from children and teaching them less, we and our society would benefit from the common sense they practice.
lovely:)
November 30, 2010 at 02:58
Wonderful lessons your daughter can teach us all.
November 30, 2010 at 04:16
Like Mother like daughter..I cannot imagine you as anything other than very kind to everyone around you. I bet you were very proud!
November 30, 2010 at 04:48
You exemplify all that is good and beautiful in human beings. You are passing that on to your daughter and you inspire me. You give me reason to believe in the goodness of people and my life is brighter because of what your share, here, with us. Thank you!
Sylvia
November 30, 2010 at 05:35
Beautiful shots of the place. The first shot is awesome.
November 30, 2010 at 06:36
What a lovely young person your daughter is! The last quote sums up the post beautifully.
November 30, 2010 at 08:28
Well done Fi to you and your daughter for your kindnesses – Dave
November 30, 2010 at 09:34
Tears sting my eyes…thanks for helping him. x
November 30, 2010 at 12:50
It just takes one person to get it started …. and it can multiply … kindness is like that
This post moved me to tears my friend!
November 30, 2010 at 12:55
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What a wonderful thing to do! You must be very proud of your daughter. And what a great mother you must be to have raised a daughter who is so compassionate and kind.
November 30, 2010 at 14:10
What a lovely post! Your daughter is sooo sweet!
November 30, 2010 at 16:51
so good to read this!
November 30, 2010 at 17:36
Beautiful My World Tuesday posting
like the perspective from the first shot
the flower is very special made photo, well done.
Have a nice week,
Greetings, Bram
Link to My Word Tuesday post!
Seen on My World Tuesday
November 30, 2010 at 17:43
She is so kind.
God bless!
November 30, 2010 at 17:49
Lovely daughter you have
Its wonderful
that she think and give on others
they need it !!!
I want always also visit Stochholm
November 30, 2010 at 19:33
Nice story! It was some time since I visited Stockholm now. As I moved away it does not happen to often nowadays. I loke the flower photo. And…..give an aditional hug to your daughter.
November 30, 2010 at 19:36
Gamla Stan offers so many wonderful views. I have been at the same fountain where that gargoyle is just a year ago.
November 30, 2010 at 20:41
Too kind for words! this is such a beautiful post, on so many levels!!!
one love.
November 30, 2010 at 23:15
That rose stole my breath! Beautiful images, my friend.
December 1, 2010 at 02:25
A beautiful story of kindness and a lesson in compassion. You have a daughter to be very proud of.
December 1, 2010 at 04:54
What a generous soul your daughter is.
December 1, 2010 at 05:14
That’s WONDERFUL! You have inspired me today and touched me with this post. Thank you!
December 1, 2010 at 12:20
Thank you for taking the time to care and share. Kindness is never wasted it always makes a difference. We reap what we sow.
Happiness to you and yours,
Pam
December 1, 2010 at 13:07
I just KNEW you’d get POTW on this one; congrats!!
December 1, 2010 at 14:50
Wonderfully heartwarming story. The world will be ok with people like your daughter in it.
December 1, 2010 at 16:59
Many of us pass that hand in front of us, not wanting to offer when they can. They make silly excuses about a begger spending the money wrong, but to the person in need they will spend it right.Beautiful post from a lovely, caring family.
December 1, 2010 at 18:07
Happy Wednesday!
December 1, 2010 at 19:52
Fi, you must be so proud as a momma…
we know we have done our jobs when we see our kids extend themselves to others…..
December 1, 2010 at 20:18
This post exemplifies what the season, and really our whole lives, should be about. Just beautiful.
December 1, 2010 at 21:08
What a lovely daughter you have. Sometimes it does take the eyes of the innocent to see something we’ve all become used to. Thank you for this beautiful post, Lady Fi
December 2, 2010 at 03:04
Fiona,
Stockholm is a magic city…dont u think?
In all situation I love Stockholm.
Have a nice day, dearest
December 2, 2010 at 08:39
Oh, yes, kindness is as contagious as meanness. Good for you!
December 2, 2010 at 10:40
Your story, your daughter’s natural kindness, and the quote all combined to warm my heart and bring tears to my eyes. A simple and loving gift.
December 2, 2010 at 15:00
Fabulous images, thanks for sharing with Sky Watch Friday and do like your blog header, that is one of my favorite quotes.
December 3, 2010 at 06:53
What a fantastic story… it’s true, kindness is contagious! You’ve done a fantastic job raising a kind and compassionate girl!
Congrats on POTW!
December 5, 2010 at 17:52
Pay it forward!
December 6, 2010 at 19:06
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She is such a sweetheart…Lovely clicks
December 7, 2011 at 04:06
Yes, kindness and smiles are contagious. Lovely photos of the old town, Fi.
December 7, 2011 at 09:10