And so it was, on the eve of Kindness Day, that it hit me. As we scrambled around our nearby streets in the chill and darkness, leaving silly hats, and reminders of kindness for our small community to awaken to, I thought to myself, "Heller would have LOVED this!"
Shoes.
Just say the word and see what happens.
For some, we begin reaching for our credit cards right away. For others, we don't even give them a moment's thought--we simply know they are there and we will put them on each morning before we begin the day.
When was the last time you counted the number of shoes in your closet? How many do you think are there? One pair? Ten? A number higher than all of your fingers and toes?
Now, imagine if your answer was "none." There are so many in the world who could give this answer. They are walking barefoot, because they lack the resources to simply put shoes on their feet.
Today's kindness idea: When slipping off your shoes at the end of the day, take a moment to slip into your closet and pull out those gently worn shoes you haven't used in a while. Locate a shoe donation location, and drop them in. What a difference you can make delivering kindness from the sole.
Do it!
Heller knew this! Everyone deserves kindness. For some, kindness is an action, a grand gesture, a need satisfied. For others, kindness is a word, a smile, a simple acknowledgment.
Heller knew how to deliver kindness in many ways. Mommy needed a break, so Heller would read to his little brother for a while. Daddy needed Spongebob to NOT be on the television, so Heller would change the channel, when Daddy came home, to something they both enjoyed. Jenny needed a laugh, so Heller would offer up his "How do we know you are REALLY Heller dance," with signature moves that only Heller could deliver.
He "dinked" with his Mapa, endured the "broken hug machine" with his Aee, offered up "jelly" for his Papa, and "let" his Uncle Tommy win at basket ball.
Heller knew that one of his favorite teachers loved the color purple. When planting flowers in our yard, Heller would select a particularly bright, purple annual out of our arrangement to take to school the next day. He was quick to hug, happy to help, and full of kind things to say to his friends.
Everyone has a kindness need. Find it. Fulfill it. Whatever it takes!
(In case you are wondering, my need is to know that you have stopped by. I would love to hear about your suggestions for Kindness Day on December 22nd. Please leave a comment, email BecauseofHeller@aol.com, or share with us on Facebook.)
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas.
Heller,
You will always be my "hippo." I will never stop wishing for you.
Love, Mommy
Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold
How do you measure its worth?
Just by the pleasure it gives here on earth.
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Mean so much more when I see
Silver and gold decorations
On ev'ry Christmas tree.
“I get to read books to little children who cannot read!” Heller told me when he came home from school one day. The electricity that radiated his smile could have lit a thousand Christmas trees.
To have a child who loved to read like Heller was a privilege. To listen to Heller read, with beautiful intonation and expression that made the book come alive, was pure joy. But, to see the enthusiasm Heller exhibited because of his ability to share his love and talent for reading with others; that was sheer bliss.
Heller shared his gift for reading with his family too. He enjoyed sharing his stories with his sister, Jenny, and he enjoyed reading to his baby brother, Nicholas.
Walt Disney once said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” I agree.
Often, when we think of delivering acts of kindness, we think of giving of gifts—gifts of food, acts of service, and our time. Reading aloud to someone (whether a child, someone who is blind, the elderly, or even those who can read, but would benefit from your time and attention) is a gift. It feeds the hungry mind, creates lasting bonds and memories, and develops relationships. In addition, donating books to those who cannot afford their own is also a wonderful gift of kindness.
Last year, on December 22nd, several families donated books to those in need. It warmed my heart to receive letters from many individuals who were so very appreciative of this kind act.
Today’s Kindness Reminder: Kindness can be delivered through the gift of books and reading.
December 2nd is here--ready or not. For many, this is a time of celebration and joy. For many others, it is a period of chaotic activity. Between working, shopping, decorating, entertaining, and maintaining a budget, emotional stress runs high.
For me, December brings a time of reflection. I tread carefully into the season. I never know when those powerless feelings of loss and anxiety will overwhelm me. I could be eyebrow high in decorations, whistling along to the latest holiday jingle, the smell of cookie dough in the air, when out of nowhere, those feelings engulf me.
I know that I am not alone.
Even before I lost my sunshine, there were burdens. Everyone carries at least a few.
This year, someone suffered a loss—a job, a loved one, a beloved pet, or even a familiar social environment (as in having moved away from home); someone is hungry; someone is sick; someone needs forgiveness; someone is homeless; someone is sad, angry, or bitter; someone is lonely.
Perhaps your burdens are light, or perhaps they are heavy, but you know that by taking on a few more of someone else’s, you will need to set aside a few of yours, and that is comforting.
Whatever your case may be, today’s kindness reminder is:
To carry the burden of another, that is kindness.
Heller loved our game. I can still hear him in my heart, laughing each time his bear nose clicked with mine. The magnets, secretly hidden within the snout of these lovebird bears ensured that their kisses would hold tightly together—at least until a greater force pulled them apart.
I tilted my bear side to side, pretending to create a serious dialogue with Heller’s bear. “So, as I was saying,” I would begin, “I want to share an important message with…” Before I could finish, Heller would press his bear into mine and the lips would lock. My bear was rendered speechless. Of course, my bear would object, as a woman with something to say would, but Heller would just laugh and laugh.
Oh that laughter…
It wasn’t until just last year that I noticed the bear noses formed a heart. I imagine I was too enchanted by my own heart, standing before me with his twinkling eyes full of mischief and delight, to notice.
For the last two years, each time I pulled out our bears, to begin our holiday decorating, I longed for our game. I longed for my little boy and his laughter. But, each time those lips lock together, I know the kiss is a kiss from Heller.
This year, I am able to share the game with Nicholas, Heller’s brother, who is now old enough to understand. I explained to him that our game came from Heller. He understands that too.
Today’s Kindness Reminder:
Play with your children. Make them laugh. Show them your heart, and let them show you theirs. There is no greater force that can ever pull that away!
Joyce with her grandson and mine, Heller.
On kindness, Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
