No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. Ameila Earhart
Yesterday we went to Walmart (oh stop, it’s nearest store – as in a half hour away near). My dear husband decided to drop me at the door nearest the pharmacy to drop a prescription off while he drove to the other entrance to unload bottles and cans. A kind gesture – sometimes my back still aches from the surgery. Somehow; this kindness, as he pulled to the side of the drive as not to block traffic, sent some other husband (driving with his wife) into a fit of anger. He began cussing and waving at us as I got out of the car. He also backed up his vehicle after he passed because I think my husband might have responded. I was at that point, out of the car with my back to our car – door closed. This man began to personally berate me – I tried to apologize – to explain that it hurts sometimes to walk. He saw this apology as a sign of weakness, I guess, and escalated the screaming – telling me I should just stay at home, expletive, blah blah….
Okay, I tried kindness. I probably should have left it there – I do know better than to engage the village idiot.
But, I forgot and when feeling threatened find myself quite gifted (like a trucker in heat) with the ability to return in kind and up the ante. Maybe I thought I was still working and could summon a potential goon squad to stand behind me – I don’t know. I was possessed, the devil made me do it. I looked up into the truck – past the wifey – and said, “Why don’t you get off your fat ass and come out here – and you better bring it – or shut the F* up.” He looked shocked – ppfffffhhhhht, and drove off. I turned, threw my purse over my shoulder and proceeded into the store.
What the hell was I thinking? - - - - I dunno. I’m not going to sweat it.
Yesterday we went to Walmart (oh stop, it’s nearest store – as in a half hour away near). My dear husband decided to drop me at the door nearest the pharmacy to drop a prescription off while he drove to the other entrance to unload bottles and cans. A kind gesture – sometimes my back still aches from the surgery. Somehow; this kindness, as he pulled to the side of the drive as not to block traffic, sent some other husband (driving with his wife) into a fit of anger. He began cussing and waving at us as I got out of the car. He also backed up his vehicle after he passed because I think my husband might have responded. I was at that point, out of the car with my back to our car – door closed. This man began to personally berate me – I tried to apologize – to explain that it hurts sometimes to walk. He saw this apology as a sign of weakness, I guess, and escalated the screaming – telling me I should just stay at home, expletive, blah blah….
Okay, I tried kindness. I probably should have left it there – I do know better than to engage the village idiot.
But, I forgot and when feeling threatened find myself quite gifted (like a trucker in heat) with the ability to return in kind and up the ante. Maybe I thought I was still working and could summon a potential goon squad to stand behind me – I don’t know. I was possessed, the devil made me do it. I looked up into the truck – past the wifey – and said, “Why don’t you get off your fat ass and come out here – and you better bring it – or shut the F* up.” He looked shocked – ppfffffhhhhht, and drove off. I turned, threw my purse over my shoulder and proceeded into the store.
What the hell was I thinking? - - - - I dunno. I’m not going to sweat it.
Kindness usually works. It’s important to be kind to people. You never know how their day has been or how you might impact them by a moment of just doing the right thing. It’s not hard or difficult to smile at people, open a door and such. In fact, it’s down right contagious. Tomorrow, not as a penance or anything, I’m going to work harder on RAK’s. (Random Act’s of Kindness). I don't mind being a warrior princess once in awhile but on the whole I'd much rather be Gandhi.
2 comments:
I think even Ghandi might have been tempted to respond to the village idiot in this case ;)
P.S. I'm sorry you're in pain.
I think that was perfect... don't let those village hooligans talk bad to MY MOM! I'll make the drive and stalk the local Wally fart looking for that fool :)
Love you.
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