“It takes courage to be kind”. - Maya Angelou
About a year ago, I was living in Fort Walton Beach (FWB), Florida, in the cutest apartment. When I first moved in, I didn’t used to see many of the neighbors. But one day, I finally met the person who lived across from my apartment. Her name was Dawn, and she lived there with her husband of over 35 years. She was the sweetest and most kind, and I was grateful to have her as a neighbor.
Since the move to FWB occurred at the beginning of COVID, I always made sure to let Dawn know that if she needed me to go get her groceries or help with the trash, I could, so she wouldn’t be outside too much and have a higher risk of becoming sick. She often thanked me for making myself available to them, and why wouldn’t I? I felt like I was taking care of my grandparents, and I knew that they didn’t have any children of their own, so I became even more emotionally connected. Later on, I found out that she was helping another neighbor, Jeanie—a 100-year-old who lived by herself—with some chores, as she was at an even higher risk of becoming sick during the pandemic. When I met Jeanie, I was in awe of how strong, aware, and full of life she was. However, the emotional side of me got sad thinking about how she was alone during such a difficult time for the world.
One day, I heard a knock on my door. When I opened it, I saw that Dawn was in distress. She explained that Jeanie had fallen and needed assistance getting back up since she couldn't manage it alone. As we went downstairs, sweet Jeanie was on the floor, and we carefully helped her back onto her bed. Concerned about her health, Dawn assured me that her son was informed and might be coming down to stay with her.
As time passed, I noticed Dawn seemed a bit unwell, two weeks before I left for a trip. She assured me it wasn't COVID and would blow over soon. I urged her to take care of herself and her husband, knowing he was a bit sick too.
Upon my return, I saw Dawn going up the elevator and asked about their well-being. With tears in her eyes, she shared that he had become very sick (a combination of factors and COVID) and didn't make it. Stunned, I stood there, crying and offering comfort. I felt her pain as she had just lost her lifetime partner. After the news, I checked on her daily, ensuring she had everything she needed.
Following his funeral, I visited her, and she expressed her uncertainty about the future since they were never legally married. Financial constraints forced her to leave her home. Seeing her struggle, I became deeply concerned, witnessing her weight loss and signs of depression. She mentioned the need to move to Georgia to stay with her cousins but couldn't afford the movers' fee of nearly $3,000. Without giving it much thought, I immediately offered that my partner and I would help her pack and move. Honestly, I had no clue about what it would entail. In that moment, she expressed concern, stating that it would be too much of a burden for us and that we shouldn't. However, I insisted.
Within two weeks, my partner, two friends, and I packed everything in her house and storage room. It was heavy work, but worth every drop of sweat. We even had another neighbor help us move the boxes and pack. It was a true community effort—an act of genuine kindness and love for others. I could feel the stress of moving dissipating as she no longer needed to worry about significant expenses. When the time came to move, it was emotional for her to leave the place she had once shared with her beloved.
Until this day, I message her from time to time to check up on her. The few times I was able to catch her to speak, she would often be crying and reminiscing about the time with her husband. It saddened me to hear her voice in so much pain, but I wanted to continue letting her know that she is loved and that she did everything she possibly could. Sometimes, she doesn't answer the phone, and I wonder if talking to me reminds her of that painful time. Nevertheless, I still continue to check up on her, letting her know she is always in my thoughts and heart.
“To extend yourself in kindness to anybody is an extension in kindness in the world." - Oprah Winfrey
Today, I ask you to reflect on a time when you were kind to someone or someone was kind to you. Allow yourself to truly contemplate how acts of kindness can create a lasting impact in someone's life.
Refer to the following reflective questions for help:
Can you recall a specific instance when you extended kindness to someone? Describe the details and emotions surrounding that moment in your journal.
How did your act of kindness impact the person you were kind to, and how did it make you feel in return?
Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced in choosing kindness, and how did you navigate through them?
Reflect on whether this experience of kindness has influenced your perspective on empathy and compassion in your daily life.
Consider how journaling about this act of kindness has deepened your understanding of the connection between your actions and your emotional well-being.
If there is anything I have learned in this life, it is that kindness is an act of selflessness, rooted in love and compassion. Kindness heals, uplifts, and unites.
Thank you so much for reading this story. I hope it resonates with you, and I encourage you to continue spreading kindness in the world.
With love and gratitude, Dhayana Alejandrina.