“It is helpful to remember that sometimes the most powerful medicine we can offer for suffering of any kind is simply kindness. It says: ‘You’re not alone. I see you. I hear you. I am with you.’ Even if it’s only for a moment or a day, that sense of genuine connection can change the trajectory of a life.”
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
The above quote resonated with me. I remember, many years ago, that I celebrated one Christmas by inviting people who would otherwise be alone for that day over to my place for a pot luck Christmas dinner.
Christmas Eve I got on a bus on my way home from some last minute shopping. As I stepped up onto the bus I bumped into Richard, an acquaintance who I didn’t know very well. I did know, however, that he had no family in town, so I asked him if he wanted to join us for Christmas dinner the next day. He said yes. Christmas day was wonderful with all of us together sharing good food, lively conversation, and much laughter. A number of the people were musicians so it wasn’t long before we had a jam session happening. One of the guests brought out a guitar and Richard joined in with his mandolin as we all sang into the night.
Much later I again bumped into Richard. He wanted to tell me something. He said that I had no idea how much it had meant to him that I had invited him to Christmas dinner that evening so many months ago. He then proceeded to tell me that he had been very sick when I had invited him to our Christmas celebration. He had just found out that his kidneys were failing and he had been horribly depressed. My invitation had meant the world to him. Richard has since died, but this special memory of him, and of that night, will live on in my heart forever.
One never knows what the effect of a simple act of kindness will be on another.
Imprints We Make 
What a beautiful story. It’s true that we never know how impactful our actions can be. Sometimes, the smallest moment of kindness can change a life for the better. Thank you for sharing this!
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Thank you and you’re welcome. What you say is so true. When Richard shared his thoughts and feelings about what my invitation had meant to him, not only did my heart go out to him, but it really hit home that we really don’t always know the impact of an act of kindness. I will never forget Richard. May he rest in peace.
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Reading this makes me think I should write about Frankie. Also acts of kindness
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I would be interested in reading about Frankie. Acts of kindness are wonderful to read about.
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You can find Frankie’s story here
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By the way, I did go to the link you gave me. What a lovely story. Thank you for that.
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🌹❤️
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A lovely story. We always used to fill our house with people who were lonely at Christmas, though we can’t do it now.
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Shared this one. We could really use a lot more kindness now
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Thank you. I’m touched by your action. I feel that you just showed me kindness with your sharing this post. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your posting this opened up someone else’s heart and maybe encouraged them to approach their lives always trying to come from a place of kindness. I agree with you completely that our world really could use more kindness right now. I wish for you a wonderful day! Maureen C. ❤
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