Acts of Kindness

I am very certain that each one of us has already received acts of kindness from others at some points in our lives. But we all know that it is impossible to remember each and every one of them. Luckily, there are some that are jammed wonderfully in our minds and hearts. Such acts make us smile whenever we remember them, and smile even more when we remember their respective doers. In my case, it is quite uncommon that someone will walk an extra mile for me. It is quite rare for people to literally climb the proverbial ivory tower and reach out to me. I know that people find me unapproachable. So why come anywhere near me, much less lend a hand?

Acts of kindness that I remember the most are those that I least expected, since I did not ask for them in the first place. But still, their doers went out of their way and dished out some sincere effort. When my Dad was confined at the Philippine Heart Center in 1998, a blockmate of mine in college who eventually became a barkada paid us a visit at the said hospital. I know that you are wondering what is so remarkable about it since patients being visited is as common as the sun rising every morning. Here is the catch: she came all the way from Los Baños, Laguna. Up to this day, I am very appreciative of her gesture. It is something that I will always treasure, and remember for as long as my brain cells are healthy. She is a true friend indeed.

It was in 2000 (I think) when I attended a dinner at a friend’s house somewhere in Quezon City. I cannot remember exactly what the occasion then was. Anyway, after a few hours I decided to bid them good bye as I cannot afford to stay deep into the night. So a college friend volunteered to drop me off at the village gate. So what was very noteworthy about it? On our way to the gate, I drove my car and he drove his car as well.  In other words, we made a two-car convoy as he escorted me until I got past the gate! I never really expected this from him since I knew anyway my way out of the village. Hats off to you man!

Unexpected gestures of kindness from people can make one’s heart swell with gladness and gratitude. What good have I done in the past to deserve such acts of kindness? Both are doing wonderfully abroad, Singapore and the US respectively, and have their own families to boot. Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with them and vice versa. May God continue to bless them and their families, for the rest of their lives.