Remembering to pass it on

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

Have you had a kindness shown?

Pass it on!

Let it travel down the years,

Let it wipe another’s tears,

‘Till in Heaven the deed appears-

Pass it on!”

-- HENRY BURTON

“Simply give others a bit of yourself; a thoughtful act, a helpful

idea, a word appreciation, a lift over a rough spot, a sense of

understanding, a timely suggestion. You take something out of your

mind, garnished in kindness out of your heart, and put it into the

other fellow’s mind and heart.”

-- CHARLES H. BURR

Years ago, I remember seeing cars with the bumper sticker that

read, “Practice random acts of kindness.” I haven’t seen that written

on cars so much lately, but I’m glad to say that I have seen acts of

kindness shown in many ways.

Two weeks ago, my father and I met for lunch at Marie Callender’s.

We walked past a booth and recognized a friend of ours named

Christina, who was there with a co-worker. We talked briefly and my

dad suggested they try the peach pie for dessert. They smiled,

thanked him for the advice and we went our different ways.

My father and I enjoyed our lunch and conversation, and just as we

were about to leave, our waitress came with two pieces of peach pie

and told us someone else paid for them. We both knew that it was

Christina, and her gesture was even sweeter than the pie.

Last week, I talked with a friend of mine named Leslie and part of

the conversation led to cooking. We had met a group of friends for

coffee and muffins and we were near a market. Before we left our

little reunion, Leslie gave me a jar of spice and directions about

how to use it to make great meals. I really appreciated the surprise

gift and realized how much the kindness meant to me.

Later that day, I saw another young man and passed on to him a

compliment I’d heard about him from someone else.

“You just made my day,” he said.

Then I realized that I had almost not passed on what I’d heard,

but when I did, it meant the world to this young man.

I also have wonderful friends who are doctors, and both of them

have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help a relative who is

going through a difficult time. They have both helped to put their

relative in touch with the best people they can to help with the

situation, and they won’t accept any payment.

I have also witnessed neighbors helping one another, whether it is

helping with lemonade stands or watching children. I realize the

privilege and responsibility of praying for one another, and I am so

thankful for all those treasured people who have prayed for me. I

realize that there is always time to be kind.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.