In Honor of World Kindness Day

Genuine kindness, to me, is about being aware. There are opportunities in just about every situation to give that little extra effort and do something kind. But, usually, we are just too darn busy to see them. I am not talking about huge, altruistic acts that may leave the receiver suspicious of your intentions (though these are great too if you are able to help in a major way), but simple things like holding the door open for someone, smiling or saying "Thank You." Maybe it will be appreciated and maybe not. But if you make this a habit, it might be contagious and cause a kindness epidemic. That is a good thing in my book! Click the Read more below

Okay, this was an exciting week for me as I practiced intentional and random acts of kindness each day. The theme of my blog is kindness, and I was looking forward to sharing specific acts of kindness, this week in particular, not only on my blog but with Bloggers Unite in celebration of Kindness Week. But I decided today that instead of blogging about my week, which may sound boastful and takes away from the point, I want to shine the spotlight on some of the kind hearts on this wonderful planet of ours. In times of crisis the best examples of human compassion comes through in most people — family, community, & even strangers.

Over this past Labor Day weekend, my niece and her family were heading home from San Antonio to Oklahoma City, when she had a a blow out of the left front tire which caused her to lose control of the car, catch the drop off edge of the road and flip four times. Her 11 year old daughter, Angelica, was thrown from the car through the passenger’s window severing her spinal cord. She has been undergoing extensive cognitive and physical therapy since the accident, but is permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

Angelica, known for always having a smile, has new needs now. The family's situation calls for a new vehicle that fits two adults and four kids plus the wheelchair, alterations done to their home making it wheelchair accessible, and help paying for medical supplies and expenses.

In the holiday season of gratitude, I am grateful to The Children's Center in Bethany, Oklahoma, (I'm told by my family that Angel has received excellent care there), KFOR Channel 4 News, and all the support she has and will continue to receive from individuals. Nothing brings one to his knees like that of a child suffering. Angel's accident has left many people asking, "What more can I do to help assist? ", while offering a helping hand. A thoughtful group of people can change a life, and a world.

Log on to BloggersUnite if you would like to participate in World Kindness Day or simply enjoy the read. And here is also a link to Angel's story.

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-girls-survival-story,0,7848734....