At this terrible time we are given pause to remember the many good Samaritans who have touched our lives with their selfless kindness and the power of their caring. One simple kindness shown by a friend has had positive repercussions that have lasted for years and still go on today.
Some years ago my father was facing urgent and serious surgery in Australia. At the time I was a solo Mum with two small children and not much in the way of income and even less in respect of financial resources. I desperately wanted to see my Dad and spend what time I could with him but there was no way I could find to make this happen.
A dear friend dropped in for coffee a few days before the scheduled operation and asked why I was looking so sad. When I explained, he immediately said that he would take care of it. Later that day he returned with plane tickets, not only for me but for both my children as well. I was overwhelmed and felt that I wouldn’t ever be able to repay him for his gift.
Shrugging off my protests, he told me that his charity came with one condition only: he would not accept repayment, but at some time in the future I was to pay this assistance forward and help someone else who was in need.
My children and I have never forgotten this expression of human kindness and in different ways we have all sought to honour his generosity by being there for others and lending a hand in a range of ways and at a variety of costs. When we do this we consciously bring to mind our thanks for our valued friend and benefactor and the solemn promise we made to him.
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