I enjoy writing about kindness, and I am happy when I can do a favor for a friend. Last week presented me with a unique opportunity to make a difference for someone.
It was a beautiful, hot, and sunny day, and I was driving in my C70 Volvo convertible. I stopped at the local pharmacy, and I my way in, I spoke to a pretty little older lady sitting on a cement block wall outside the pharmacy door. I played the lottery, spoke with a friend, and walked back outside. The little lady was still there. Our conversation went like this:
"Hi. You are still here. Are you waiting for a ride?"
"I'm not sure. I may have called Lyft, but my phone died, so I am not sure."
"Hmmm. That's a problem. Where do you live?"
"In Westview."
"Hop in. I will be happy to take you home."
And with that short conversation, I put her walker in my back seat and strapped my new friend into the front seat, and off we went.
We had a nice conversation on the way to her house. She moved to Pittsburgh from Florida, had some health issues, and talked about her 5 sons and 13 grandchildren. She enjoyed the sun on her face and loved the ride. She had given up her own car, so it was great to be able to ride in a convertible. When we got to her house, she asked if I wanted to have lunch sometime. I immediately said "Yes!" I gave her my business card, and she gave me her name and phone number. I felt good that I helped her by getting her home. I smiled most of the evening!
Fast forward to this week, and I received a text message from my new friend Mimi. Could we meet for lunch this week - her treat? We did meet for lunch on Tuesday, and I also had the chance to meet and spend time with her lovely daughter-in-law. As the three of us chatted, I felt like I was catching up with old friends, with no awkwardness of making new friends . Who knew that one ride in a convertible would turn into two new friends?
Some observations:
Kindness benefits both the receiver and the giver.
Kindness makes our world a better place.
Kindness feels good.
Kindness brings smiles.
Kindness matters. Every day. And one small act of kindness has a long-lasting ripple effect.
I hope someone is kind to you today, and that you are kind to others.
"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.Kindness that catches us by surprise brings out the best in our natures." Bob Kerrey
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
