I've been thinking a lot about the world today and how different it is from the world when I grew up. This leads me to consider my upbringing and my parents. My parents always taught me and my sister to be kind...to everyone. They taught us this lesson with their actions more than anything. We watched them. We noticed. We followed.
I'm grateful to my mom and my dad for teaching us this valuable lesson.
This world needs kindness more than ever. Today would have been my dad's seventy-first birthday. He died almost eleven years ago. It's important to me to remember my dad and to honor him on his birthday.
Last year, I assigned special "Dad Homework". It was ice cream for all. That was certainly a hit! You can read about it here. This year, I want to go bigger. My original idea was to complete 71 acts of kindness. Immediately, I panicked! How could I do that and keep track of it? That's when it hit me...I don't have to do it alone.
This is where you come in. Will you do one random act of kindness to honor the memory of my dad? Hold the door for someone. Smile. Treat someone to a coffee. Let someone cut in front of you in traffic. Anything. And, if possible, could you share your story here? I'd love it if I could collect seventy-one acts of kindness.
Share this blog post. Share the request. How far can we make this go? The world changes each time we show kindness...and go ahead, have some ice cream too, it was Dad's favorite!
Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you so much!
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
I love this challenge and that you're spreading kindness to honor your dad. I have been thinking about kindness in light of my mother-in-law, who's in hospice care and about to leave us any moment. There is little to do for her now at the end, except holding her hand or stroking her hair - when I did this, she murmured, "That feels so good." The power of touch is so vitally important. I will get back to you later today with a kindness to help commemorate your dad - honoring those who've gone is also vitally important. It comprises a good bit of my writing.
ReplyDeleteTears are brimming as I write this. What a beautiful way to honor your dad, Michelle. The world needs more people who think the way you do. Count me in! I hope to come back and share my act of kindness later.
ReplyDeleteDone. Great idea. What a wonderful way honor your father.
ReplyDeleteKevin
What a great idea! I am home alone now, but you have me thinking what my small kindness can be tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful idea, Michelle. I know your dad is watching and smiling!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing post. I have happily added a tile to your wall in honor of your father. What a wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteLovely idea - I've added a tile.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to honor your father. My guess is you will surpass 71.
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful photos... and so many acts of kindness (on that Padlet) in loving memory of a special man.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing you with your dad. So young! Your idea is absolutely perfect. I will share!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing way to honor your dad. I'm in.
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