We often overlook the little things. This week the idea of Random Acts of Kindness really made a lot of sense.
First I learned of Oliver Starr and his eulogizing Marc Orchant at the funeral for our fallen blogging comrade. Marc past away at a point in life that was way too early. Oliver has been the steady force of information and communications. That is a random act of kindness.
Next I checked into my regular hotel in Montpellier France, the Sofitel. A lot of things were ready for me, but the best Random Act was the hotel GM remembering how the outsourced laundry ruined a Tommy Bahama shirt last July, and when he learned I wasn’t reimbursed by the laundry, reimbursed me. That’s a random act of kindness.
Then there was the upgrade at the Hertz counter to a spanking new Mercedes 220 CDI. I admit I join all the premium member programs, but to get a Mercedes is always an emotional perk. The counter didn’t have to move me that far up in class, but the appreciate loyalty and by rewarding that, through Random Acts of Kindness like an uber upgrade shows how much they care.
My friends in Montpeyroux, the Fadats, who treat my wife and I like family, who hosted our wedding in July, and who always open their home to us. Sylvain and Deseree have active winemaker lives. On top of all that Deseree is a part time nurse at the local hospital. Crashing at the winery is always a party with friends, but it’s the families kindness and generosity that goes beyond the norm.
Lastly there is my wife, who took time away from her medical practice to go attend to my 86 year old mother in Philadelphia who needed some help this week. Her offer to go is another Random Act in my book. Some may call that duty, but I don’t. It is in my view the kind of act, like all the rest which is fostered by love and care.
So today..take a moment. Realize how fortunate you are, and do something random…to make someone know you care.