Kindness

by Donna Hruska

Some years ago, I was very ill and could only be on my feet for five minutes at a time. Many people called. Almost without exception they closed the conversation with “If there is anything I can do, let me know.” They were sincere in their offers, but I hesitated to call. I didn’t want to bother them.

One caller was different. She was a woman whom I knew through a club I belonged to, but rarely saw otherwise. “I haven’t time to talk,” she said, “but don’t worry about dinner.” With that, she hung up. I was somewhat bewildered, but decided to take her advice.

At precisely five o’clock that afternoon, she rang my doorbell to present us with a complete meal for our family of five–potato and ham casserole, salad, creamed peas and homemade bread!

“Joanne will be here tomorrow at the same time,” she said, rushing off almost before we could thank her. For more than a week, this woman and her next door neighbor, whom I had met only a few times, brought laden trays every day at the same time, without ever expecting thanks or reward. They taught me a valuable lesson. People will not ask for help though they may need it. If you sincerely want to serve, you must act, not offer.