When you meet kindness head on, consider yourself lucky.
On our way home from a long overdue visit with our grandchildren, we stopped for dinner at an Applebee’s, our first dinner in a restaurant in over a year. Our server was Tanya. She was delightful, funny, and it was easy to strike up a conversation. How do conversations evolve into something personal? I can’t put my finger on it. Tanya certainly didn’t share her life… but then again she did.
We talked about Covid and masks, how Applebee’s had kept their food service going, and if she had been able to keep working through the pandemic. We talked about our trip and grandchildren and children. I told her that I taught preschool. Hubby asked if she had children- a casual question.
Her answer was not so casual, and one of the most inspiring stories both of us have heard.
Tanya was seeing another man. He had been married, and he had two children. Their mother was tragically hit by a car on the way to the dentist, and she was killed. Without hesitating on what to do, she did the right thing, the kind thing. She took in those two kids. They were 12 and 14 years old. The dad was in and out of the picture.
”How did the children feel?”
“They hated me, especially the girl… until I did her hair for her mother’s funeral. Now they love me.”
She held back tears. I did, too.
”Then, their father died. They stayed with me. They’re wonderful kids. One of them works here.”
”Really?”
”Yes. She’s right over there.”
”Can I meet her?”
So Tanya went to get her, proudly calling her ‘her daughter’. I had the pleasure of telling her what a wonderful human being her ‘new mother’ is. I shook the girl’s hand and looked directly into her eyes. Was it awkward? Yes, a little. But, I wish everyone could be told by a stranger, in a restaurant, that their mom is one of the best, and that kindness matters.
Kindness is at the root of becoming a good person and a good citizen. It’s what I teach my preschoolers in many different ways. It’s the most important thing I teach children.
I’m lucky that I met kindness, head on. Thank you, Tanya.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This gave me chills, I loved it so much
I’m so glad, Beth. Thank you!
Lovely story Jennie, yes kindness is everything.
Indeed it is. Thank you, FR.
Your story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes – tears of sadness and tears of joy. How lucky were those children to have Tanya in their lives.
I felt exactly the same way. Who knew I would randomly bump into this wonderful person. Yes, those children are very lucky!
We never know who we may meet and how our lives may intersect, changing us forever.
Exactly!
Wow, what a story. I have tears in my eyes too. ❤️
I’m so glad, Alethea. Thank you! 🥰
❤️🤗
I firmly believe that the universe nudges us in the direction we need to go. It doesn’t always work. Not all people are capable or kind enough to understand. But I do believe…
I believe that, too!
There are Truly some kind, compassionate humans out there…and it’s fantastic meeting one of them so randomly….😊😊💟💟
It really is. I feel lucky.
How lovely! Xxx
Made my day!
I’ll bet!
😀
I can’t get my cereal down for the lump in my throat is too big, and the tears are welling up in my eyes…WOW! That’s a wonderfully moving story and inspiration. Tanya is pretty special, and we’re blessed to have learned another wonderful lesson ourselves through your telling us the story of kindness. I hope I can carry this lesson forever and put it into practice multiple times a day. 🥰
Thank you, Deborah. I was equally moved. When she told me about doing the daughter’s hair for her mother’s funeral…. oh my! Like you, these people are the ones who remind me to put kindness into practice.
🥰
Wonderful story, Jenny, thank you for sharing with us.
Like you I believe totally in kindness. Deep inside I believe we all respond.
Miriam
Thank you, Miriam. I think these people keep the kindness chain going.
What did you mean when you said “Tanya was seeing another man”? Was Tanya married?
No, but he was, even though he wasn’t really part of the children’s lives.
Oh dear. Reality check.
🙂
Sometimes, fate draws you together with the right person, at just the right time, even during a stop in a restaurant. Tanya was lucky to be serving you that day, and you were equally lucky to meet her, and to be able to tell her inspiring story.
Best wishes, Pete.
That’s exactly how it was. Best to you, Pete.
Now that’s a LOVE STORY! ❤ Thanks so much for sharing, Jennie. xo
Beautiful story Jennie and a timely reminder of the goodness in the human race.
Thank you, Kim. We all need to come across kindness, as it inspires us to do the same. A kindness chain, so to speak.
I love stories such as this one, Jennie. It is a reminder to me how we can connect with strangers simply over conversations with things that all people can relate to. Acts of kindness bring us all together and inspire us to be that way.
I love these stories too, Pete. And to lucky enough to be part of one was an experience I won’t forget. Kindness inspires even more kindness.
How beautiful that two kindred souls met and Tanya told her story to you what a wonderfully kind human being Tanya is just like you Jennie…A truly heartwarming tale 🙂 x
Thank you, Carol. It was such a random meeting, clearly meant to be.
Absolutely it does seem as if it was, Jennie…
😀
I love how North Americans are willing to open up to others. This is such a wonderful, heartwarming story. Kindness is everything. xo
Hear, hear! Thank you, Darlene.
Wow! THAT is an extraordinary tale of generosity and steadfastness. Thank you for sharing this tale of an extraordinary Tanya! ps: I bet YOUR kindness and authentic curiosity, Jennie, elicit these amazing life stories on a regular basis as you move through the world….
I’ve often thought about those reasons, my purpose as I move through the world. Is it teaching children, or is it telling stories that happen, or is it writing about moments of goodness? Perhaps I’m a small link in the chain of kindness, and it grows through teaching and storytelling and writing. Perhaps. At least I got to meet ‘the real deal’ of kindness. Best to you, Will.
Our world is full of such people and it is sad that so much air space is filled with vitriol and conflict. A quiet heroine just doing what life laid in her path.
Well said!
My goodness, Jennie, what a story. Tanya is certainly a special person.
She is, John. How lucky that I happened to stumble onto her path.
You are so open to others it is more like a march than a stumble. 😁
I love how you said that, John. I think you’re right on. Thank you.
😁
Wow, what an powerful story! Kindness matters.
Thank you, Shoes. Yes, it does!
That’s a lovely story, Jennie and Tanya is an amazing person.
Yes, and yes. Thank you, Dan.
LOVE THIS
Thank you, Flower. 🙂
Such a wonderful story, Jennie. I think the two of you were destined to meet. So nice of you to let her tell her story. We all need kind listeners.
She is kindness, I’m just the messenger. Thank you, Steve.
Jennie, how do I prit a story I’ve written? I’m trying to print a draft but can’t find an option. Do I have to publish it first? Any ideas?
Do you mean how do you print one of your blog posts? If you go to the bottom of the post (the published version) where the comments begin, there is a ‘print’ key. I don’t think you can print a draft. I wonder… if you email that draft to yourself perhaps you can print out the email. Worth a try.
Thanks. I’ve tried it with no success. I’m sure it’s OE, Oper Error. Have a great day, Jennie.
I have also tried with no success, but that was a while ago. ☹️
Have you done a live chat with the Happiness Engineers?
I worked around it. No, but I will.
You are like a kindness magnet. I’ll bet you made both mom and daughter of the heart’s day. To be acknowledged for going the extra mile is a big thing. You never cease to amaze.
I love how you say what you say, Marlene. Thanks so much! 🥰
My mind is a very strange place but my heart is always full of love. 😉
Mine, too. I wish my mind said the words you always say. 🥰
Makes me think of the quote- ” no act of kindness however small is ever wasted.”
Thank you
One of my favorites. Thank you.
Chills down my spine
Amazing
Thank you.
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Sounds Good with great words 😊😊
Thank you.
Jennie, I got it, in a round about way. Now, I can add a note and mail it. Yes, I had to publish it first. Thanks, Jennie.
Yes, you can always print once it is published. Best to you, Steve. Glad you worked things out. Best to you!
The read deal for sure, Jennie. What a tragic and uplifting story. Kindness is a superpower that we all possess if we choose to use it. ❤
Well said, Diana. Thank you!
What a wonderful, inspirational post, Jennie! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Kindness is so very important. Hugs on the wing!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Teagan. Hugs!
Many many thanks for sharing the story. It’s truly magical. Kindness can do wonders. Also can’t help saying this – even the little acts of kindness have the potential to boomerang to you in unexpected, but wonderful ways. 🙂
Exactly! Thank you. 🙂
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Thank you.
I so appreciate it when someone shares a story that restores my faith in human nature.
I’m glad the story did that, Liz. You can imagine how my faith in human nature soared after my chance meeting with Tanya.
Absolutely!
🙂
Inspiring! A true example of we don’t know what struggles and hardships strangers go through so the best thing to do is be kind to every living being!
Exactly! And, thank you.
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Thank you.
What a heart touching story, full of kindness and love for humans. Lets wish Tanya and her children all the best! Thank you for sharing, Jennie! xx Michael
It was a random moment I will never forget. Kindness makes a big difference. Cheers to Tanya and the children!
Loved the story
Thank you.
My pleasure
A very heart touching incident. Tanya is a true ambassador of kindness.
She is, indeed. Thank you!
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Thank you.
I loved this story. It’s obvious the universe brought those kids to Tanya. ❤
I think so, too. Thank you, Debby. 🥰
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Thank you.
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Thank you.
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Thank you!
That’s a nice piece here. It’s good to be kind to everyone we meet. Thanks for this
Thank you.
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Gosh, that’s intense and such an inspiration. Hats off to her.
I felt exactly the same way. Thank you.
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