The power of story and kindness

My mother taught me the ǰ̣power of kindness. Is it possible she t⁶old me as a kid to be kind to people. If she did, I don’t remember the conversation.. this lesson was taught through years of example.

So what is the power? I have to go to my second point to explain the first. There is great power in stories. You see, I will tell you stories of how my mother’s kindness affected people, and her and then you will understand the power of kindness through the power of story, that’s how it works.

My mother lived in a memory care unit, the last 4 years of her life. I saw her over and over again tell people who came into the room how beautiful and specials they were.
Workers in the memory care unit would tell me when they were having  a bad day they would go to my mom’s room so they would feel better. There is the power right there. The workers felt better in my mom’s presence because she was kind to them and by golly, my mom got better service than many of the other residents.

My mother told me stories of how her mother used to feed people who came to her door. during the1930s  depression. My mom shared bathroom space and food at the kitchen table with people who needed some help. This is where my mom learned the power of kindness.

On my trip I am currently experiencing this power of story and kindness. I showed up at the house of my friends, parents. If they have met me before, they don’t remember. They prepared a room for me, cooked me meals and generosity took care of the many needs i had as a soaking wet bicyclists showing up at their door. They were excited to see me and wanted to hear my stories of the road.

Another woman in Chicago opened up her apartment near lincoln park Chicago for me to stay in while she was on vacation. She invited her friend, who had gone coast to coast biking himself to her place to meet me. I met this woman on a previous bike trip and I know that she is following my story on this blog. She figured I might need a place to stay in chicago and it worked out for her.

I know that people are excited to hear about my trip, especially when they are hosting me. Many of the people who hosted to me, have really gone out of their way do you take care of me.