Thursday, November 29, 2007

The Power of Love

Yesterday, at the bowling alley, something special happened.

I was able to show Fuzzy how kindness, and 'what goes around, comes around' or karma really means or or how it can manifest itself.

There is a great little snack bar that is a separately owned concession within the alley.  It is a family that works there, a mom probably about 50ish, and her two daughters, both married and in their mid to late twenties. 

The mom has always been kind of sour and gruff.  For years and years that we have been going there. 

Last year, with Fuzzy being in the bowling league every Saturday, we were there a lot.  The mom limps sometimes, and it is obvious that she has something chronic going on, which must be tough running a short order kitchen/restaurant.  And, heaven knows, I can relate to pain and working through it. 

All season long last year, I chatted and smiled to her, and mostly she never really engaged with me, just answered me quick, and kept her head down, no real smile or response, but it never stopped me.

The break I needed came when I saw that her daughter brought her grandson in to work as her husband had to work.  The daughter and I were chatting about his age and what-not.

The next week, I asked the mom about her grandson, as he wasn't there, and I finally got a genuine smile and little chat going.  What grandma can resist a moment to chat about her grandchild?  This was near the end of the league season, but from then on I would ask about the baby, and chat with the mom's and the daughter's. 

Even throughout the summer, when we went to practice bowling and eat some snacks, I kept up the chat.  Last week, the league started again, and I got a big smile when I went in, even though it had been a few months.

Yesterday, the mom was by herself, working the snack bar/cooking when Fuzzy and I went in.  We chatted about our town having a half day for conferences, and that her older daughter's kids conferences were last week.

I had my money out to pay up front, as they usually like that.  The place was empty, though, and she told me to wait until after.  Fuzzy also got an extra chicken finger with his meal, our french fries were overflowing, and we both got free refills of our drinks, which you usually don't get.  All with a smile, which was very nice.

Fuzzy was surprised, particularly about the free refills, and I told him.  'What goes around comes around in life'.  I explained how I had always been friendly and kind, and went out of my way to chat, and Fuzzy remembered that I had been.  'A smile and a few kind words go a long way', I told him, and they really do.

I could care less if I had never gotten a free refill, but it was an example of how smiles and kindness do go a long way. 

Maybe it's just my rose colored glasses, but I still believe one person can make a difference.  Even if it just in the lives of the few people you come in contact with in the world. 

Even if it is just a snack bar lady, or the parking valet, or the barista at Starbucks, whomever it may be...

Share your smiles, spread a little sunshine, a little happiness.  Maybe it will come back to you when you need it the most...

be well,
Dawn

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34 comments:

Anonymous said...

i think its awesome that you have made that lady feel a bit better and now you have a new friend. Hugs, lisa

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,
You're absolutely right ... what goes around, comes around.  I think people are like mirrors to a certain extent.  We reflect what we see.
Best,
Marty

Anonymous said...

How very nice.  That was a good lesson.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Great lesson. I'm happy the lady warmed up. Sounds like she wanted a friend all along.
Take care, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

so true you get money flies with honey than vinegar

Deb

Anonymous said...

you never know how much your kindness means
there is a custodian at school who is mean as hell, yelling at the kids, refusing to clean my room...I am storming her with love...so far no result...it may not make her feel any better, but it makes me feel better!
Love
Marti

Anonymous said...

new to "blogging"....picked yours and what a wonderful welcome to blogging...you are an inspiration and I love today's message.  I totally agree.  Kill them with kindness, it always makes me feel better.  My Mother always said, you never know what that person is going through.

Anonymous said...

this was nice to read. Have a great evening. (((((hugs))))))
Cindy

Anonymous said...

I believe too.  Linda

Anonymous said...

very nice story hun

Anonymous said...

Of course one person can make a difference. Very nice reminder here. --Cin

Anonymous said...

A smile is worth a thousand words of kindness.  Very nice story.
Pat

Anonymous said...

I so agree! Have always lived by "what goes around comes around", & "what you give out, comes back to you 10 fold".
I really believe that!!!
Sugar

Anonymous said...

That was great what you did.  I know for me I speak to people all the time and try to smile at them.  Because you never know what type of day someone else had.  Hugs.  Tish G.

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is good advice, for all most of us can really affect are those we come in contact with in our daily lives.  some may expand their audiences to include more, but that is usually not the case.  I find there are lots of people who need me to be kind to them, just around where I live.  So people are valuable weho can get through the day being kind (not mean) to the people they meet.  Gerry

Anonymous said...

((Dawn)) I knew that we were kindred spirits. I believe in people and always give the best I can. I loved that movie where they kept saying just pass it on. My Joe does that too, I've lost track of how many times he has stopped to help someone on the road, given a jump, helped a Mom get into her locked car ( with the baby inside!)frantic. I always tell him "oops another brownie point for heaven!" What does it hurt to smile, your smile might be the only smile that person gets all day. Loved this entry....love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

I agree with this so much.. and I believe too... I will admit I'm not always on the best behavior, but I do try.  
hugs
d

Anonymous said...

You know me -- I'm just *filled* with sunshine!  ;)

R

Anonymous said...

Love the puppies graphic and the Winter fun; you are so right about giving a smile and making a difference!!!!  It just takes a moment or two and can really change things for others.  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Never a truer word spoken Dawn Great entry and I am happy Things turned out great for you and the lady finally gave a smile away.They do make so much differance and cost nothing.Have a great Friday Prayers being said your pain stay away.Take Care God Bless Kath
astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES

Anonymous said...

What a GREAT lesson learned for your son and for all of us.
Thank you , for reminding me to smile more when out there in the world.
Praying for whatever is going on with you, that you find peace and  love  today and each day to come.
Hugs/love
Ellen

Anonymous said...

I do the same thing!  We had a really mean post man, but I warmed him up.  Now he always has a smile.
Missie

Anonymous said...

What a good story and thank you for sharing and that was very good lesson you taught your kid. So kudos to MOM!

Krama Krama.....Brenda

Anonymous said...

Amen to that......it is an effect that carries on with people....and a smile causes less wrinkles than a frown.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

Michele

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story and important lesson for Fuzzy.  This is what makes you such a wonderful person(inspira-joy-tional). Have yourself and family a great weekend.  And yes it is fun to get that free refill. :)
                                    Hugz,  Leigh

Anonymous said...

Great Story and exactly the kind of thing I would expect of and happen to you. It is always nice to show your good side to folks. You never know when the "good" will be repaid. Hope all is well for you folks. My Regards, Bill

Anonymous said...

I have caught up on your life in the last week!  Whew!  The kids' conversations were hilarious!  Now you need to fess up about what we are praying about.  You know I have to "help" God!  LOL
Traci

Anonymous said...

Sheesh Dawn ya sure know how to bring a lump to a guys throat! I agree with everything you have said and I try to live by that philosophy too.
Gaz xxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Aww..  Sweet story--your son will remember it for years to come-you will see. :)  Julie

Anonymous said...

Great idea!!! You sure do seem to be friendly...and a friends a great thing to have.Ever heard that old saying "A friend when in need, is a FRIEND INDEED! You are a great example! Love 2 U Sharon

Anonymous said...

I believe that Dawn...and I too, wear rose colored glasses!!  Forgive me, as I have just added you to my prayer list and request!!  Hugs & Strength My Friend, Irene

Anonymous said...

Love the story! :)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story Dawn! thank you!
love,nat

Anonymous said...

What a lovely entry for my dreary day!  I praise YOU for having the tenacity to keep on trying with this lady.  Most people would have blown her off long ago and figured she wasn't worth the little effort required.  Cheers to you!!  You are a kind & sweet person - rose colored glasses can be good!!!  :)
Lisa
http://journals.aol.com/wwfbison/life-on-a-bison-farm