“Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone.
Kindness in another’s trouble,
Courage in your own.”
-Adam Lindsay Gordon
It’s amazing how easily one can gauge kindness in another. Just observe their treatment of the restaurant server. Or the grocery bagger. How ’bout the toll collector? On the surface, kindness appears to be disappearing from planet earth.
Jon and I enjoy David Wilcox , been to several of his concerts through the years. David’s chock full of poignant, insightful thoughts and monologue. (And a few tricky guitar chords.)
Here’s a song of his we love: Kindness. Give it a listen.
Kindness by David Wilcox
“I love your sense of humor
I love to see you smile
I love your sense of balance
I love your sense of time.
I love your music in the morning
Your rhythm in the night
But it’s your kindness
That shines so bright.
Yes, I love your beauty
I love your sexy moves
But more I love your honesty
You always tell the truth.
Yes, I love your wisdom
Your knowledge of the past
Your willingness to listen
Your taste for what will last.
I love your compassion for the suffering
And your solid happiness
But it’s your kindness
That I love best
I love your vision of the future
Your hope that never dies
But it’s your kindness
That clears my skies”
There’s just something so innately attractive, magnetic about kindness…
I’ve been thinking a great deal about it lately because my little Hudson is the beneficiary of so much kindness. Practically makes my heart ache, eyes mist. (Hudson’s my youngest, w/Down syndrome). And because I get to be Hudson’s mom, I experience the kindness vicariously. There’s just something deeply moving watching people love other people. All kinds of people.
Want to truly love someone? Love their children. Those precious little ones they tenderly carried, brought into the world. Nursed, kissed, cuddled, diapered, rocked, nurtured. Loved on and wept over. Simply love their children. That’s how I feel anyway.
Thought I’d share a few of the beautiful kindnesses I’ve witnessed along Hudson’s journey …
Story time with Mr. Doug…
Smiling at five months with Miss Dianne…
Swinging with Miss Nellie…
First steps with big brothers…
Jammin’ to Christina’s funky chords in music therapy…
Hangin’ in new skinny jeans from Auntie Sheryl…
Anticipating the big one from Jonathan…
Crawling through Susanne’s tunnels at physical therapy…
Snuggles with Dad and Charlie on a chilly day…
I love your compassion for the suffering
And your solid happiness
But it’s your kindness, that I love best
To all you kindness angels out there: it’s your kindness, that I love best.
Kindness. Hudson, he swims in it. Everyday. From the cheerful white-haired school bus monitor he adores. From his pre-school teachers. From the cashier, that smiley-face orange “paid” sticker she draws for him. From aunts and uncles. Friends and brothers. Cousins, grandparents, therapists. Hudson’s a blessed little boy, making me one blessed mama.
Kindness is alive today, even thriving. And we get to experience it, every single day. So blessed are we.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” -Mark Twain
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Susie says
<3 <3 <3 this one!!
Susie says
Those were supposed to be hearts, but it didn’t quite work out that way, heehee!
Aunt pinkie says
Love it. Our Auntie ( pronounced aun-tee) was such an example of loving kindness -she always had something positive to tell you which made you feel Soooo good! She left us with everyone loving her! A Good example for us all! Am so glad that Hudson draws so much kindness from others!
Barbara Child says
Such precious pictures of love in action! Another wonderful reminder for all of us to show kindness and love.
Susan says
So true!! Thank you Allie.
Christy says
It was lovely to hear a song in your post today. Beautiful music and words. When I was pregnant , kindness at the core is what I prayed for God to grant Luke. Your quote at the beginning of your post reminded me of a central theme from the new movie Cinderella. Her mom taught her to live by this philosophy: “Have courage and be kind.” It is a wonderful practice to teach and way to live! Thanks for a timely reminder.
Tracy says
We learn so much from you Allie! Love, love those beautiful pictures. Makes me smile
Jen says
Love that quote…the song(So glad to be introduced to David Wilcox!)…the precious pictures…you!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Hudson is truly blessed. And in return it looks like everyone who knows him is blessed.
Michelle Baxter yesdearblog.com says
Allie – Where do I begin! I’ve been witness to this so many times over the years with our Annie! She just brings it out of people! I’d love to meet your Hudson someday! I adore him already
Michelle Baxter yesdearblog.com says
Oops! Not all of my comment posted – I meant for it to say, I adore him already! Beautiful post from a beautiful mommy! XO!
Linda Jenkns says
Thank you, Allie. Your words ring true, especially today. I am sitting in my mom’s room at the hospice house, amazed by the kindness and generosity of those ministering to my mother in her final hours. And then doing the very same thing for me and the other members of my family. Kindness is, indeed, alive and well. How grateful I am that it is.
Denise says
Thank you for sharing the David Wilcox song. I’ve heard of him but had never heard him before . What a beautiful song! As for Hudson, his smile just makes me melt.
Laura Cook says
ALWAYS BLESSED BY YOUR TRUTHS, ALLIE. THANK YOU. AND SUCH A POIGNANT REMINDER FOR ME TO TAKE THE TIME TO BE KIND.
Leslie says
Aww. Cute jeans from Sheryl…pronounced ant-eee Sheryl (saw you aun-tee’s note ).
But I must say the necklace she is sporting that she bought from LittleGemsUSA is making me proud too.