As parents (tired, wigged-out, sleep-deprived, frazzled and frustrated as we may seem) my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I continually try to teach our kids to, you know, do the right thing.
It's not easy.
Trust me — having been involuntarily drafted to the receiving side of some pretty crappy interceptions, from folks coincidentally resembling the wrong end of a horse — I know.
What, you too, isn't it ironic, totally stinks, too, right?
Still, every now and again, a person comes along, most likely when you least expect it and…WHAM!…reinforces the urge to become a lifelong member of the human race, through a random act of kindness.
Even a simple one, like, after complaining about the rash of winter storms, ripping the h-e-double-hockey sticks out of your beloved American flag (my father has flown one since as far back as I can remember…yes, THAT long) followed by a synopsis of your entire life's story (he can't help it; the man's a storytellah!) and, thinking that you've lost your audience, as she ducks out of the room and runs for cover, then, feeling a gentle tap on your shoulder and receiving the gift of a new flag, from a brand new friend.
That, my friends, will produce tears and make a man's face fold up and fall right in on itself.
"Thank you, SO MUCH!"
Personally, I find the sensation quite exhilarating, I hope it lasts!
You're turn: did you know May is National Military Appreciation Month? According to NMAM.org, there are at least a dozen easy ways to support our military, the easiest one being:
WHEN YOU SEE A PERSON IN A MILITARY UNIFORM, SHAKE THEIR HAND AND SAY, "THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY"
My kids and I did and, well, it felt AWESOME!!!
There are 27 more chances (including today) to thank a soldier and, don't worry, you STILL have plenty of time.
Go ahead, I'll wait.
© 2003 – 2011 This Full House
More Stuff We Like: Recharge Our Troops With the Help of Operation Gratitude
Comments
28 responses to “Because, Kindess Really DOES Matter”
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
OK, this made me tear up. What a sweet thing for someone to do.
And thank you for letting me know about Military Appreciation month. How did I miss that?
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
SUCH a great reminder.
I needs to find me a soldier to thank! 🙂
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
I live in a BIG military town. I will take every opportunity to thank our servicemen and women.
That was such a sweet gesture for your dad. Got me all verklempt.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.
Yes, the milk of human kindness doesn’t flow as much anymore, but when it does it can bring you to tears. What a nice thing for your dad.
I had no idea May was National Military Appreciation Month. Thanks for letting me know!
The first soldier I see, I will thank. It’s the least they deserve.