The Unbound Power of Kindness
Friday Story
In the midst of a heavy diagnosis weighing on my mind, I walked through the parking lot lost in my thoughts. The weight of delivering such dire news to my patient, Albert, was a burden I carried. Pancreatic cancer, a cruel diagnosis.
Suddenly, my attention was diverted by a scene that warmed my heart. An elderly gentleman was passing tools to someone working underneath his stalled car. To my surprise, that someone was Albert. I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Albert, what are you doing?" I called out in astonishment. Albert emerged from under the car, dusting off his pants.
"My cancer didn't tell me not to help others, Doc," he said with a gentle smile, before signaling to the old man to start the car. Miraculously, the engine roared to life.
The old man was incredibly grateful, thanking Albert as he drove off, his car now running smoothly. Then, Albert climbed into his own car and drove away as well.
In that moment, a powerful message struck me. Kindness knows no bounds, respects no restrictions. It doesn't discriminate based on circumstance or struggle. Albert, facing his own battle, chose to extend his hand in aid without a second thought.
As I reflected on this, I realized that even in the face of a dire diagnosis, Albert reminded me that our capacity to help and be kind to others is limitless. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of compassion. This simple act reaffirmed my belief that kindness truly has the power to touch lives and light up the world, even in the darkest of times.
~Rob Cayden
Suddenly, my attention was diverted by a scene that warmed my heart. An elderly gentleman was passing tools to someone working underneath his stalled car. To my surprise, that someone was Albert. I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Albert, what are you doing?" I called out in astonishment. Albert emerged from under the car, dusting off his pants.
"My cancer didn't tell me not to help others, Doc," he said with a gentle smile, before signaling to the old man to start the car. Miraculously, the engine roared to life.
The old man was incredibly grateful, thanking Albert as he drove off, his car now running smoothly. Then, Albert climbed into his own car and drove away as well.
In that moment, a powerful message struck me. Kindness knows no bounds, respects no restrictions. It doesn't discriminate based on circumstance or struggle. Albert, facing his own battle, chose to extend his hand in aid without a second thought.
As I reflected on this, I realized that even in the face of a dire diagnosis, Albert reminded me that our capacity to help and be kind to others is limitless. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of compassion. This simple act reaffirmed my belief that kindness truly has the power to touch lives and light up the world, even in the darkest of times.
~Rob Cayden
looking ridiculous
It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.
-Agatha Christie, author (1890-1976)
...untamed brute in us
If he does not fight, it is not because he rejects all fighting as futile, but because he has finished his fights. He has overcome all dissensions between himself and the world and is now at rest... We shall have wars and soldiers so long as the brute in us is untamed.
-Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher and second president of India (1888-1975)
...air blows
A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows.
-O. Henry, short-story writer (1862-1910)
Ordinary & Extraordinary
"The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
- Jimmy Johnson
Actual offer...
All zoos actually offer the public, in return for the taxes spent upon them, is a form of idle witless amusement, compared to which a visit to the state penitentiary, or even a state legislature in session, is informing, stimulating, and ennobling.
-H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (12 Sep 1880-1956)
...professionals
Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.
-Stephen King, novelist (b. 21 Sep 1947)
yesterday....
Living in dreams of yesterday, we find ourselves still dreaming of impossible future conquests.
- Charles Lindbergh
Neglected women...
We offer great rewards to a man who can tame a tiger, admire those who can train horses, monkeys, and elephants, and praise to the skies the author of some modest work. Yet we neglect women who have spent years and years nourishing and educating children.
-Francois Poulain, author, philosopher, and priest (1647-1723)
...but for years!
"Leadership is the ability to rally people not for a single event, but for years. In business, leadership means that customers will continue to support your company even when you slip up."
- Simon Sinek
Two Languages
I speak two languages, Body and English.
- Mae West, actress, playwright, singer, screenwriter, and comedian (1893-1980)
Money and Time Value
Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (1749-1832)
...forgiveness
The heart of a mother is a deep abyss, at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.
- Honore de Balzac, novelist (1799-1850)
to handle...
"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Art of delegation
"You can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate responsibility."
– Former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan
...all the time
Dreams heed no borders, the eyes need no visas. With eyes shut I walk across the line in time. All the time.
-Gulzar, poet, lyricist, and film director (b. 18 Aug 1934)
...but they can
Bullets cannot be recalled.
They cannot be uninvented.
But they can be taken out of the gun.
-Martin Amis, novelist (1949-2023)
World is changed
The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.
-Paulo Coelho, novelist (b. 24 Aug 1947)
Quick silver in the hand
Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open and it stays. Clutch it, and it darts away.
-Dorothy Parker, author (1893-1967)
What not to do...
"Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do."
- Jessica Jackley, businesswoman
How to do? What to do??
"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."
- George S. Patton Jr.
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