Power of Sharing, Making a Difference
The Chief Blonde with her Children, 20 years ago
Power of Sharing coupled with Unexpected Thoughtfulness Makes a Difference!
The photo above still brings me great pain to gaze upon. My children were 1 and 2. My husband had just left..for good. So there I was in a foreign country, with a handful friends, no family, no job and no idea WHAT I was going to do. I flew back to the States, often, as the divorce proceeded, with my two little children. As there was no direct flight to my home, we always had to change flights.
That’s right 10 hours of just me..and two very small children…all that flying…all their gear…all our suitcases..no help and changing flights. If that doesn’t bring terror into a mother’s heart, I don’t know what does!
We tried flying through various airports, including Amsterdam, LaGuardia, and Chicago for our transfers, with all the layovers being very very difficult and exhausting. By chance, someone recommended that we try flying through Cincinnati. That’s the day when everything fell apart. I had all our suitcases, the two kids, their airplane busy bags. We could only find one small airport push cart to get all of us and our gear on to a shuttle and over to the other side of the airport.
Can you say two seconds away from crying..BIG TIME? I couldn’t though, as both my children already were…from pure exhaustion. Then out of the blue, a business man appeared and said, “You look like you could use some help..where are you going?” I explained where I was going, that I had to go all the way across the airport. He grabbed our bags, threw them on a nearby cart (where did that come from?) and led us through the airport..all the way to our gate.
As I stumbled out a Thank-you to this heaven-sent angel, I happened to ask where he was heading that day, which flight he needed to be on..”Was it near?” He smiled and said, “No, I am on my way home. You just look like you could use a hand.” Before I could say anything else, he smiled and was gone. (I swear he tipped his hat!)
What did I and my children learn that day?
- Power of Sharing: Sharing your Time
- Unexpected thoughtfulness: Rescuing a young mother and children during an impossible situation.
Paying it Forward
The Power of Sharing is something you can always pay forward. I often use the acts of that stranger in the airport to teach my own children. You are never t busy to take a second and offer a hand, a kind word, a compliment. It’s amazing how when you are in church and you see a widow sitting all alone and you tell her how pretty she looks today, what a great dress she has, how much you admire her pin…that elderly lady will just perk right up from the uplifting words. It only takes a second but it makes a difference!
Softness Worth Sharing
Kleenex currently has a campaign called the Softness Worth Sharing initiative. Upon purchasing a Kleenex Brand Bundle from your favorite retailer, you can redeem a code at the Kleenex site in order to send a Kleenex care pack to someone special. https://www.kleenex.com/
Blog Note: I wrote this review while participating in an ambassador program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Kleenex brand and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
I agree – you haven’t changed 🙂
Great picture and great story!
Wonderful story, Shelley! And a great reminder to slow down and be aware of those around us who might need a small favor or a big helping hand.
When I saw the picture, I thought “I didn’t know she had such young children!” I had no idea it was taken so long ago! You haven’t changed a bit. 🙂
I can imagine your fear and frustration. Kind people do show up at the right times it seems and that man will never know what an impact he really made for you in your life. I love paying it forward and I loved hearing about this campaign.
That’s a cute picture, and yes, the scenario strikes terror in my heart. I’m glad that man appeared when he did, and your story inspires me to lighten someone’s load this week.
Thanks for the reminder. So often we are preoccupied by our own busy lives that we don’t take the time to help others that need it. I’m going to try to remember this from now on.
What a wonderful man. I firmly believe in paying it forward.
You made me get goosebumps! I was a single mom of two kids for four years so I totally relate. I love that photo of the three of you.
Thanks Lisa for your comments. Isn’t it weird how much we have in common (other than being HOT over 45 bloggers who look great in clothes, I mean?) The Chief BLonde
What a beautiful story. Through all your pain and trials an angel appeared for you! I love to hear stories like this!!!! There ARE good people out there!
Ahh, now THAT is a wonderful story! Makes me want to hang out in the airport and just look for somebody who looks like they could use a hand! 🙂
powerful story. it’s amazing how an random act of kindness can change everything and empower the receiver to pay it forward. it’s a domino effect. btw, you look the same!
What a touching story. I’ve been in your shoes, and, truth be told, I can’t recall any instances of kindness like that (and at one point I was a single mom with two kids (2 and 3) and pregnant with #3). Sad.
On a side note, I didn’t even realize that the picture was 20 years old. You haven’t even aged. What’s your secret? 🙂
that story just warmed my heart! I love when people go out of their way to help just because. It doesn’t happen often enough! Kudos to the stranger!
Shelley,
What a wonderful example of someone paid it forward to you and had a simple act have such a big impact. Travelling with little kids is definitely trying, especially if you are the only adult!
I am so sorry you had to go through such a painful time, but you have modeled such strength and dignity with the ability to share lessons learned. That is an admirable quality. It is so important not to let bitterness eat away at our joy! Touching post!