A thanksgiving tale of unexpected kindness

I have to admit, although Thanksgiving is supposed to be a wonderful time of family, friends, food, and of course, an extra day off school, I just couldn’t get myself enthused about it. As classes wrapped up for the week, I sluggishly got off the bus and slowly walked up to my doorstep where the rest of my weekend would await me. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy that the weekend had arrived, but there was something about not spending it with my family that really got to me. I quickly became focused on that negative thought and I was convinced that the rest of the weekend would encompass a negative atmosphere and many unpleasant, lonely moments.

Not only was I convinced that this was the case, I was mentally preparing myself for the absence of happiness and joy in my weekend. It was like I felt like I needed to get my fill of joy and happiness, because my body and mind we were going to be lacking in the ‘happy’ department for three long days to follow. So, I ordered a few more lemon poppyseeds loaves at Starbucks, and enjoyed my favorite dinner of honey garlic sausages and grilled vegetables, twice in one week. I even topped it off with buying myself two pairs of jeggings, four pairs of earrings, and two pairs of shoes. Although my bank account wasn’t happy, I was feeling pretty good!

So, as I walked up to my doorstep on that Friday afternoon, with all the happiness I could bank from the week prior, i was prepared for a lonely thanksgiving. Something really amazing happened though. It’s probably not what you are thinking…I didn’t win the lottery, nor did my family magically appear on my doorstep. I didn’t win a random draw, or get nominated for an award. Instead, this amazing thing came in the form of words, and simple actions.

I walked up my stairs, to be greeted by my roommate sitting on the couch behind her laptop. During the first few minutes of our conversation, she was already telling me how happy she was that I was going to be around for the weekend and that she really enjoys the time we get to spend together. Later that night, as we were watching one of our favorite shows on MTV, she turned to me and said that although we weren’t going anywhere this weekend that we should make our own turkey dinner and spend a girls’ evening together. The next morning, as I was sitting at Starbucks, a regular customer came over to me and we engaged in a wonderful conversation for almost an hour.

To be perfectly honest, I could probably spend the next hour listing off a bunch of little, wonderful, things that I was able to experience this weekend. It brought me back to my negative outlook on the weekend in the first place. Although I wasn’t getting the big turkey dinner, with the laughter and comfort of family surrounding me, I was reminded of something as equally as important. Good things don’t always come in the shape of a turkey and homemade stuffing, but a simple gesture or kind thought from a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.

Don’t underestimate the power of saying or doing something kind for someone. You may not realize the lasting impact that it actually has on them.

Posted by Becky Molly, ACTIVATE 2010 Volunteer