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Taking a wee swerve from my recent photos of Chicago skyscrapers, sunrises, and Fall foliage, I wanted to share with you a recent encounter that made my heart sing.
The train stop I frequent is often filled with a buzz of people going in all directions at once. Folks move quickly in big cities, and Chicago is no exception. Often you will see people standing outside of the train station, whether it be to ask for money, or to simply have some place to ‘hang out’ for a while.
Last week while making a dart for the train I noticed two men outside of the station holding clipboards. They were spaced apart, one vying for the attention of pedestrians going in and out of one door, and the other fellow attempting to catch the attention of folks at the other door.
I must tell you that I tried to avoid eye contact, as I thought, “Oh no, now what?” This happened a couple of days in a row. Finally, on the third day of seeing these men I figured that I’d at least break with my normal tradition and ‘hear them out’.
As soon as the one fellow caught my glance, he approached me with the most polite demeanor. He briefly explained that he was seeking signatures for support of a candidate running for a political position in my neighborhood. The man told me who was currently in the position, and why he thought the candidate he was supporting was worthy of the job.
I decided to sign the form. As he thanked me, he handed me a pen, but it was almost out of ink. Fidgeting around in my pocket I said, “Here, I have a pen, and you can keep it after I’m done.” As I began to sign the form, the man once again thanked me and commented, “Hey, I’m left-handed, too!” I think being left-handed gives you membership into a special club! You don’t hear people saying, “Well now, will you look at that! I’m right-handed too! What are the odds?”
Suddenly the other man with the clipboard approached us. He too asked me if I could sign his form, and provided me with information about his candidate. I noticed that this man was holding a pen in his left hand. I had to say it. “I’m left-handed, too!” The grin on his face lit up the dull gray and rainy skies above. It was an impromptu meeting of a lefty fan club!
[courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/foxsunshine/left-handed]
“You are a real nice lady,” was the response from the ‘newest member’ of our club. I could feel the genuine goodness exuding from both of these gentlemen. I gave them both a hug because I just felt that it was what I wanted to do at that moment. After another round of thanks from both fellows, I was on my way, but not before I heard, “You stay safe, now.” These men knew the streets; that was what I felt.
As I walked home, I felt an extra little spring in my step. The clipboard fellows didn’t ask me for money, they didn’t ask me for anything except to listen to why they felt their candidate was a great choice, and to sign the support form. I’m glad I had a pen in my pocket. I’m also glad that I am left-handed (well, perhaps not always glad, but at that moment I sure was)! And I am happy that I stopped because it made me feel great for the entire day.
I hope your Sunday presents an opportunity for a, ‘kindness connection’ too!
[courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/explore/kindness-matters/?lp=tru]
What a lovely incident you describe! ♥
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Ah, thank you, Billy Ray! It truly did make me feel great the entire day! Cher xo
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Love this story Cher! ❤️
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Ah, bless! Thank you so much, John! Cher xo
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You are a beautiful soul, dear Cher 🙂
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Oh bless you, dear Irene! That is so thoughtful of you to say. And might I add, “Right back at you, my dear!” Cher xo
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Thank you, Cher ❤
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🙂 xo
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Nice!
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David, thank you! Cher xo
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Cher, your lovely story reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago. I was walking out of the post office, and a thirty-something man was holding a clipboard. Out of curiosity, I walked up to him to find out what he was about. He had a petition that he was urging people to sign. It was his hope that the subject would be added to the ballot for the next election. Whether or not I agreed with the subject, I happily signed it. It was his right to try to get it on the ballot, and signing it didn’t mean I agreed or not. A man passed by, and when he found out what the subject was, he yelled at the young man, and disagreed with the petition. I felt bad about that man’s action. He didn’t understand how our democracy worked. And I felt bad for the young man. He was part of our democracy at work, and shouldn’t have someone yell at him.
Thank you, Cher, for participating in our democracy. 😃
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Hi dear Carol! Wow, that was quite the reaction that man had, wasn’t it? I agree with you, Carol. It is so important to participate in our democracy, isn’t it? Ah, thanks so much! It was such a lovely moment and I’m so glad I decided to chat with these fellows! Thank you, dear Carol! Cher xo
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A powerful story which reminds us of the importance of kindness…. a little detail or gesture can certainly change our days.— and other´s lives as well.
Thumbs up with—- with left hands! 😀 Hugs, dear Cher
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My dear Aquileana, thank you so much for your lovely words. It really does, doesn’t it? Haha yeah for the lefties! Are you left-handed by any chance? Ah, bless! Hugs to you my dear! Merci! Cher xo
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It was a great post, my friend. Not left-handed here, though! 😀 xxoo 🙂
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Ah, bless! Thank you my friend! *LOL* I’m the only left-handed person in my family! Hehehehe Cher xoxo
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Thank you so much!! That is such a ‘kindness connection’, & I am super grateful to you! 🙂 Cher xo
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Beautiful and encouraging words and lovely photos as always! Thank you dear Cher.
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Ah, why thank you so much my dear! That is extremely nice of you to say! I appreciate it a lot! Cher ox
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It is always a pleasure to visit you xo
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You just made my day! Thank YOU! And likewise! Cher xo
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Same here! 🌺
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xoxo 🙂
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