Random Acts of Kindness Then and Now by The Editors of Conari Press

Author:The Editors of Conari Press
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781609257620
Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.

—Washington Irving

GOING ON WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER

It was what will probably be the worst day of my life. A policeman had just come to our house to tell my husband and me that our nineteen-year-old daughter Amanda had been killed in an automobile accident. I remember immediately wondering if I could go on but soon decided that I had to find a path to survive a life without Amanda. Shock and numbness set in, and we started to do what one needs to do, calling the coroner, finding a funeral home and cemetery, notifying people of the death. The news spread quickly and our phone rang ceaselessly with friends inquiring what they could do for us.

One phone call came from a stranger, Susan. I recognized her name immediately as the mother of Amanda's classmate who had died the year before. Upon hearing her strong yet concerned voice a kernel of hope was born in me that I would somehow find a way to exist without my child. Susan and I made arrangements to meet the next week, and when I saw this vibrant woman who was still somehow able to live an active life amidst her grief, I began to trust that I too would find a path. Susan generously made herself available to me. We went for walks, had dinner, and chatted on the phone. I always came away with renewed purpose and endurance. We remain friends, almost twenty years later.

I now do my best to return to the world Susan's act of kindness, volunteering as a grief counselor for people who have lost children.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.