The Gift of Giving When You Least Expect It.

This Blog is close to my heart and unique because of the kindness shown by a young woman I worked with! She made me believe in human kindness, that it still exists in our world and at work in the least of all places I expected to see it. I made a promise not to reveal her identity, but I wanted to share and honor her act of kindness.

It was a rough day at work, and this young woman likes to stop by for a quick chat here and there. We were randomly chatting about general things and catching up when she noticed I was tearing up! “Amal, you are not yourself today; what’s bothering you?” it was all it took for her to ask that one question that had me break into tears.

Against my usual instincts to keep my private life private, I started to tell her about my dilemma. I was going through challenging times and was unsure how I would manage. My husband had lost his job, and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and was immediately scheduled for surgery and treatment. (I will dive into that topic in a later blog dedicated to Mother’s Day). I have to admit my mother’s diagnosis was my worst nightmare at the time, among other ones, including possibly losing my home.

So, given where we work, she gave me ideas on mortgage payment options when under financial stress and also asked what my husband does so she can pass his resume on to friends.

It was at this point a surprise that she opened up about her cancer journey. We both ended up crying. She felt my pain and how much I had to carry on my shoulders. We were discussing options and sources of income that could help my situation. We laughed simultaneously, knowing it would be impossible for me to move up in level to be the primary income. We were interrupted, given the conversation had taken place at my desk, and our chat ended.

Do you know what this young woman did next? As you are reading this Blog, I hope you focus on; the act of kindness and the gift of giving when you least expect it from strangers.

As I sat at my desk during lunchtime, she came back to hand me an envelope. At first, I was a bit confused, but that fell away quickly to welling tears again as I opened the card inside.

With sweet yet simple words, ‘have a Merry Christmas to you and your family’ and a $100 bill attached, the look on my face, frozen with words I could not speak, and my heart suddenly instantly filled with warmth and gratitude. The kind of warmth that makes you feel God’s presence so strong in people, with whom barely you know, that he puts you in your path at the right time! When you least expect it.

Now it isn’t like work is filled with robots. It is just that, usually, working relationships don’t touch that deep a level of kindness one would expect. Her act of kindness did not stop there as I was talking about my son’s birthday another time, and we were laughing about how he was excited to buy his birthday gift this time. Out of nowhere, she brings another envelope to me with a birthday card and a $40 bill for my son to buy himself a gift.

When it comes to giving, it is the act that is most appreciated. Sincere kindness is the most treasured and can be the most often missed in our lives.

Seriously, the magnitude of her actions left me speechless every single time. How do you thank someone like this? How do you tell them that they have touched your heart profoundly in every interaction? Not a gift or a card will ever explain my heart’s feelings for this young woman. She would always stop by after this and check in with me; she would check and stay in touch, not for any other purpose than to lend an ear to ease my pain.

I want her to know that this Blog honors her and how special she is to me. I want her to know she had eased my pain and provided comfort when I needed the most. I want her to know that because of her, I believe that goodness still exists when you least expect it. You are special to me because you are an angel God has put in my path for a reason. Your kindness, friendship, and warmth have touched me in many ways, and I cherish you and the memories we shared.

As I move on to a new chapter, I must admit leaving to join another financial organization was very hard for me because these are the people I met as strangers and colleagues who have now become friends and family. I am a proud Libra, and that’s how we do things. We feel deeply and intensely for our friends! It hurts to know that I won’t see them every day, but I want you to know you have made every moment and a year spent so much more valuable and worth it for me. I have grown as a person so much more because of you.

I know many women out there who may have had my experience and many interactions. This particular experience fills my heart every time. In this Blog, I decided to honor this woman the only way I knew how.

To you, my friend, God bless you and your family. Always know that you have a heart of gold. Rejoice in the goodness of your heart! May you stay healthy and happy, living a life of joy always and forever!

I received a gift of deep appreciation. I do promise to ease the pain of another. I encourage you to remember moments like these, fill your cup, and add them to your bucket of “blessings and gratitude.”