We never know how important a given action, on a given day, might mean to someone else. As we spend so much of our lives looking after ourselves, most of our attention is directed inward, and we often lose sight of the impact we can have on others, the influence that we can have. That’s why it’s so important – if anyone needed reminding at this point – that we all do what we can to be kind, always. Compassion and goodwill towards others are character traits that never go out of style. On the contrary, they will always have a crucial role to play in society. Joyce Rhinehart was out to get ice cream with her grandson one day in 2017 when she spotted a family sitting on a bench nearby. They were also enjoying ice cream, and Joyce said she felt a sudden urge to take a photo of them….
As Joyce explained in a later Facebook post: “On June 8th I was at Rita’s Italian Ice with my grandson Blake treating him after his tennis lesson. As we were about to leave, there was this nice family, sitting on one of the benches, enjoying a custard cone. Something made me ask them if I could take a photo of them…” This is what Joyce did, before the two families separated. It was a pleasant and heartwarming exchange like any other, and it could have ended there. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas. Joyce’s message continues: “I took the photo below and handed the girl my phone and told her to send the photo to their cell phone. I took Blake home and explained to him that I had done this before when I saw cute family moments from complete strangers so they could remember them. I usually do this on vacation.
A few days later, Joyce was sitting on her patio when she received a text message from an unknown number. “That was the message::::::,” says Joyce. “Dear Madam, you took a photo of us in front of Rita’s on June 8. My wife passed away yesterday and this is the last photo we have as a family. Please accept my deep gratitude for your kindness, it means a lot to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Joyce said she sent the man a number of messages and discovered his wife had been ill for a year. “My heart is heavy for this sweet family that I don’t even know and for the enormous gift that was left to them because I listened to my instincts that day. I am amazed! » said Joyce. I don’t know about you, but this small gesture of compassion was enough to move me. It’s truly proof that you should never underestimate the profound difference a random act of kindness can make! If you found this article interesting, do not hesitate to consult the following to find out more:
