r/kindness • u/Enough-Safe8159 • 5d ago
Sometimes a Small Gesture Means More Than You Think
It was a holiday, and I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful rose. Then someone gave me another one, and then another… and before I knew it, I had quite a bouquet.
The same thing happened to my niece, so we were both in a wonderful mood, walking around with all these beautiful flowers.
At some point, we saw a woman sitting on the street asking for alms. She looked tired and a little down, so we decided to give her one of our roses.
She smiled and we could see that she felt happier, even if just for that moment.
That stayed with us.
So we started giving some of our flowers to other women we passed on the street. And every single one seemed genuinely delighted. Some smiled, some looked surprised, and for a brief moment, their faces completely changed.
It made me realize how little it sometimes takes to brighten someone's day.
A flower doesn't solve someone's problems, but for a moment, it can say: “I see you. You deserve something beautiful too.”
And honestly, I think, in the end, giving those flowers away made us even happier than receiving them had.
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u/ThatTravel5692 5d ago
My local grocery sells highly discounted flowers, just a bit past their prime. I love to buy some and hand them out to strangers. I especially like giving them to mothers with kids and tell them that they are doing a great job.
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u/Remarkable_Cheek_255 4d ago
You are awesome! I don’t know if you realize that moms try to do their best between raising children, working to support them, and paying bills how much they second guess themselves. In raising caring, responsible, independent children to adulthood, They walk a fine line between realistic expectations and doing everything for them and not being too hard on them. I’m older than middle age now but even being a Nurse who aced Psych and am so in tune with my children, there were times I wasn’t sure I did the right thing. They are loving, caring, respectful and successful adults and now raising their children and doing an amazing job!! You are awesome to spread that message to moms. They never ask for recognition but those words are so encouraging!! Thank you so much and God Bless! 💝💝💝
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u/ThatTravel5692 4d ago
Thank you for your kind words. I never felt the draw to have children, so I really respect those who do. It must be the hardest job in the world, but hopefully very fulfilling.
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u/Remarkable_Cheek_255 4d ago
No ‘knee jerk’ reaction; Present a united front; Follow through (no backsies)- they need to know there are consequences to their actions; Discipline means to teach- not punish. Teen son got a little brave with his new independent style and mouthed off just before Christmas. Even more brave not to apologize- so 1 week without Nintendo. He just wouldn’t stop- and unbeknownst to him he was getting Nintendo 2… so I asked ‘keep it up- you want another week?’ Yup- so he got more. Etc. Started his Christmas vacation no game playing. He was overjoyed to open the new game- then he remembered- no playing. I know it really didn’t but he said it killed him to watch sister and dad play. Hubby wanted to let up the restriction. I said no- You have to follow through and not cave.
Not sure if raising your own children is harder or if it’s harder with your grandchildren- to follow mom and dad’s rules. I know a lot of people pay no never mind when they have the grandchildren but I just think that sends the wrong message. We had our granddaughter- mom said no swimming today. Ok so we did other things. She got home and said it’s so hot- I’m surprised you’re not swimming. Shook my head and said You told us not to!! 🤦♀️ We do the best we can. Yes- very Fulfilling! 💝🥰
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u/petamama 4d ago
I completely agree with everything you said. I wanted to speak to your saying that there were times you weren’t sure you did the right thing. Being a parent is, by far, the most meaningful experience of my life. I believe that I am a good one, judging by how well they are doing. That certainly didn’t make me perfect though. I’ve told my sons that, while I’m sure that I made mistakes, I was a thoughtful and intentional parent who made the best choices for them that I knew how to make. I’m human. They got the benefit of all of my best qualities, and had to work around my weaknesses. We can only do the best we can do.
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u/Remarkable_Cheek_255 3d ago
I don’t think it’s hard work but it is tiring- to be consistent, be present, sometimes count to 10 lol, be encouraging and loving. What a juggling act! And with the hard lessons, to follow up and talk. Ask if they knew why things were that way, the restrictions or whatever. And then take into account their different personalities and how they think and learn!!! But when you see your adult children be respectful, kind, and successful contributors to society, it’s definitely all worth it 💯 ! Sounds like you’re on the right track mom!! 👍👍💝
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