In a world that often feels heavy, it’s easy to forget how much good still surrounds us — especially in a place like our community. This column, Random Acts of Kindness, will be a regular reminder of the small but powerful ways people in our community step up for one another.
Sometimes it’s a neighbor lending a hand, sometimes it’s a stranger showing unexpected generosity. Every act, no matter how small, matters. And sometimes, those stories start right in my own backyard.
To kick off this first column, I’ll begin with something that happened to me recently.
Robert Johns drove by while I was out mowing my yard. The second time he passed, he stopped and told me to stop — he was sending Brody up to take care of it. I told him I was fine. He looked at me and said, “You sure about that?” Ten minutes later, they were back. Brody got right to work.
They wouldn’t accept a dime. Brody would, however, accept cookies.Apparently, Dad would too.
“Pat, thank you for the cookies, they were great! I took Dad’s cut from Brody’s bag,” Robert wrote on my Facebook wall.
A big thank-you to both Robert and Brody for your kind and loving hearts.
And then there’s my annual battle with the groundhog who thinks my yard was planted just for him. This little guy had made himself at home, helping himself to my favorite flowers. Enter Rich Weaver, who kindly trapped and relocated him — saving my plants and my patience.
Thanks again, Rich. I’m grateful to live in a place where people show up for each other, even when it involves lawn care — or wildlife.
As this column launches, my hope is simple: to shine a light on the helpers among us. Especially now, when so much feels divided and uncertain, we could all use a little reminder of the good that still holds our community together.
If you have a story — big or small — I’d love to hear it (munisingbeacon@ gmail.com). Let’s keep sharing the kindness. And by the way, I barter with cookies.
“ This column will be a regular reminder of the small but powerful ways people in our community step up for one another.
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