Be Nice
By
Gerry Niskern
“Be nice!” my mother admonished me when I was growing up, every time I complained about an elderly, crabby neighbor. “But what if they are not nice to me?” I complained. “That doesn’t matter. Old people have a hard life. Always be good to them!”
Those words of my mothers are beginning to come back to me like “bread cast upon the waters.” Due to a balance problem, I’ve started using a cane once in a while when I’m going to an unfamiliar walking area. And I don’t know why but I’m constantly amazed at the kindness of people.
I’ll be slowly making my way up to the door of a building and realize someone is standing there holding the door for me with a warm smile. Or I’ll go to pull out a shopping cart at a store and someone goes ahead and offers me one. Those sweet gestures catch me by surprise and that unexpected kindness is a ray of warmth that touches everyone.
Much has been written about the rude, inconsiderate people in the public these days. I’ve been pretty vocal myself. I hate the sense of disconnect in today’s world where most don’t feel the need to know their neighbors or even speak to another person in a waiting area. I think we can all agree that technology has definitely changed our lives. Companionship comes from all our electronic devices now.
So, this cane that I use for balance has taught me that there are indeed a lot of caring people in our world. Their small gestures of compassion are happening everyday.
You know, I don’t even mind the occasional “triage” consultation that happens in parking lots when someone stops me and says, “Oh, is it your back? Or your foot?” And then proceeds to tell me of their current physical problem. I learn about a great cream for sore joints or best orthopedic doctor in town while cars are zipping around us.
It has renewed my faith in humanity and I’m reminded that “kindness is a gift that keeps on giving.”
I think many mothers in years past must have had the same mantra that mine did!