Picture by
Mike Stimpson
There has been a theme in my life over the past couple few days - I have been knocked out by people performing small (and large) acts of kindness in my direction.
Last Thursday GJ emails me in advance of the monthly Flickrmeet which was a little more far afield than usual - and in a place where some people (women?) might feel nervous to walk on their own on a darkening evening. He asks if I would like company for the journey.
After the meet, I was content to get a bus hom and was waiting at the stop when PG, another one of the Flickrfolk offered me a lift. Knowing that it was a fair bit out of his way I thanked and declined the offer whereupon he declared that he was perfectly capable of standing in the road and arguing to the point I'd miss the bus. So, I accept the offer.
Today is my birthday and although I keep forgetting and generally don't pay it much heed, other people have been more attentive. I had cards from the usual people who send me cards but also from CJ, who doesn't generally do the whole remembering of anniversaries thing. TD finds me some wholly inappropriate YouTube clips to send me despite the fact he's stressed and rushed off his feet.
My closest friends (they are also my neighbours) can't think what to get me for my birthday and so take me out to a comedy gig and for a meal...much the nicest way to mark the occasion.
Several emails, SMS messages, Tweets and messages on Facebook...including one from someone I've never met but we comment on each other's pictures - it's his picture at the top of the page and I haven't smiled so broadly for quite some time because it's a rendition of me taking a photograph that he liked in my photostream.
What's my point?
That in a world of people and businesses where human interraction is getting rarer, and where the Daily Mailists out there insist the World's going to hell in a handcart, and the Internet is a Bad Thing full of Bad People, it's heartening to know how people there are out there who still make the effort to be thoughtful and caring. Small kindesses which make a huge difference.
Thank you everyone...
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