Kyle Kindness Month Stories
Enjoy these stories that have been shared with us describing acts of kindness that are making our communities better places for us all!
"At Costco today, on my way inside, I noticed a young man loading cases of water into the back of a minivan as two elderly women were standing by. After he loaded the last one, I heard the women say, 'thank you, young man'. He replied, 'Happy to help' and then retrieved his own cart of goodies to take to his car. I said to him, 'Thanks that was very kind of you'. I thought to myself, very cool that he was in tune to those around him. He could have walked by, but instead he did a nice thing, an unexpected, nice thing."
–––––––
"Later as I stood in line to check out, I noticed a woman approach 3 firefighters who were also in line. I couldn’t quite hear the conversation, but she ended up paying for their items. They all shook her hand, gave her a hug and I heard someone shout out – 'God Bless our firefighters!' "
– Catherine (Coach/Costco shopper)
"I recently retired from teaching 23 years of kindergarten. A brand-new, first-time teacher took over my class. She is eager and excited for her first year. I left every item that I had purchased over the years, still in excellent condition. Items that brightly covered the walls, learning tools – all of it. Often teachers have to spend their own money to decorate their classrooms and buy tools for teaching. It was all for her to use if she wanted to. I also offered to come in once a week, if needed, at the end of the day. A kind of “check-in”, see if she had questions. She accepted my help. The first couple of weeks, she was a bit frazzled, feeling overwhelmed. Teaching kids is one of the most important and rewarding jobs in our society. I wanted her to know that I am here to help. My goal was to help prepare her for success. I wanted to ensure that she will have the best first year possible."
–––––––
"Besides teaching tools, and colorful classroom décor. I had 6 hefty bags of stuffies. Beautifully cared for stuffies. I took them to the local Police Department. I knew from my nephew, that police officers have stuffies in their patrol cars, ready to hand out to young kids. Officer McDonald accepted my gift and asked if she could share some with the local Fire Department. Firefighters often show extra love and care by giving kids a comforting stuffy."
– Debbie R. (Kyle's Aunt) - Lynnwwod, WA
"My team and I were at Chili’s for a team dinner. Next to us was a family of 4 who unfortunately fell short for their meal. My team and I all pitched in what seemed like just a little bit for each of us to be able to not just pay off what was needed, but pay for the whole meal. It was an incredible feeling, and it was even better to receive genuine gratitude for us being kind."
– Eliza B. (College student/referee)
"I am so grateful for someone who holds the door open for me. I love that! I don’t expect it, I don’t ask for it, it just happens and every time that it does, I say “thank you” to the person with a smile of appreciation. Thank you to all those who hold the door open for others. You are making a difference."
–––––––
"I will never forget the young boy who made an extra effort to go back and open the door for me. It was a while ago, I was having a lousy day, probably lost in thought, as I approached the door,
this young boy (I’m guessing, 10 or 12), ran back to open the door for me. This young boy had his arm in a sling. We were both at a hospital. He was leaving, I was entering.
He took the time to be very kind to me. I haven’t forgot about that act of kindness."
–––––––
"Every time I visit my grandkids, when we do errands, my oldest grandson (9) always holds the door open for people. His family, and strangers. He is so thoughtful and I love it!"
– Ann H. (Mom/Grandma)
"We had a choir member who was dying of cancer. When she was no longer able to come to rehearsals and church services, the ladies who knew her well, took it upon themselves to come up with a rotation to go and sit with her. Some of those times were very difficult. Her family later told me that the kindness she experienced helped her in her final days and gave her great peace."
– Josh B. (Church Minister of Music/Referee)
"I was driving to school last week and I checked maps for any slowdowns, and I saw that on one of the intersections that there was a car wreck. I was thinking, ‘great, I’m already late and this will make it worse. I get to the light where it says the crash was and what I saw caught my attention. There was a car with hazards on in one of the lanes, but further down there was this couple with a homeless man and they had just given him a bag of food. They were talking with him and their body language showed that it was not in a pitying way, but that they genuinely cared.
They were laughing and just showing this man love and kindness. They turned at an angle, and I saw that the shirt said – Antioch Church.
It was a reminder to not be upset about inconveniences because God can use us if we just take time to slow down."
–––––––
"One of my U9 games last Saturday, this one boy stood out with biggest smile. He was so excited to play, being with his friends. He kept that positive attitude from the beginning to end.
He even told the other team, 'Good luck' with a smile on his face."
– Olivia (first-year college student, 5-year veteran FWYSA referee)
"Recently, I was checking in on an older friend, making sure she was ok. I had my youngest granddaughter (age 9) with me for a few days. I checked on my friend, and noticed her cupboards were bare, same with the fridge, she needed assistance with her oxygen. I got her all situated, went to the grocery store, came back to make sure she was set for the weekend. I told my granddaughter, that I would give her my full attention, that we would do plenty of fun stuff. She said to me, 'It’s ok, I don’t mind helping, some people are worth the extra help.' then she proceeded to tell my older friend, 'Let me know if there is anything I can do for you while I’m here this weekend'. As we drove home, she said, 'Grandma, when I graduate, I’m going to go to a college close to you so I can take care of you.'"
– Debbie L. (Friend/Grandma)
"This week, I had my first trip via airplane all by myself. I am 18, and up until now, I have always traveled with my parents. I was a bit nervous. I set up all the travel arrangements. I called my grandpa (Poppy) and asked if he would take me to DFW, 'Of course,' he replied. Yesterday before picking me up, he sensed my anxiousness. He said, 'You need a coffee, I’m on my way.' I was met by awesome friends at CHS. I was so grateful for all who willingly took the time to drop me off with a smile (and coffee) and pick me up with smiles.
This trip was for an International Soccer Tournament held in South Carolina that I was blessed to be selected to referee. I have been refereeing since I was 13. My dad would drive me to the soccer fields, now I have my grandpa (Poppy) driving me to airports. Because so many have invested in me, their time, energy, their words of encouragement and teaching, I am having a blast representing North Texas Soccer Referee Program wherever I go. I am so grateful!"
– Emma B. (6-year veteran soccer referee)
"My daughter makes time to write birthday cards for fellow classmates in choir.
She knows their birthdates because she pays attention to the info posted on the birthday board in the classroom."
–––––––
"I make it point to stop and greet all the employees at my local grocery store/convenience store by name and check in with them, asking, “how is your day”. I want people to know they matter."
–––––––
"A player’s mom told my daughter, 'You do such a great job of welcoming new players with a smile, making them feel welcomed and included'."
– Kristen M. (Mom/Coach/Referee)
"Every day I walk my dog in the neighborhood. I think to myself, I want to be the one that smiles the most, no one will out smile me today.
I have been doing this for a while now. I want to be a welcoming presence in my neighborhood. I am noticing great, big smiles. At first, people would be shy, but not anymore. I see mostly the same people return my smiles and it’s awesome! It feels really good."
– Terri S. (Referee)
"My son was working for FIFA @ the Dallas HQ, where he had been given an internship. He would take the train into work each day. One day, before getting on the train, he noticed a homeless man. He shared his lunch with him, offering him half of his Subway sandwich. On the same day, after work, on the way to the train, he noticed a young man who was trying to replace his flat tire and he offered to help him. Then, right before boarding the train, a man nearby had an epileptic seizure, and my son stepped in to offer his assistance and call 9-1-1.
I’m so proud of my son for noticing those around him that could use some kindness. Rather than walking by, he stepped in to help."
– Paul V. (Parent/Coach/Referee)
"A couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday, my husband and I dropped off our youngest son at college. We helped him unpack, set up his dorm room, and said our goodbyes. The next day, I was sitting in my office, reflecting on this new chapter of our lives. There right in front of me, was a note – Dear Mom & Dad……. As I read this beautiful note of “thanks for the last 18 years”, I thought our son is thoughtful, genuine, and appreciative. All those deposits of love, and life lessons were on full display with such a simple, heartfelt note of gratitude."
Julie G. (parent of a 5-year veteran referee who is off at college)
"I am one of the referee coaches and often team up with our younger age referees to mentor them. After a recent game, there was some commotion. One of the young players of the
losing team was so upset. He was having a hard time with this defeat. He ran from his team and his grandma. I was so proud to watch the two younger referees, calm him down,
encourage him, and get him to the point where we could all have a conversation about sportsmanship and being a great teammate when you lose.
This young player left with a smile on his face. His grandma was beyond grateful for the kindness shown to her grandson."
Chris F. (referee/referee coach)
