Random acts of kindness. Don’t we all love them?
Of course any kindness is wonderful, but those little sparkling droplets of unexpected loveliness just make life shine for a while, don’t they?
I’ve never forgotten watching a woman’s feet for three stops on the tube – just because her shoes were gorgeous. When we both rose to leave at the same next stop, our eyes met briefly and I couldn’t resist exclaiming “I LOVE your shoes!” The smile I received in return pretty much lit up the carriage. She must have been in her 50’s, but she flashed a shoe at me with a twist of her ankle like a 9yr old, and gleefully chirped “aren’t they fabulous?!” before she skipped off down the platform.
And when I’m having one of those days, head deep inside the computer and never seeing the light at the end of the To Do List tunnel, a steaming hot cup of tea will often magically materialise at my elbow, made by No.1 son who’s spotted that I might just appreciate one. Of course I’m glad to have the tea – but I’m always more unspeakably grateful that someone noticed that I needed one.
So when Tesco got in touch and asked if I’d like to be involved in their Random Acts Of Kindness campaign of course I agreed. And i can’t think of anyone more deserving of surprise flowers than my sister. She’s a midwife, working not just on the maternity unit at her local hospital (and every one of us who’s had a baby knows just how important she is there) but she’s focussed on the special-care unit. Working with Mums who’re having very difficult pregnancies, those who have lost their babies, those whose babies are born with immense struggles. She’s there for them all – and I know that she’s amazing at her job.
I cannot think of anyone I would rather have at my side, holding my hand and helping through the toughest times imaginable. I know, because she’s always been there for me, as well as for her husband and her own four children.
And I’d send her that gorgeous jug of scented stocks, too – not only are they an elegant and stylish choice, but she’ll have that fabulous enamel jug to reuse (and think of me whenever she does so!) too. And they smell so goo-o-o-od. I always think there’s something lacking if beautiful flowers don’t smell as good as they look.
If you’re thinking about sending some flowers, I strongly urge you to head over to Tesco’s Flower Shop – not only is their range fantastic, but every bouquet comes complete with a glass vase, and next day delivery is included free.
