Since the Sept. 11 tragedy that affected these United States of
America, we have had an escalation of public awareness as it
pertains to human interaction, whether it be through terrorism,
military buildup, violent storms, earthquakes or other natural
disasters, disease and simple heroism and
“Random Acts of Human Kindness. “
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Since the Sept. 11 tragedy that affected these United States of America, we have had an escalation of public awareness as it pertains to human interaction, whether it be through terrorism, military buildup, violent storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters, disease and simple heroism and “Random Acts of Human Kindness. “
In July 2002, my son left to join the military ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps because of his own personal convictions that we should be a free United States living in a democratic society. He also joined because of his awareness of the heritage and legacy of his forefathers, some of whom were born in the United States as early as 1760-1775.
And, as his great-great grandfather before him did in the Civil War, he believes in those same basic values that allow us all to have the freedom to live our lives in the manner of our choosing so we can perform those “Random Acts of Human Kindness”. It is through these known values that my son carries that torch forward.
On a worldwide level, we must not forget the words of one historic leader. Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” In our current world political arena and the growing tension, will you join in this change to make the world a better place or will you turn away?
Recently, I became aware of and joined a support group, Marine Moms Online, that helps to sustain and support member families of our Marines who have been deployed overseas or support our country at home. I wrote to the Editor of The Times on Jan. 17 sharing how the “Marine Moms are making a difference to many and is an ever-growing group”. It is only one of the military support groups that embody the very spirit of Random Acts of Human Kindness and the American people.
Through the love, support and encouragement of just a few … its member families are becoming one of more powerful forces growing in America today. They are an outstanding example of how we can strengthen America.
On Jan. 7, my nephew Stephen Todd Putman was slain in Pontiac, Mich., by an unknown perpetrator who suddenly snuffed out his life and that of his boss, his father’s best friend, in an apparent armed robbery. This was not an action from a military engagement but from our own homeland city streets.
I cannot even begin to tell you in words how one New Jersey Marine Mother’s single “Random Act of Human Kindness” at this tragic time helped my family and me. Through her simple act of kindness, I was given an airline pass so that I could fly to Michigan to be with my family at a time when we needed each other the most. We have never met, but we are bound by the desire to comfort one another during uncertain times. She didn’t give me just an airline pass, she also gave me love – one of life’s greatest gifts. “Kindness is more than deeds; it is an attitude, an expression, a look a touch. It is anything that lifts another person,” said C. Neil Strait.
Author Bonnie Jean Wasmund said that, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” You don’t have to have a son in our military services to make that happen so that we can all laugh together, cry together and encourage one another in our great country.
When was the last time that you performed one of those Random Acts of Human Kindness? May I challenge you? Can we add you to the list of committed citizens who helped change the world? There is a foundation called “The Random Acts of Human Kindness Foundation” an International Kindness Movement dedicated to making the world a kinder place and whose goal is to demonstrate the extraordinary power and importance of simple human kindness.
If you need some ideas, visit them at http://www.actsofkindness.org
William Penn offered, “If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”
And what other benefits are there if you are kind – performing acts of kindness are known to contribute to one’s good health overall and minimizes the effects of disease and other medical disorders. Why not help a neighbor, a co-worker, someone in the military? Help our nation, help our world. Why wait?
Zeta Peterson, whose son, Teal Peterson, is a U.S. Marine, brings news of “Marine Moms” to her occasional columns. She lives in Morgan Hill.
