When Cindy asked me this question a few days ago,I was stunned that I could not really give her an answer. Part of the reason for that, I think, is that so many people in my life have been so very kind to me that I cannot name just one.
Of course, our parents have been extraordinarily good to most of us. Our grandparents and other nurturing relatives have given us much needed love and encouragement. Our teachers, clergy, and friends have supported us on our journey.
But, what about the countless other times---often by nameless, transient individuals---over the years when someone has done something for us that has made a big difference to us at the time?
My fifth grade teacher, Mrs Shoemake, taught me a very important life lesson that stays with me still.
A counselor once moved me to tears by being so insightful and kind that I learned to really know how important it is to be that way with others in my life.
A preacher friend of mine, Reverend Wendy Curran, once supported me in a way that was very important to me---to this day, she doesn't really know how much her support meant at the time.
While it is difficult to single out one specific instance in our lives that was "the nicest thing anyone ever did", I have found that just thinking about that question brings up a flood of wonderfully kind things many people have done for me. I hope I have been able to give just a part of that back.
