kindness

I have seen kindness from family and friends. They have been forgiving when I mess up and cheer for me when I'm doing well. But I've grown to expect little from strangers and acquaintances. It's not that I believe them to be uncaring in general, but just not concerned with my concerns.

On Wednesday as we were finishing up a class, one prof asked in passing how many courses I was taking. She'd seen me in another course she'd subtituted for, for another prof. I said five. I was proud of that. I am working very hard.

Another person in the class who doesn't really know me, said " Well, it's easy for her; she's not working full time." I don't know why she chose to interject herself into a private conversation other than to put me in my place, lest I get too proud. She knows I also have two kids.

I walked out, kind of dejected. The high I had for finishing that tough course was dampened by this lady. I tried not to give her that much power, but I have to admit she got to me.

But then when I got home, there was an email for me from another classmate. She apparently overheard this conversation and said she had thought of me all the way home and had even discussed the happening to another classmate in our class. She praised me for taking so many classes and raising kids. She said she hates the competition some people have for who's busier. She was so kind. She didn't have to do that. But she took the time to make me feel better. I was touched by her kindness. It was also on my birthday, which kept my day fun.

She will never read this but thanks Kathleen for being a really kind person, when you didn't have to.