Kindness Is No Small Thing

November 13th is World Kindness Day. This celebration was created at a global conference 21 years ago to promote kindness to others, yourself, and the world. Kindness has the power to unite people everywhere, and the impact of kind acts can make a real difference in our lives. 

On World Kindness Day, we are all encouraged to go above and beyond with our acts of kindness. It is the day to go out of your way to make others feel special. The day is also an excellent opportunity to recognize the service and generosity you already see in your family members, friends, and colleagues. Let them know how much you appreciate the things they do daily.

Duchenne is terrible. My four year old grandson has it. Since April of 2019 when we learned of the diagnosis, family members have been relying on a variety of behaviors and cultural activities to fight off the fear and anxiety that the worst form of Muscular Dystrophy can cause loved ones. As I draw from and personally incorporate these behaviors and activities, I refer to them as the arrows in my quiver to be used to slay the Duchenne monster or, at least, to move forward with hope for the future and joy for every precious moment we have with grandson Hayes.

Kindness is such an arrow. I am warmheartedly encouraged by the conversations of concern, warm smiles, and obvious prayers and good tidings of those who wish to be connected with our journey.

Thank you, Tom, Tracy, David, Dan, Ben, Charlie, Sharon, Debbie, Laura, Walt, Larry, Sam, Kim, Amy, and so many other wonderful folks who truly wish to stay in touch and cultivate such healing for me and our family with just a brief gesture or word of kindness.  

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

-       Aesop 

In the realm of kindness, small is huge … especially for those of us who are shooting arrow after arrow to end Duchenne.  

Kindly,

Papa in Tennessee