Consequences …

Many will know me for my garden, my writing, and caring for our son, who has additional needs. A few who know me better will know me for my strong faith and spiritual beliefs.

I was overjoyed to receive my first royalty payment on the sales of my first book, Marc’s Garden. It wasn’t much, but people bought it. I am so grateful to them, and so proud to have written it.

I gifted those royalties, and more, to a family who, like ours, are raising a family with additional needs, and Lord knows how much raising a child with disabilities costs these days. A cost that continues into adulthood. We will never be financially rich, but the love in our hearts, and the faith we hold, is richer than money could replace.

The family had not asked for it, but I have since learned that my gesture, a gesture with no strings or obligation attached, has averted demand notices and allowed the family space to breathe a little easier.

Since, I have made other similar gestures to different families, though not always financial, with similar and real consequences of benefit.

My message is simple. Be kind. Mankind is all around you, and there are those who, though maybe hidden in the crowd, will greatly value a smile or a kind word, a gesture of help, repairing a dripping tap, or mowing someone’s lawn. Maybe a coin to help at a certain, yet essential time. In some cases, just to be acknowledged is worth a fortune, rather than just walking on by, turning the other way.

Give and seek no reward; the kindness is in the giving, and the willingness to do so without being asked.

Though I am thrilled to be a published author, now in my late sixties and with three books to my name, that thrill is nothing compared to knowing my actions have helped another.

Please share this post with anyone you feel may benefit from receiving a kind word, or maybe even offering one.

Thank you