Miracle at Sugarloaf Mills - Lessons in Friendship and Kindness

When it comes to random acts of kindness, I'm true believer that it only counts if it's a spontaneous act that comes from the heart. A random act of kindness is something you instinctively do without hesitation. There is no need for you to publish it, no need to tweet it, and there's no need to make a youtube video. If you really want to practice random acts of kindness all you really need to do is to be aware of what's around you. If you only open your eyes you will see the need. The need of words of encouragement, the need of a helping hand or the need to just have someone who can listen without judging. 

On October 30^th, I took my kids to Sugarloaf Mils (formerly known as Discover Mills) and I witnessed not one but 2 totally random acts of kindness.

The mall was giving away a free Kre-O Transformer to every family that's part of their Kidgit club. The Kre-O set includes a total of 386 bricks and other construction pieces. The toy can be built in either robot or vehicle form. This Hasbro Toy retails $25.00 so you can imagine the line was monumental.

My kids are members but since I left my membership card at home, I decided to approach the lady that was handing out the toy boxes and asked her if there was any way I could get verified, so I could get in line. She asked me where was my account open and I told her it was at Mall of Georgia. “I can only verify you if you had opened the account at Discover Mills, but you know what, I believe you, so here, give this to your kids.” “Oh wow, thank you so much. I was not expecting to get one, not without my membership, I truly appreciate it” I said with a surprised look on my face.

As I turned around, all I could see was my husband's face changing colors. “I cannot believe you just cut the line in front of all that people”, he said. “I didn't!! I was just asking how I could get my membership verified so I could get in line and the lady at the table just randomly decided to give me a box. I never ask for it” I said with clear frustration.

After the “misunderstanding” we took the kids to trick-or-treat around the mall. 90 minutes later our tummies were growling so we went to the food court to grab a bite. While we were eating, we met with an old friend and her four year old son. They came too late to the mall and were unable to grab one of the Kre-O Transformers that were given earlier during the day. My 10 year old immediately connected with the little kid and exchange candy and played with him, while his mom and I chat. When we said our goodbyes my son approached me and said “mom do you think is OK to give this to my friend? I really don't need it and I think he is going to like it. I have like a gazillions of these pieces at home”. 

I was shocked, my son giving away a brand new unopened toy? Oh boy, how fast they grow was my immediately thought. The egoism stage is over, now is all about giving back allelujah!!! “Yes, yes, of course you can,” I said with a proud look on my face. He immediately gave the little kid the Kre-O box and you could see the happiness beaming from both sides. I was so proud of my little man. He has a kind and noble soul and I loved him for that.

 

You see, this to me is a true (and pure) random act of kindness. It was not planned, there was no intention to use it on youtube, and it came from the heart. It was so refreshing to see it in action right there in front of me. I'll say it over and over again. Halloween is what you make of it!

Life is full of lessons, if you only open our eyes, heart and mind you will see the world in a completely different light.