Today, before I came home from school I went to Chipotle. My act was pretty random and bolder on my part from what I normally am used to. There was a man asking for money outside of Chipotle (who my friend said is always there) when I walked in. I ordered a burrito (which was huge) and only ate half of it. On the way out I had it in my backpack and the man was still asking for money. I kept walking to my friend’s car thinking I should do something until I decided to take the risk. I turned around and opened my backpack handing him the uneaten half of my burrito while simultaneously asking him if he would like it. He smiled and looked me in the eye and said something like, “thank you so much.” I am glad he was not offended by my act and gladly took it. I figured he might want half of a filling burrito versus a quarter, and I was right. I said something like, “you're welcome, I am pretty full anyways. Hope you enjoy it,” and went and got into my friend’s car.
I loved this act of kindness because it was really random for both me and the man and once again I was filled with a sense of happiness and energy. I loved that this feeling came from something that was completely my choice and a second before I had no idea I was going to do this. I kept thinking things like, “wow, I just took the risk of being rejected and instead was accepted. I also know he will get a lot more from that half of a burrito than I will. The look on his face was amazing…I wish I could have taken a picture.” Then I thought, “oooo I am not going to be able to take a picture of it at all.” For now, I will just find a picture from online and when in downtown Evanston again I will take a picture of Chipotle…and maybe the man will be standing outside. I am happy I did this today and learned that I need to take advantage of these random, spontaneous times I can do acts because they can be just as great and even more meaningful than if I have them planned!
I sometimes try to give my leftovers to the homeless if they are nearby, but often I don't even get food wrapped up. I think I will start looking out more for those in need of help.
ReplyDeleteHi Meaghan,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the the tardiness in my reply. In the few years I have known you while working at the Soup Kitchen in Evanston, you have kindness, care, concern, and warmth towards your co-workers, and towards the Guests. Your presence every month at the Soup Kitchen is de facto, a huge act of kindness. I'm sure that this is only a fraction of the kindness that emanates from you on a daily basis. Never stop because the world will be a much better place because of Meaghan Morel.
I think you mentioned in your email random acts of kindness by strangers. I would like to share one with you:
I have a niece who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32 (She is now 38). She underwent a Bilateral Mastectomy, and had 3 courses of Chemotherapy. She did well for 5 years, but then had a local recurrence. Subsequent tests and scans revealed she had metastases to bones throughout her body (Stage 4). During the past year she had a Stem Cell Transplant at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Thank God, everything went well with the transplant.She is back going to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for tests and Treatments. Recently she got in a Taxi to take her from her home in Lincoln Park. to Northwestern. What transpired between the Taxi Driver and Jennifer was unbelievable.The man offered kindness to the highest level.
Here are Jennifer's words:
Now it is back to reality and back to my old routine at the hospital in Chicago. I am back on my pre-transplant regimen where I get an IV of a bone strengthening drug once a month. It usually leaves me feeling a little flu like for about 48 hours, although when I had the treatment the first time after the transplant, it hit me pretty hard and I was in bed for a week. Last month was better and I'm assuming next week will be back to the two-day achiness that I'm used to. So used to in fact, I forget that this is not the norm. As I was on my way to the hospital last month in a cab, the driver, who was about my age, wondered if I worked there. When I told him that I didn't and why I was going there, he was stunned. He asked me so many questions but was mainly fixated on the fact that I was alone and able to talk so casually about it all. I explained to him that, like it or not, this is my life and I'm just doing what I have to do. As we pulled up to the entrance to the hospital, he turned around with tears in his eyes and asked me if I would like him to park and come in with me. I declined, thanked him and handed him my money. But he refused to take it. He said he could not take money from me; that giving me a free ride was at least something he could do for me. He did so much more than give me a free ride that day. He reminded me that it doesn't matter what race we are, what our profession is, what age we are, what our religious beliefs are, where we are from or how much money we have or don't have; compassion is universal. A small, simple gesture, whether towards a stranger or a friend, makes a huge difference. At least it does to me.
God Bless
Steve Jennings
I read this when I was a teenager,, in the original chicken soup book, it seemed much longer and in more detail then, not sure if it really was or if it just played more profoundly in my teenage head. It was an instant favorite, and has been since. It became a part of my way of life. It really does feel so good to do nice things for others, even if it's just a smile. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read this when I was a teenager,, in the original chicken soup book, it seemed much longer and in more detail then, not sure if it really was or if it just played more profoundly in my teenage head. It was an instant favorite, and has been since. It became a part of my way of life. It really does feel so good to do nice things for others, even if it's just a smile. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read this when I was a teenager,, in the original chicken soup book, it seemed much longer and in more detail then, not sure if it really was or if it just played more profoundly in my teenage head. It was an instant favorite, and has been since. It became a part of my way of life. It really does feel so good to do nice things for others, even if it's just a smile. ;)
ReplyDelete