Avoid talking about politics at the Thanksgiving table this year. Ask each guest to tell about a random act of kindness they received from a stranger.
Telling about this experience sets the stage. In 1995, I moved to Phoenix and needed cheap wheels, so I bought a used Ford Escort with 50,000 miles on it from a rental car company.
One day, as I was cruising south on Tempe’s busy Priest Drive, my car stopped without warning. In those days before cell phones, I felt confused, scared, and stuck.
Suddenly, the driver of an 18-wheeler from a major grocery chain appeared behind me.
“I’ll push you into a quiet side street,” he offered.
He gently touched the back of my car with his big cab, making sure there were no cars speeding behind him, and pushed me onto a nearby side street. When I got back in the cab, he used all his communication equipment to call AAA on my behalf. (I later learned that my car’s timing belt had broken.)
A young man helped prevent an accident
Fortunately, I have also received other random acts of kindness from strangers.
Recently, on a hot summer day, I was driving down Glendale Street during rush hour with the air conditioning on full blast, when I stopped at a red light. A young man in a clunker pulled up next to me and motioned for me to roll down the window.
“My brake lights are out,” he said with a smile, and sped off. As I drove to the mechanic for a simple repair, I realized that the young man had likely prevented a rear-end accident. How many drivers are this attentive and considerate?
I was impressed.
His gesture shattered the unfair stereotype I had that young men in hot cars were a threat on the road.
She was hit by a motorcycle. he hugged her
Another unfortunate generalization I was guilty of, this one about motorcyclists, was proven false during a conversation in art class. The teacher always started the session with questions, encouraged discussion, and encouraged us to get to know each other.
This day she asked us to talk about kindness from strangers, and I certainly knew something about that topic. A woman in our class surprised us with this anecdote.
As she drove slowly, she could not see the motorcyclist in front of her. Her car hit him, flipping the bike and knocking the driver onto the sidewalk.
She panicked and jumped out of the car crying.
The biker stood up, dusted himself off, and walked towards her.
“Looks like you need a hug,” he said kindly and gently. “Can I hug you?”
He assured her that “these things happen,” and they parted ways.
Thanksgiving or not, you can pay in advance
These acts of generosity and many others have inspired me to give back and give back as much as I can.
So one sweltering summer day, as I approached the supermarket, I noticed three elderly women standing on the curb, silently waiting in the scorching sun with their groceries in hand, to give them a ride home. I did.
I slowly picked up a few items inside the store, and when I left the store, I felt anxious when I saw the women still waiting patiently.
I rushed back to the store and bought three bottles of cold water to give them. They were very grateful for the water and seemed surprised by the gift. I think they not only felt hydrated, but also felt seen.
I felt better by reminding myself that the person doing the random act of kindness benefits at least as much as the recipient.
We look forward to a fun, uplifting, and inspiring Thanksgiving dinner.
Lucy E. Scott of Phoenix has spent her career in journalism, including nearly 20 years in the newsroom of the Arizona Republic. She is currently retired. Please contact luci.scott@yahoo.com.
