The Kindness Of Strangers

I have been thinking lately about the kindness of strangers, and how I can be kind to others. I interviewed for a position at the Costa Mesa DMV and told them how I thought the few minutes each day I was helping customers was my chance to show them kindness and understanding, and I meant it. When you are stressed, or your life is a mess, or your kid died, or something else horrible happened, sometimes the difference between completely going bonkers and making it to another day is the little kindnesses that others give you. I want to thank these strangers.

Thank you to the assistant at the coroner's office. You were sensitive, kind, understanding and spoke with a soft and gentle voice.

Thank you to the neighbor of Rachel's who placed a wreath on her door. It was the first thing I saw at her apartment and it touched my heart. I still have it.

Thank you to the funeral home director. You were open to our requests and didn't try to push anything on us. Your kindness was very comforting.

Thank you to the DMV clerk who gently steered me in the correct answers to the registration of Rachel's car so I wouldn't have to pay extra money.

Thank you to the manicurist who thought I was getting my nails done for a wedding, and when I told her "no, a funeral" said "Oh, she in heaven now. She happy. I can tell you a good mommy."

Thank you to the professional people who said "I am sorry for your loss". I know you are trained to say that, but it doesn't matter. It really helps.

Of course, my heart is filled with love and gratitude for all my close friends and family who were there for me and still are. Thank you to John, for holding me. Thank you to Sarah for making all those phone calls. Thank you to Keturah for turning thirty soon. (She understands) Thank you to Jeff for taking care of everything in Sacramento. Thank you to Chris for always being there. Thank you to Becky for taking such good care of Rachel. Thank you to Cid for not judging Rachel and showing her understanding. Thank you John (bro)for the tears. Thank you to Jeni for the money (we need that too). Thank you to Josh for having the same sweet spirit as Rachel. Thank you to Julian for all the legal rigamarole. Thank you to Hal for the laughs. Thank you to Elise for making arrangements for the services. Thank you to Uncle Tom for paying. Thank you to Jacob for being Jacob. Thank you to Ronalee for preparing all the food. Thank you to Richie for letting us use your house for the wake. Thank you to Megan for the wake therapy talk. Thank you to Louise for making sure day to day routine was taken care of. Thank you Robin for listening. Thank you Craig for being Rachel's father. Thank you Diane for the poetry. Thank you Kathy for the video. Thank you mom for loving me and my children. Thank you to all. If you are missed, it is not because I am not grateful. I am. I am just tired.

Gratitude is giving my heart a little rest from grieving, for this I am grateful!