I’m back with another edition of my Random Acts of Kindness series. This one goes back a few decades… all the way back to Elementary school days! Happy reading 🙂
It was a regular afternoon in 2nd grade (I think) at C.S.I. Ewart Matriculation H.S.S. We had just returned to the classroom after a playtime in the school field. I was in an extremely uncomfortable situation. I had sand in my eyes! Being the quiet reclusive student at that time (if you can believe it!), I did not let my teacher know that I had accidentally gotten gritty sand in my eyes. I decided to quietly sit through class the remainder of the day.
Mrs. Ebenezer, my teacher, was at the front of the classroom teaching us something (I can’t recall what.. it was >3 decades ago!). Mid-class, she decided to walk through the classroom to check our work. She stepped up to my row and took one look at me and my face with tears streaming down. She inquired if I was crying and if so why. I replied that I am was not crying but that I had sand in my eyes and didn’t know what to do about it.
The response I expected was ‘Ok. Carry on with your classwork then.’ But what transpired instead was surprising. She asked me to get up immediately and follow her. Walking upfront to the teacher’s desk, she pulled out her thermos from her bag. I was confused about what her plan was with it because usually one finds hot coffee/tea stored in these. She then proceeded to pour out water into the cup shaped lid of the thermos. Then, we walked out to the balcony outside the classroom where she helped me rinse off my eyes. The water, having been in the thermos, was refreshingly cold!
My eyes instantly felt better. My heart felt better too having just experienced kindness and empathy where I didn’t expect it in the least. I don’t recall what the rest of the class was doing while we were taking care of my eyes but the fact that Mrs. Ebenezer instantly dropped her teaching responsibilities to attend to my need has stuck with me.
As simple as this story sounds, I still recall it ever so often, even now ~35years later. Once again there is re-affirming proof that selfless acts happen all around us in the most unassuming way. And they don’t take a lot from the giver while having a lasting impact on the receiver. I doubt Mrs. Ebenezer even thought twice about this after the event. But, she has left an indelible impression on me. I am thankful for her and the kindness she taught me through her actions. I’m sure she has had a similar positive impact on several of my classmates and school mates without even realizing it!
And that’s today’s post on random, selfless acts of kindness. I tried to find some memories from way back then but unsuccessfully! But I did find a few other generic ones I’ve posted below.
As always, if you have a similar story, add them to the comments section so we can all enjoy reading about it!
More Digging For the Curious Mind
For the curious reader wanting to learn more about my school, here’s a wiki link: More about Ewart. And if you want to read more about the origin of my blog click here.
