Three Generous Servings Of Kindness
Dear Pamela,
I just saw my doctor, and had two hours to spare before my next appointment with another doctor. I thought I’d walk down to Ala Moana Center to do some errands. Approaching Eggs ‘n Things at Piikoi, I wanted to have lunch there, but I try to avoid the lunch crowd; it’s for working people on limited lunch break. I walked in and somehow the manager found me a table. It was packed and the servers were rushing, taking care of the diners.
When my order came, the condiments on my table were out of my reach. I would have had to stand up and walk around the table to get them. Glancing over at the next table, those were within my reach (our tables actually were together). Seeing I was alone, the couple sitting there started to talk to me. I felt bad I was taking quality time from them, but they were such nice people, it was easy talking to them.
In our conversation, they learned I live alone, but I assured them my niece and her husband bring the things I need that I can’t carry on the bus. I also list all the things I need help with, like changing the light bulbs. This nice couple gave me their phone number and said, “We live close by, here’s our number, you can call us anytime.” Just like that and with such sincerity. My compliments to the parents of this couple. (“Your children are a reflection of you.”) When leaving, the woman said, “Don’t forget to ask for help.” What a nice lunch I had. This couple made me feel not so alone!
When I finished my lunch I asked the server for my check. He bent down and said the couple took care of my lunch. I was stunned. He added, “They wanted to see that you were taken care of.” Strangers extending kindness to a stranger — you hear of such things, but when it happens to you, it is difficult to comprehend. It is contagious. Now I want to share what I have received. Love does make the world go around. May God bless my two angels. You touched my heart and made my day.
Rosalind Fukuda
A grateful and humbled senior
Dear Pamela,
Our fondest aloha and appreciation to a generous couple who paid our bill for breakfast at the new Liliha Bakery. Our family was celebrating our first Veteran’s Day with our “Papa,” a Vietnam War veteran. Our granddaughters learned the essence of this special day as well as a lifelong lesson on honesty.
The lady on the next table dropped a few coins as she searched for her wallet. Our older granddaughter, Danni, picked up the coins and returned them to her. She not only personally thanked Danni for being an honest girl, but also paid for our complete family breakfast. We were all surprised but most grateful to learn about generosity, caring and honesty from a wonderful couple.
Koyanagi family
Pearl City
Dear Pamela,
My sisters and I were dining at Kenny’s restaurant when a total stranger came up to us and said she’d pick up our tab, and wished us “Happy Holidays.” It was so surprising that we failed to respond. Although belated, we want to extend our sincere mahalo and wish this person a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year.
Doreen Yoshioka and her sisters
Kaimuki
Dear Doreen, Koyanagis and Rosalind,
Sounds like a trend we could all adopt! Hopefully, your angels will inspire more of us to spread the cheer this holiday season. It takes little effort to open our hearts to strangers by making a simple gesture of kindness. Whether you pick up the whole tab or just send along a dessert, an elderly person, a veteran or active military, or just someone dining alone will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.
pyoung@kitv.com
