Kindness Challenge - Week 4

Created by Niki Meadows

#RevOfKindness @NikiMeadowsWA

My Role Model for Kindness

My dearest grandma Emma,

Today, I’m writing to tell you something I never told you: You were my "role model for kindness."  Yes, you loved me, unconditionally, but we shared more than a hereditary link.  We shared a spiritual connection, a bond that cannot be broken.

When I think of you, I think of roses, gently tended to by your hard-working hands.  Remember the honey bee that stung you?  You let out a yelp, and I frowned up at you.  "Why did it do that, Gramma?" Smiling, you allayed my fears.  “The little bee said ‘look out, here I come,’ but I didn’t get out of the way.”  That made me giggle, but it also taught me a valuable lesson about life and forgiveness.

You were a quiet, thoughtful woman, who never spoke ill of others. Faith shone through your light blue eyes, along with a glint of merriment.  You lost your firstborn, your only son, while your husband had gone to America in search of a better life.  Three years passed before you could join Grandpa in the United States, but your grief and your struggles never made you bitter.

I carry your stories in my heart: Your voyage from Austria to America with two young daughters; the terrible seasickness you endured.  The hardships of an immigrant family living in Chicago.  You learned to speak English, became a citizen, and cleaned office buildings in order to survive The Great Depression.  From you, I learned the meaning of courage and perseverance.  Your strong, silent message prevailed: Never lose hope.

You did needlepoint beautifully, a testament to your patience.  You baked apple pies with a dash of cinnamon and a lot of love.  We cooked together in your favorite style: a pinch of this; a pinch of that. You taught me to polka, to speak German, and to sing in your native language.  You always helped your family, lending a hand well into your upper years.

Although Grandpa could be difficult at times, you stayed by his side for six decades.  I was with you when he drew his last breath, and with you when you drew yours.  The morning your soul called to mine, and I rushed to the hospital, remains a bittersweet memory.  I held your hand and we sang, “Du, Du, Liegst Mir Im Herzen…” You, you, lie in my heart.  A part of me went with you that day, but you left behind a kinder, more caring person.

Kindness & Patience go hand in hand, Grammy.  You taught me everything I need to know about both--instilled in me a sense of compassion.

Thank you, I love you, and I'll see you in your rose garden...

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Who was your "role model for kindness," and why?