Following the tragic deaths of four Lakewood police officers, Renninger, Owens, Griswold and Richards, Seattle’s Officer Brenton and Pierce County Deputy Mundell, we witnessed an outpouring of support through words, deeds and actions. Communities joined hands as one, not only in grieving the deaths of the officers, but also to help their families, now living without a dad or a mom. Restaurants donated profits. T-shirts sold with all proceeds going to the families. College funds were created so we could contribute to the education of the children. We said “thank you” to local police officers and felt an overwhelming need to honor them. But, why wait for a tragic event to show our appreciation to those who keep our communities safe?
It appears we become reduced to a common denominator in times of catastrophe and mourning, when our hearts are laid bare. When we’re united in a cause and emotionally involved, we care and we act. But there are many times, in our daily lives, that there is no “cause.”
It’s a new year — 2010. One simple act of kindness, for no apparent reason, will reverberate throughout our area. Bothell and Kenmore are good places to live, reminiscent, to me, of that homey feel of small-town New England. Over the holidays we enjoyed tree lightings, Bothell’s Vintage Wine Walk, sang along with local choral groups, attended orchestra concerts, met new people and were reacquainted with old friends. Despite our towns’ growth, the inner, friendly core will remain with our help, with one small act of caring.
We can offer a genuine compliment, cook a meal for a family in need, or provide comfort to a grieving friend. We can mow a neighbor’s lawn, feed their pet or toss the daily newspaper onto their doorstep. We can drive someone to a doctor’s appointment or pick up that gallon of milk at the grocery store, since we’re going there anyway. We can thank a soldier for his or her service. These small gifts we give are simple ones. They cost nothing, only a little time and thoughtfulness.
We get a good feeling from helping a writer friend find the perfect word or telephoning someone just to touch base. We know how we feel when we receive a spur-of-the-moment, “You look nice today,” or asked by someone we don’t know, “Where did you get that lovely royal blue sweater?” It’s these little things that brighten our day or that of another person — a win-win situation for us all! The gifts we give with our words, actions and deeds remain for a long time, perhaps forever, with the recipient. Performing a small act of kindness also adds to the well being and quality of an entire community. Sounds simple, doesn’t it!
Let’s continue the homey feel of our adjoining towns, and wish each other in Kenmore and Bothell a happy and healthy new year, one small kindness at a time.
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
