Acts of kindness bring grace to the world

Recently, I was in a small restaurant and got up to use the single-use restroom. As I approached it, I heard someone say, "Let me get that for you," and she opened the door for me.

I have needed two canes or a walker for a number of years now and am legally classified as "handicapped" because I have a totally torn tendon in one hip and a partially torn tendon in the other. Therefore, neither leg can support me as I take a step with the other leg. I do not think of myself as handicapped because there are so many things I can do in spite of my limitations, yet it is humbling to need help.

When I left the washroom, the lady was not there. I saw her at her table and asked her if she had just done that to help me. She just smiled. Obviously, she saw someone in need and did not hesitate to offer her help.

The reason I am writing this is because there was a time when I was able and offered help when I saw someone in need, whether it was to carry a package, open a door or anything else. I just did it as this woman did.

What I did not know at the time, and I am sure she did not know either, is how much her kindness means to the recipient and what grace this brings to our world.

May you never need assistance, but if you do, you will understand just how much your kindness has impacted someone you helped and is an example to the rest of our world.

Karen Goettsche

Arlington Heights