Circle of kindness

Readers share little reminders of how much goodness there is in the world

“IT FEELS SO GREAT TO PASS KINDNESS ON TO OTHERS!” After a doctor’s visit, my husband and I decided to stop for a bite to

eat. We both ordered a coffee with our lunch and were surprised when our waitress told us our coffee had already been paid for! She explained that a gentleman from out of town had given her enough money for his and 20 other customers’ coffees. What a nice treat! Soon after, I hosted our Red Hat Society meeting and brought a coffee for each of my friends. It felt good to pass the kindness on. —Wilma Vander Linden, Sheldon, IA

“HER THOUGHTFULNESS SAVED THE DAY!” Every day, I drive to a local shopping center, leave my car in the parking lot, then take the

bus the rest of the way to work. One evening, I was feeling really stressed after a long workday, and when the bus pulled into the shopping center, I hurried to get off. When I got to my car, I felt for my keys in my pockets—not there! They weren’t in my purse either. I’d left them on the bus! I turned to see the bus pull away. That’s when a woman ran up jangling my keys. “You left these on your seat,” she said. Enormously relieved, I hugged her for her kindness. — Kathryne L. Tirrell, Riverside, RI

“A BEAUTIFUL ACT BY AN EARTH ANGEL!” One Saturday morning, I was sitting in Starbucks working on my laptop when I noticed a man enter carrying several bunches

of flowers. I watched as he presented the bouquets to random people and was surprised when he handed one to me. He smiled and said, “Please enjoy. Spread a little kindness today.” It was the most genuine, sweet, unexpected gesture I had ever received. And from a complete stranger. He put a smile on my face that lasted all day. I now happily spread kindness in honor of this Earth angel. —Tess Kossow, Geneva, IL