One nice thing…

Okay, I’m going to be honest here. It is actually week 23.

It felt almost impossible to write about beauty last week as news and images of the earthquake in Haiti started to flash across our screens and airwaves. I felt immobilized and helpless, waiting to absorb what was happening to thousands of people as they struggled to make their way out of a horrible tragedy. And for days, an almost constant awareness of suffering sat firmly in my mind.

Over the last few days, thankfully, we have started to hear about how we can be helpful. We have also started to hear incredible stories of survival. The miracles. The stories about how strong people can be, and how kind.

What stands out for me is the story of a 2-year old boy rescued from a collapsed building and returned to the arms of his mother; of an orthopedic surgeon who traveled from Vancouver with her equipment this week to set up a makeshift clinic; of a little boy who raised $160,000 U.S. for the Haiti relief effort by setting up a sponsored bike ride around a local park in west London; of strangers inviting strangers into their lives for support and friendship; and, of countless individuals, agencies and companies from every continent offering money, rescue teams and emergency supplies.

These stories have turned my thoughts toward the idea of kindness. The idea that it is the things we do for each other – knowingly or unknowingly, for friends or strangers – that really matter in this life. Sometimes it takes an awareness of suffering – watching compassion arise from pain – to remind me that we rely on each other every day. As the Dalai Lama says,

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

The flowers pictured in this post are the result of someone who was very kind to me when I really needed her to be. I had intended for this post to be about her, and in a way it still is. This woman probably has no idea how much she helped me the day I bought this orchid, or how often I think about her small gesture. But the kindness she extended really mattered to me, and I will now be sure to pass it on to someone else.

It may sound cliche, but I suppose that what the earthquake in Haiti, as well as this woman’s small gesture, has reminded me is that I would like my life to be measured by the kindness I have offered, and the time, energy and resources I have shared. I have many people in my life to learn from, but for a few extra tips, I plan to read Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, which was written by an extraordinary 13-year old named Bilaal Rajan.

In this spirit, this week’s one nice thing is dedicated to the kindness that is extended in our everyday lives, with special thoughts toward Haiti.

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Additional Links:

Canada for Haiti special telethon

To determine if charities are registered with Canada Revenue Agency

Bumi Sehat Haiti Relief Team
Midwives, doctors, and medics helping women and children

Canadian Foundation for the Children of Haiti based in Richmond runs a hospital, children’s home and school

Kids Explore based in Williams Lake is sending nurses and doctors. They need more translators to work with medical staff:  kidsexplore@shaw.ca

Heart to Heart Haiti

Aid for Haiti Canadian Red Cross or call 1-800-418-1111

Shelterbox provides temporary shelter

Clean Water for Haiti

Plan Canada

Mennonite Central Committee

(links via www.cbc.ca/bcalmanac)