Kindness has been on my mind today.
During a conversation this morning, someone asked about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for us. That question brought back a memory I’ll never forget—a quiet moment that helped me through one of the hardest times in my life.
Caring for My Mother Was Both Beautiful and Difficult
When my mom was dying, I was one of her main caregivers. Anyone who’s been through that knows how emotional and complex it can be—not just because of the care itself, but also the family dynamics that often come with it.
My siblings and I didn’t always agree, especially about how to manage pain during my mom’s final days. After her second stroke, she could no longer speak or move, but she could blink. I regularly asked if she wanted pain medication, and she consistently blinked “no.” That choice made sense—she had always avoided unnecessary medication.
One of my brothers struggled with that decision. He wanted to ease her pain, and I wanted to honor her autonomy. We were both doing what we believed was right, but it led to some very painful moments between us.
Then One Nurse Saw Me—and It Changed Everything
After one particularly difficult conversation, I broke down in tears. A hospice nurse sitting with me gently took my face in her hands and said:
“I see you. I see how you honor your mom’s wishes, even when it’s hard. Everyone should be so lucky to have an advocate like you.”
She looked me straight in the eyes and truly saw me, not just what I was doing, but why. That moment of validation brought me peace. I stopped crying. I felt seen. And years later, I still remember it vividly.
Kindness Doesn’t Have to Be Big to Be Transformative
A kind word, a listening ear, a small gesture of support… These moments may seem simple, but they can bring profound healing.
Who Can You “See” Today?
Take a moment to look around. Who in your life might need to feel seen or appreciated today?
One small act of kindness could stay with them forever.