“True kindness expects
nothing in return.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

I’m sitting on the deck of my sister’s home in San Mateo as I write this. It’s comfortably warm and partly sunny. Clouds are slowly moving in with rain predicted for later tonight. The sound of the traffic on the street below is tolerable. The occasional horn blasts of the trains passing through San Mateo are actually a bit romantic. What an ideal setting to do a little writing.

My sister, Cathy, underwent a significant medical procedure at Mills Peninsula Hospital yesterday. The surgery went well and her prognosis for a full recovery is very good. She’s fortunate to have a wonderful friend who was an oncology nurse at Stanford Medical Center for many years. Maureen has been assisting Cathy throughout this process, but had a scheduling conflict for today — volunteering at bingo in her local parish, where they would be celebrating the 100th birthday of three parishioners today. So I’m here in San Mateo providing a bit of companionship for my sister.

It is an absolute pleasure and honor for me to have the opportunity to be with Cathy again today. Her entire life has been one of kindness to me and to many others. People often speak of karma. Well, Cathy has accumulated a healthy supply of good karma for all the things she has done through the years for so many people. Now, in her time of need, her family and friends are grateful for the opportunity to care for her the way she has cared for us.

For the next few weeks, friends will be providing dinners for Cathy. If last night’s dinner is any indication of what’s to come, she will be eating quite well. I didn’t ask her how many people will be providing meals, but I get a sense that Cathy won’t have to cook for quite a while. I’m sure others feel as I do — that caring for her during this time is a gift for which we are grateful, rather than an expectation or chore.

Kevin Heath, the CEO of More4Kids, said, “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”

Cathy has spent her life offering kindness to others, professionally, socially, and personally. In doing so, she has made a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals. Now, in her time of need, Cathy is experiencing the joy of being on the receiving end of the kindness of others. It is heartwarming to see so many people reaching out to her to provide assistance.

Cathy has clearly embraced the words of the Dalai Lama, who said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

The clouds seem to have overtaken the sun. Only small patches of blue sky are still visible, and a cold wind has picked up. So grateful for this day.