An Act of Kindness for Someone, Essay Example

It is interesting to view the topic of “acts of kindness.”  In today’s society, a general spirit towards helping people has taken on an almost fabled view.  Unfortunately, it is either through an elder’s reminiscing about the “good old days,” or a simple viewing of the film “Pay It Forward,” that we may get a good look at genuine care and action for others.  Whether or not that may be true, I can recall an act of kindness that made me much more aware of how important it is to help someone.

Some time ago, a good friend of the family was looking for help.  Her and her immediate family, as well as her parents, were leaving for a trip to Hawaii.  Absent for a weekend, they were leaving behind a number of animals – a dog, two cats, and a couple of birds.  Some of her natural choices were not an option, as her husband and parents were going on the trip with her, and others had significant plans that weekend.

The friend asked me if I would be willing.  She seemed a bit uncomfortable with the proposition, as there would be a number of priorities involved with taking care of the animals.  However, I didn’t mind and thought it could be fun relaxing with the animals, enjoying some new scenery.  It wasn’t that I felt obliged to help her, though I did sense that she really wanted someone to help her out of this bit of a bind.

Immediately she was very grateful for the gesture.  She offered to leave plenty of money for food –which I tried to say was unnecessary – and she did so anyways.  With plenty of directions for her “other” children (the animals), she went over the finer points of the pets’ schedules.  Leaving keys and some simple instructions, her and her family were on their way to Hawaii with me in charge of the house.

The experience itself was a bit different.  My friend is very much a pet lover, and it didn’t take long to experience how the animals were a bit spoiled.  For instance, the dog always sleeps with my friend and her husband, and, while that isn’t that big of a deal to me – the particular dog wasn’t a joy in terms of sharing the bed.  Eventually, I had to kick him out as his breathing shook the bed.

Over the weekend, though, the experience was not that bad.  Actually, I would gladly do it again.  It was fun going for walks with the dog, and just having a relaxing weekend watching movies.  The friend was very nice and left some cash for food, which I used to order some pizzas for deliver.

Returning back to the true point of this whole experiences, it felt nice to be able to help someone.  Whether it’s for people truly in need, or for friends and family that need some type of assistance, it is a great feeling being there for someone.  While this wasn’t that big of a deal, to my friend it was.  She certainly expressed her gratitude before and after the trip they took.

Overall, this was a simple experience that I was happy to perform for a friend.  And while I don’t want to read too much into this, it is amazing to consider how these small acts of kindness can add up for people.  Often we can fail to ask other for help.  Yet, when we consider how good friends and family will be there for us, it is one of the more meaningful aspects of life.  Having someone to count on is one of the important intangibles that true friends share.  While this was a “simple experience,” I will certainly try to “pay it forward” to help friends, family members, and others in need – in whatever way I can help.