55 Acts of Kindness (2)

From Melissa and Dylan in Houston:

We left a little cash treat for Hilton hotel staff in Houston this morning

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From Rae somewhere in the Caribbean:

Hi there! On vacation in Caribbean! I gave an extra large tip to our bartender, David, tonight for my Act of Kindness! Had a minute to tell him about Steve and your great idea honoring him on his bday!! ❤️❤️

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From Conia in Franklin, Tenn.:

Venmo for a family who just lost their home to a fire.

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From Jasmine in Frisco:

Happy 55th heavenly birthday to Steve Damm!

DJ had his very first blood test at Quest in Prosper 8 am in the morning.

1. We gave a giftcard to the nurse who drew blood and he said "You made my day!" The guy before DJ's rushed into the nurse and his arm was covered by blood. He apologized to us and the nurse wiped out all the blood from his arm. DJ looked very nervous and we both looked away when the nurse was about to put the needle on DJ's right arm.

The nurse was laughing and said " you both look about to pass out"

DJ said it was not even hurt after all

I was so thankful for those nurses who work early Saturday morning and wanted to cheer him up since he had little blood situation minutes ago

2. On the way home I was craving coffee so we stopped by Targrt and I got my Starbucks coffee and the cashier was so kind and delightful and I gave her giftcard. Her big smile was priceless!

3. DJ wanted to eat Wendy's so we stopped by our Wendy's drivethrough by FM423 and gave giftcard to a lady with very kind smile

Very busy morning with full of happiness #dammkind

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From Frank in Arlington:

While waiting at a red light late this afternoon, I got out of the car and gave $20 to a homeless man sitting in the median on Sublett Road at the intersection of U.S. 287 in southwest Arlington not far from our home. A bit later after getting an oil change, I drove past him again and decided to park at a nearby convenience store, walk over and talk with him.

I learned that Greg is 61 years old (a year younger than me) and recently lost his trailer home to fire. He's living in a tent and the main thing he needs is a phone to help him make calls to try to get a job and get back on his feet. I told Greg we can't really help him financially, but if he's able to get a phone, he can call me and I can give him rides or other help he might need. I could see the goodness in Greg's heart, because he instantly said he had wanted a way to reach me so he could repay me for my kindness, whether it was raking leaves or doing anything he could.

As we continued visiting, I gave Greg the last $10 in my wallet and told him that at the church I attend, The Welcome Table Christian Church just a few miles from that location, we have a Little Red Pantry outside that we keep stocked with food for those who need it. I also gave Greg a #dammkind card I'd printed so he would know the genesis of this act of kindness.

#dammkind is a campaign started by my friend and former newspaper colleague Tyra Damm some years ago after the passing at age 40 of her amazing husband Steve, whom I also knew through Tyra, from glioblastoma (brain cancer) in October 2009. Today, November 4, Steve would have turned 55. The campaign calls for folks to celebrate Steve's memory by performing an act of kindness each year on his birthday.

I know Steve, whose two remarkable children have grown up to be a college graduate and one who's a college freshman, is moved each year in heaven by the widespread outpouring of kindness. If you're able to spread the love in Steve's honor this weekend and would like to print and share this card with the person or people you help, that would be awesome. Thank you on behalf of the Damm family.

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From Kristy in Frisco:

Thank you Tyra for inspiring us to always be #dammkind. Sending love to your precious family this weekend, and a donation in Steve’s name to The Trevor Project.

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From Penny in Frisco:

In honor of Steve Damm, the late husband of our dear Tyra Damm, we celebrate #dammkind day today. Everyone in the family is finding ways to be kind today and we hope you do too.

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From Haley in Boeschepe, France:

Paid for 5 crepes to-be-ordered at our favorite parents/kids café. I love you, Damm family! Steve’s light shines so bright in this world.

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From Heather in Anna:

Thank you, Melane Crumb Woodbury, you are #dammkind!!!! Your kindness in picking up my favorite sweet treat in honor of your brother-in-law, Steve, inspires me to do the same. Thank you, friend.

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From Sarah of Winter Park, Colo.:

At my granddaughter's birthday today...at a large, b-day event space...she met a friend, whose name she doesnt know and who was not a part of her group of guests. She told me that the girl was kind....and played with her...and so my granddaughter wanted to give her a party favor, even though she wasn't officially part of the party and we didn't know her name. And so she did, give her the party favor, and said thank you for being kind. And so...anonymously, the #damnkind kindness takes another step forward. I watched it happen. And, I felt honored and proud to have known Steve, and to have seen a bit of his light passed along. Isnt that the power of the story? Moving beyond. Continuing a legacy. Grateful hearts all around.#dammkind