44 Acts of Kindness: Part 18

From the Calandro family in Frisco:

"Happy birthday Steve! Today we left an extra tip for our waiter and then later bought the person's meals behind us in line at raising cane's. :) yep we ate out twice today! "

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The Keiser family passed out drinks at Warren during soccer and baseball games with Steve's note attached.

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Brighton made homemade treats for her brother's whole baseball team today since Steve's note said he loved baseball.

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From Carrie in Plano:

"Whole family did the Dallas Down Syndrome Buddy walk today. Went to lunch and gave the waitress a great tip. Unable to donate blood this year but did get to do Communion today at our 9:45 service. Love reading what others have done."

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From Debi in Portland:

"Taking four friends to a Cat Power concert tonight!"

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From Linda:

"I donated money to buy two poinsettias to be given as door prizes for First Baptist Church luncheon for senior adults. The poinsettias raise money for scholarship for Killeen ISD seniors. Another donation is for the church's Freebie Wednesday program for free lunch for high school students."

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From Bret:

"My day was consumed by soccer so I let our bench players start a game and it made the boys very happy. On the way home we ordered pizza and picked it up so gave a nice tip to the staff and they were surprised."

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From Garrett in Frisco:

"Gave an extra generous tip to our waiter at brunch."

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From Kimberly:

"Made a two mile u-turn (I was in the wrong lane to reach him!) to go back and give the largest bill in my wallet to a homeless man holding a sign that said, 'Good Karma 50 cents.' "

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From Susan:

"I spent time talking to a lonely elderly man without worrying about the time. I didn't leave until he was ready for me to go."

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From Amy:

"Gave a gift card to a shopper at Albertsons (the woman asked 'how and why?!') and anonymously bought a couple dessert for dinner (hope they're enjoying it right now)."

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From Bledsoe teacher Wendi:

"This is what we did today for our act of kindness [donation to the Red Cross]. We are on a strict budget, but felt called to give something to help those in need on the East Coast. Made pumpkin bread to give out to teachers at Sophie's school tomorrow, too."

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From Meredith:

"Homemade soup to a neighbor today. More kindness tomorrow. No political bashing - another act of kindness I intend to maintain through election night."

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From Nancy:

"Took a birthday card and flowers to one of the members of our congregation who is in a long term rehab center."

44 Acts of Kindness: Part 17

Cory Jensen, who designed the stunning 44 Acts of Kindness logo, also designed these prints and left one for Cooper and one for Katie on our front porch.

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Cooper chose to give a gift card to Jonathan, our church accompanist and Cooper's talented piano teacher. He is flexible with our scheduling needs and adjusts his teaching style expertly for Cooper.

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Cooper and Katie delivered an orchid to Derek and Susan, who go out of their way to make life special.

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From the Mihm family in Frisco:

"We loved participating in the Acts of Kindness in Memory of Steve today. We bought dinner for the car behind us at Canes tonight. The kids got so excited to see the look on the faces of the family  behind us receiving the note about Steve. :)"


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From Elissa in Carrollton:

"I supported & 'stalked' aka cheered on the wonderful Susan G Komen 3day walkers today & yesterday, my Angels for the Cure teammates & my first time walking sister! I have participated myself the last 4 years & this year I supported with love, hugs, cheers, waters, gatorades, honking, yelling, fetching, snacks, ice, passed out stickers, collected trash...and yes it was a blast, so much & also inspiring & grateful to know I made my small part in this huge weekend of hope that occurred by miles walked by so many strong people!"

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From Jon in Seattle:

"We gave up our seats in the restaurant waiting area tonight to a nice older couple. The man seemed stunned that we would do it, and his surprise only made me more pleased to have shown them kindness."

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From Linda in Plano:

"My parents and I gave an extra large tip and the letter about Steve to our waiter tonight. He seemed surprised; I told him to read the note later. We never knew Steve, but it was our pleasure to make someone's day. Thanks for inviting us to  play a tiny part."

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From Yvonne in Frisco:

"I paid for the next person in line at Starbucks this afternoon..."

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From Laura in Cedar Hill:

"I have the note with a little cash ready to go. I’m giving it to the school counselor tomorrow, and will ask her to give it to a parent (anonymously) who may be going through a hard time. Since my kids go to a mostly low-income school, we have a lot— but since she is privy to private circumstances, I am leaving it up to her to decide who would most benefit. Rather than a random stranger, I wanted to do something for one of the kids I see every day."

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From Victoria in Frisco:

"I donated to my friend's 5K and obstacle course for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Happy Birthday, Steve."

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From Tom in New York State:

"Rough week here, so I will be a bit delayed in random, but I did donate to the Red Cross for Sandy relief."

44 Acts of Kindness: Part 16

From Ana in Wisconsin:

"When I was thinking of what kinds of things I wanted to do today, I thought about my dad. He died of cancer Sept. 3, 2008 and Nov. 12 would have been his 70th birthday. So, to honor both your Steve and my dad - I knew I wanted to do seven acts (one for each decade my dad would be celebrating). So, despite having to work - I did my best to fit in some extra kindness.

1) I started early with a trip to the Wisconsin Humane Society where I dropped off a small bucket of goodies filled with items from their "wish list." I in turn was thanked by Patty, Marcus and Picasso, the resident screach owl.

2) Next, a quick stop to drop off bagels and schmear to my local Milwaukee Fire Department Engine 7 firefighters.

3) I had a few minutes before work, so I surprised the Spice family with a Starbucks gift card. They are wonderful people and deserve an extra treat for all they do for others.

4) Finally, I handed out Starbucks gift cards to a couple of the girls I work with at Walgreens. Both Liz (pictured) and Lisa have a great smile that they share with me and our customers (although I accidentally deleted Lisa's pic from my phone).

I can't tell you how giddy I have been all day long. I plan to keep forwarding the kindness ...

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From Tifani in Rockwall:

"Baking cookies to deliver tomorrow to our favorite school crossing guards in honor of Steve. Also donated to the Red Cross for the hurricane relief. Thank you for including us in this very special way to honor Steve's memory!"

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From Angela in Allen:

"We brought donuts to our check-in team (for security for children's classes) at church. I subbed in the 4-year-olds' class for a friend who couldn't be there. We made cookies and delivered a plate to our local fire station, as well as some for both of E's teachers at church and a lady who has been mentoring her. More to come this week!"

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From Monica in Oregon:

"I live in Tigard, Oregon, a suburb of Portland. My 12-year-old son and I just went thru the drive thru at McDonald's and we paid for the car behind us. We loved seeing the little exchange behind us in the rearview mirror with the guy trying to pay and then realizing he didn't have to. My son asked me if he thought anyone had ever paid for his food before. We are very happy to celebrate in what would have been your husband's 44th birthday."

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From Angie in The Colony:

"We have been without TV or Internet since Thursday the construction crew on our street cut the line. AT&T men have been working on it since Friday. Today a crew spent all day on the line and just got it working. I sent my husband to give them a case of beer for all their hard work! They just laughed and said thanks. I told my husband to bring them diet dr pepper and he said they were not that kind of group! Normally I would just be happy to have my service back but I wanted to do something nice for someone today in honor of Steve and this was a great act of kindness!"

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From Suzanne of Frisco, traveling from St. Louis:

"Gave a starbucks giftcard to the person behind me at airport check-in!"

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From Jocelyn in Anna:

"I bought my brother in Maryland dinner tonight. He it's going through a really hard time, and I saw Melane post about buying a pizza and I thought what a great idea. My brother was so appreciative and it felt so good to do that for him. I shared your story with him and when he gets back on his feet, he said he would pay it forward..."

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From Mary in Florida:

"Made a donation to the local food bank in Steve's name. Sending love and prayers to the entire Damm family. Happy Birthday Steve!"

"I passed out 44 bags of chips at the local college campus."

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From Jaynie in Washington State:

"I bought baby photos for a mother and father; just starting out."

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From Belle in Little Elm:

"Gave our server at breakfast and extra large tip & also gonna have a frosty for a late treat. I'll ask the guys to pay for the car behind them tonight at Wendy's as well. I am touched by all of the kindness that has happened today in Steve's honor. What an amazing legacy!"

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From Joanie in Lewisville:

"About to make a pledge to the Down syndrome guild for our friend, Casey, who did the buddy walk today."

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From Paula in Grayson County:

"My act of kindness today was taking Braums ice cream sandwiches to the crew working on my house."

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From Dennis:

"I've been unemployed since 07/2011, so my acts of kindness won't involve any money. Guess that's why they say the best things in life are free.....

I listened. A friend who is having trouble with her teenaged son is in a quandary about what to do. I heard her out and let her get it all out, suggested a few resources at her disposal and let her know I'm here anytime she needs to talk."

44 Acts of Kindness: Part 15

From Rick in Fort Worth:

"My boy Ethan, 7, and girl Lucy, 3, picked out a toy to give to a new family that moved in down the street. Upon presenting the gifts, precocious Lucy declared, 'We're being extra nice today!' "

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From Jessica in Richardson:

"The brunette is my daughter Rachel, we went to Kroger and picked up a gift card to hand out randomly.  We saw this woman and her sweet son so we approached them.  I can never explain this act without tearing up, what a wonderful opportunity! She wasn't sure what to make of the gift, but was very touched.  Her son liked it, he tried to eat the paper!"

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From Bledsoe teacher Jana:

"We paid for the man's dinner behind us in line at Dairy Queen. So thankful to have been touched by such a wonderful family."

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From Paige in Oregon:

"When I set out with the intention of buying breakfast for a couple strangers at a local café, I had no idea the reactions it would garner. 

As soon as I was seated I saw a likely recipient: an elderly man wearing a World War II veteran cap. A few minutes passed before I realized his right arm was missing, and that sealed my choice. 

My dining companion’s first husband was killed in Iraq and her current husband served in Afghanistan this year; a good friend is an elective amputee. When the man’s waitress delivered the 44 Acts of Kindness note and told the vet and his two companions that their bill had been paid, they got choked up, which made me and my two companions choke up. 

When I paid the man’s check his server thanked me for the act of kindness, so I told her how it came about. She said she has a 32-year-old relative, the father of three young kids, who is battling brain cancer. 

And then all the other servers in the restaurant gathered around and thanked me for picking up the veteran’s check. Apparently he’s a regular customer and a genuinely nice man. 

It took both of the vet’s companions to get him standing and out of his booth. I was deeply moved by the effort that it must have taken for them to get him to the café. 

After they were gone, his server stopped by to tell us that the group intended to pay forward the act of kindness. Easily a dozen people in Beaverton, Oregon, touched by the tribute to Steve. What an amazing feeling. Thanks to you and your family for reminding us how far a little kindness will go. Happy birthday, Steve!

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From Laura in Oklahoma:

"My neighbor Teresa Stearns reports she delivered homemade Mac and cheese to a neighbor, and challenged her kids to do one kind act a week."

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From Laura in Frisco:

"I made a care package full of some of my brother's favorite things. He is going to MD Anderson on Tuesday for surgery to remove a recently found tumor. Prognosis is good. I wanted to let him know how much we love him and how special he is to us!"

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From Kevin in Carrollton:

"Alex and I bought the food for the car behind us at Wendy's today.  It's fun to try and explain what you are trying to do the the person at the window.  I like the smile that lit up her face when she read the note and 'got it.' "

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From Laura in South Carolina:

"We heavily triple+ tipped our awesome waiter at Red Robin who has taken care of us after soccer games many times. We left our 44 note and told him he was great and to just pay it forward in honor a great guy, Steve :)"

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From Ann in Frisco:

"Made a donation to Operation Kindness, where my brother adopted his dog."  

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From Michael in Brazil:

Picked up rubbish from Praça Fernando de Azevedo, a trianglar green space named for a Brazilian teacher, critic, essayist and sociologist. - in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo.

44 Acts of Kindness: Part 14

From Stacey in Virginia:

"In honor of Steve, I paid for the order of the car behind me in the drive-thru at KFC in Alexandria (Kingstowne), VA. The guys at the window thought it was awesome and posed for me.

I also donated to the New Jersey SPCA to help some of the animals affected by the hurricane. (I hope Margie approves.)"

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From Gina in Collin County:

"We decided on making a donation to the McKinney SPCA in memory of Steve. I'll always remember how much you two loved your dogs. 

Thanks again for inviting us to participate in this wonderful event. It's a fantastic way to honor Steve! Wishing you and your family much peace."

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From Amy in Little Rock, Ark.:

"Our cousin Karen is in the hospital; we dog-sat for Karen's sister, Beth, so Beth could spend a long day at Karen's bedside without worrying about little Cowboy."

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From Jenny in Dallas:

"It doesn't seem much, but I welcomed a rather 'challenging' relative into my home and gave her the use of my car when she had no other place to go. I celebrate this day with you and your wonderful family. What a wonderful way to celebrate Steve's legacy. Hugs and kisses to all!"

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From Ria in Frisco:

"At the checkout stand at Target today, I purchased a gift card and handed it to the person in line behind me. She was surprised and grateful! It felt good to make someone I didn't know smile. Thank you Tyra! What a beautiful way to honor Steve!"

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From Laura in Frisco:

"The Tamney girls, Will and I brought a cake to the fire station.  Then we went to Jack in the Box and gave the guy taking our order 10 dollars.  I think he teared up!!!  Then a guy at Krogers was sweeping the sidewalk and gave him a 10.  He wasn't sure what to think of it.  I told him to pass on the kindness and he just looked at me funny and walked away! HA! Steve was smiling bright today!"

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From Patricia in Oxnard, Calif.:

"I attended a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration yesterday. The celebration honors loved ones who have passed away with music, dancing, and the loved ones' favorite foods. The leader of one of the mariachi groups asked me if I would email her some of the photos I took of the group. I emailed her these photos."

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From Kindra in Frisco:

"At Starbucks this morning I left $10 extra to pay for the cars behind me and then put and extra dollar in the tip jar. The barista looked kind of shocked. I also took by a goody bag to two friends who are recovering from surgeries."

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From Shilpa in Plano:

"Normally Rahul cleans and watches Juhee while I read. Today I cooked, cleaned, practiced music with Juhee."

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From Beth in Frisco:

"Spent some time supporting a friend in need today, was a good feeling to be able to help."

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From Jamie in Carrollton:

"Took dinner to a mom of three who is battling ovarian cancer."

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From Laurie in Iowa:

"Today Haley and I worked on a art project that will be delivered to a nursing home by our house. She wanted to donate a personal gift to someone that may not have much. She is also looking to volunter there."

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From Betsy in Carrollton:

"I took stuff today to the Goodwill drop off. The worker had fallen. I went back home and brought her water and an Aleve. Hope it helped."

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From Dallas in Seattle:

"We ♥ Olympic National Park and O.N. Forest in Washington state. We visited there today, paid our fee and the fee for two additional cars. We said a little prayer for Steve and your family while we were in 'our' special place."

44 Acts of Kindness: Part 13

From Melane in Anna:

"Brooke surprised her sweet and dear friend with a goodie bag filled with fun things."

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From Kelly in Frisco:

"We left a generous tip to our server & brought donations to Frisco Family Services."

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From Cindi in Mansfield:

"I have been so honored to join your family tradition. 

I found out that a woman at my gym and her husband were laid off from work.   Her sister was murdered a couple of years ago and one of the suspects was just sent to trial. To deal with the stress she regularly visited the gym. Due to their financial situation she has not been able to afford her membership dues. A few of the ladies at the gym got together and we paid her membership through the end of the year. 

I also left gift cards on the car windshields at the gym and also the employees of a local Mexican restaurant I frequent."

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From Maria in Tarrant County:

"To honor Steve's memory, Carina and Gabriela donated toys to a local daycare. We left them on the doorstep for them to find tomorrow."

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From Amy in Carrollton:

"Gave a free private ice-skating lesson to a girl whose mother has cancer! 'Twas an amazing feeling..."

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From Kobi in Anna:

"We took dinner and dessert to a friend who had surgery."

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From Lisa in Plano:

"In honor of Steve's birthday, we are making a donation to the Friends of the Library.

I know your family values reading and books, so it seems like a good match!

 

Thanks for letting us all be a part of this special day!"

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From Kelli in Frisco:

"We baked bread for a friend and bought dinner for the car behind us at Braums. :)"

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From Karen in Frisco:

"We took a card & cookies to Kendall's friend who placed first in her cheerleading competition."

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From Suzy in Carrollton:

"I watched my God-daughter for the day so my best friend could do some much needed shopping. I took the girls to a local neighborhood fall festival- they had a blast!"

"Jody invited a friend over for dinner and made a yummy surf and turf for the family."

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From Shari in Collin County:

"Delivered Oreo Pudding Cookies to McKinney's Finest....Fire Station #6!"