43 acts of kindness (part 9)

My 8yo son was DETERMINED to give someone a free meal at chipotle (his favorite restaurant). But all day I forgot to get cash. So we bought a gift card. When we finished eating, we gave our gift card and "Steve note" to a single man. And he kept trying to give it back. And my son kept saying, "no! I'm paying for YOUR burrito!!"

The look on this man's face was AWESOME.

Man, what a great day this has been!

Happy birthday Steve!

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I belong to a wonderful online digital scrapbooking community. I posted today on our message boards, telling my online friends about Steve and today's celebration. I offered to buy a digital scrapbooking kit for the first person who posted in my thread as another way to celebrate Steve. Another member of the community offered to buy another kit for someone after she read my post. 

Details are here: http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?35454-Acts-of-kindness

 

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Attached is the photo of the very giggly girl at the McDonald's who really got a kick out of the gesture once I could explain that I wanted to buy the food for the person who ordered in line behind me, too.  It was really fun to watch the person reading the note left behind for them as I drove off, what a mischievous and fun way to celebrate the life of a mischievous and fun person like Steve.

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Knowing that the Washington subway can be confusing, I went to the Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC with 6 farecards each worth one one-way trip in my hand and provided them to passengers trying to buy fares. This came in handy to 6 lucky recipients, as the machines that took credit/debit cards weren't working at that end of the station.

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At dinner tonight, we left a 40% tip. I know how hard wait staff work. That job put me through college twice, so it was wonderful to give back to someone in that position. 


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I'm a friend of Kelly Starnes and in honor of your husband's birthday, I gave a teenager money at the gas station today. He needed air in his tires  and did not have money for the machine. Hope you get 43 acts of kindness. 


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We order pizza from the same Marco's in Edmond for our Friday night pizza & movie night. Today, we collected 43 pieces of candy, wrapped them up and included the 43 note. When we received our pizza in the drive-thru, we gave the woman the gift and a little extra tip. She smiled and said, "No way!" I smiled the entire drive home imagining her reaction after reading the card. Happy birthday, sweet Steve.

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For my random kindness today at the ethics conference, I gave our very frazzled waitress an extra large tip. (It's not easy trying to serve 100 mental health professionals.) 

I then  spent the rest of the afternoon helping a dear friend make arrangements to rush up to New Jersey to help her 92 year old mother.  The snow storm left her mother without power and the stress made it clear that she could no longer live alone and will require immediate placement in an assisted living facility.  My friend will spend next week with her mother looking at places there and then bring her back to Virginia to look here as well.  Together we canceled  all 35 of her patients scheduled for next week and made lists of necessary steps to move her mother and notify family.  I will be covering her practice for any emergencies and also available to her to give support.

 

Happy Birthday Steve - it is a pleasure to do this in your honor!

Love, Aunt Marilyn

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My uncle passed away from a brain tumor several years ago. I love your idea to celebrate Steve today with random acts of kindness. In memory of Steve and in honor of your family, I took care care of the toll for the vehicle behind me today. Even though it was just a small thing, it felt wonderful to provide a little surprise for someone else, especially a stranger. Thank you so much for encouraging us all to do this more often.

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What a wonderful day. It has been so fun reading all of the posts today. I can only imagine the joy this is bringing you and the kiddos!

I am stealing your idea and going to continue the good deeds next Thursday in remembrance of my sweet friend, Kim.

Here are my kids (plus one friend) giving a cup of hot chocolate to our mailman, Floyd. We sent him along with more hot chocolate (to make at home) and the "43" card.

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It was truly a special day here at Bledsoe. I wanted to let you know that I chose to honor Steve by showing kindness to our Special Education staff. They work so tirelessly each day, and often, they never get to eat alone, much less with their team. I asked Angie and Courtney to join me in this effort and we covered the Resource Room for a period and the SBS classroom for a period, allowing each of those teams to come to the conference room and eat together. You would have thought that we had given them the moon!! They came back smiling and rejuvenated – it was a blessing to me to see what this gift did for them. I will definitely find other opportunities to repeat this again this year.

 

43 acts of kindness (part 8)

I love this idea!  Tracy at The Digichick posted it and I just wanted to let you know that I purchased a book for my child's classroom teacher at our book fair yesterday.  


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I baked cookies for the office staff at Evans Elementary, and also some for our wonderful crossing guard.  I had planned this ahead of time, despite a hectic, overscheduled day, and I was determined to follow through.

But then I got an opportunity for an unplanned act of kindness.  By chance, I ran into a mom of one of my son's kindergarten classmates.  She was scheduled to teach an art lesson to the class, but was terrified, never having done anything like this before.  I sat down and showed her some examples of how to present the lesson, but I could see she was still panicked, so instead of eating lunch and continuing with my overwhelmingly long to-do list, I offered to teach the lesson today so she could observe and learn for the next time.  Any other day I would've wished her good luck and gone on my way, but today, for Steve, I took the time that I didn't think I had to spare.


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This evening, I walked over to my across-the-street neighbor and helped him pull up a tree stump he'd been working on all week. He was so grateful and was clearly touched when I mentioned Steve and your 43 acts of kindness event. I wish I had one of those tags to give him. It was pretty dark when we finished, so I will have to get a photo tomorrow.

It's a wonderful way to honor Steve. Reading all those acts of kindness makes me teary-eyed. We said prayers for you and the kids tonight. 


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My husband was also diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, but we are in a different place than your family.

I think of you and the kids frequently.

Today I went to the local French bakery and got treats for all of the secretaries in my school.

This afternoon I took the children of a friend who was just diagnosed with breast cancer (yesterday) out for the evening so she and her husband could have a few hours of peace and quiet.


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While chaperoning the Frisco High School Band at tonight's football game Joel Quejada helped his wife Regina and I buy FHS scarves to give to the band's amazing percussion instructor and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Dillard are shown wearing their scarves in the picture. They thought the scarves were very nice to have on a chilly night. 

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I bought dinner for the person behind me at Chick-fil-a and explained to the cashier and manager why I was doing this. I asked them to give the card to the person with their order.

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This afternoon, somewhere between Canton and Dallas, I stopped at Sonic for a drink.  As soon as I saw the young lady delivering the drinks I knew this was the person I had been looking for today.  I gave her a little extra tip money and Steve's card.  The expression on her face was priceless and the feeling I was left with was oh-so-good.  

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Today I attended the TOTA conference to recruit for Tenet.  Things wrapped up at 4:00, so I headed to the front desk of the hotel to pay for parking (there's a sign that says pay before you go to your car in the garage).  I pay, get my receipt & code for the gate to get out of the garage and find my car.  By now there's a long line of cars waiting to exit.  It's been a really long week and I have to admit...I was annoyed. I wait, wait, wait and finally I'm a car away from the gate.  A young lady swipes her ticket...no go. Second, third, fourth try, still nothing.  I could tell she was getting frantic...multiple beeps, some not so kind comments from the peanut gallery,  and she looked scared.  Then...it hit me...43 act of kindness for Steve.  I hopped out of my car and gave her my code to lift the gate.  I didn't have a chance to explain why, but I was able to enjoy the relief on her face and got a HUGE thank you.  Happy Birthday Steve!!!!  

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I brought a bouquet of tulips to the girl who takes my order every Friday night at Carmine's Pizza in Richardson. 


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My kids and I went together to Kroger armed with the Frisco Family Services Food Pantry wish list and loaded up our cart.  Then we personally delivered them this afternoon.  It was a great way to show them how our community can help anyone in their time of need.

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We went to redbox and left "Steve's note" taped to the screen with 5 quarters taped to the note and we wrote "enjoy your movie night on us! Happy Friday!"

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Jakob and I went to Sonic and a nice young woman delivered our order.  We settled up for the drinks and then I handed her a rolled up paper with the story of Steve’s birthday message on it and also rolled up with it was some money.  She took the rolled paper and said thanks.  She returned shortly and said “I just want to thank you as I really needed some help because I have two babies at home that are sick and we needed some pedialyte, this will really help me a lot.  And sorry for your loss.”  After she left Jakob asked if Steve could see us from heaven because if he could he would have seen all of us smiling.  I never knew Steve, but I bet he was smiling.  

43 acts of kindness (part 7)

I bought (2) $5.00 giftcards at Taco Bueno and asked the cashier to give them to the next 2 people in line. Also, my employees saved the paper and are planning to pay it forward. ***
Chick fil a girl thought I was nuts...so fun buying lunch for peeps that have no clue.

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We are travelling from Atlanta, GA, to Jackson, MS, today. I held the door for a woman walking with a cane in memory of Steve. I'm still on the lookout for more opportunities to spread kindness in his name!

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My random act of kindness was getting Liz a Starbux and Ashleigh's was to take Mrs Helms a red velvet bundt today!

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Bought flowers for a mom with young kids who is having "one of those days" while in Target.

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Shelli and Shannon gave blood today.

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Bought a complete stranger a Subway sandwich!

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Zita delivered her amazing cookies to MyChildren's -- the clinic that Steve helped develop and manage.

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I brought delicious gourmet cookies to our local library up here in beautiful Ipswich, MA. My sister forwarded your story and I couldn't help but join all these fabulous people doing such great work. Cheers to Steve!

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I bought a yummy Chinese food lunch for my boss, who is also a dear friend. We're having a particularly busy/stressful day, so the late lunch and the quick break was most welcomed. Happy b-day, Stevie D!

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Taking a cake to Cory's office assistant, who has been going through a hard time lately. Happy Birthday Steve!!!

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Sending each student in my class home with a fun cup & card about Steve. :) 

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Just bought a warm winter drink for the lady behind me at the drive thru lane at Starbucks. I told the cashier about Tyra's wonderful idea and how these acts of kindness were to honor Steve. She was touched and couldn't wait to share the story. 

Roundup!

I need to pause from reporting all your good news. (Busy afternoon/night includes Destination Imagination, soccer, Bledsoe Buckaroo Bash, Cub Scouting.)

Please continue sending your reports and photos from the day! I'll resume my lists Saturday.

In case you're just joining us today, you can find links to:

My column, describing why I'm giddy about today.
Acts of kindness in six parts
1
2
3
4
5
6

And thank you to friends who left treats at our house today!

43 acts of kindness (part 6)

Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful idea in memory of Steve, and giving me the opportunity to do something that truly overwhelmed me with emotion and happiness. 

I may have mentioned to you that I’m a graduate student at UTSW, and the lab I work in is situated on the 6^th floor of the Simmons Cancer Center.  I always feel so lucky to work in such an amazing building adorned with beautiful works of art, but often find it hard to reconcile that beauty with the underlying sadness of the atmosphere.  The elevator stops on the patient floors almost every morning on my ride up to my lab, and while I don’t do research on cancer, it’s a gentle reminder that I have a purpose in being here.  I remember you telling me that Steve was a patient here, and that you have a love/hate relationship with the building because of your previous love for the Chihuly yet the reminders of having him here for treatment; I really can't imagine how difficult that is and continue to admire your strength. 

After you posted the details of the project, I immediately got excited by the idea of doing a random act of kindness for the staff in the Simmons Cancer Center.  After some digging around, I found the nurses station for the chemotherapy unit and dropped off some cookies.  I initially spoke with Grace, who immediately remembered Steve and teared up as I told her about your project.  I then met Noor and Ida, who also remembered Steve, and they even let me take a photo of them to document the day.  

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I made a point to smile more today and greet more people in my path!  And I made some girls happy at Bledsoe with some cookies!!! I also told Steve he has the coolest wife ever!!!!

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I told my friend Deb about our 43 Acts of Kindness for Steve. She was at lunch with her husband at Bic's Restaurant on Addison today. They treated a table of gentlemen to lunch. They went up to the table afterwards and talked to the men and told them about Steve and your family. It was a blessing to my friend and her husband as well as to the men.


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I took a co-worker who is going through a hard time to lunch today.

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We left dollar coins at two different Redbox kiosks in San Antonio.

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As Mystery Reader for Mrs. Allard's class, I read this book and discussed acts of kindness :)

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I gave some money today to someone who needed it, thinking about Steve and his smile. 

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I'm not the girl who picks up donuts for work, or bakes cookies, or brings in candy-unless it's a spread, and even then I have to work at it.  All last month and this week, we've had junk food and candy around our department.  We all want to be healthier, but still keep working to empty that candy bowl.  

Today, I went to my daughter's senior pep-rally, realizing an era is coming to an end, and a little emotional about it.  On my way back, I decided to get a bunch of my favorite apples, honeycrisp, for my team.  And a Greek yogurt for one girl who is on a zero fiber diet, awaiting colon surgery.  I passed them out and sent an email explaining the gift.  

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I'm at an Irving hospital waiting for my friend James to be released. He doesn't know it yet but we're going on a little road trip so he can visit his mom in Austin. She's 87 & he's been too ill for the last year to make the trip. His doctor said it was OK so we're about to hit the road!

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I spent an hour today helping a former newspaper colleague who:

1) has a sick Mac
2) is contemplating a buyout offer. I researched openings at Apple for
him and passed them on.

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I’m helping someone with the resume/cover letter/job interview process, in honor of how Steve helped so many people in his wonderful work.

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I ordered pizza for my team. We are having a DAMM lunch!

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Brought breakfast to the office (which got devoured before the picture could be taken) as well as a pie for this afternoon.

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One of my employees called this morning and his car was broken down. I sent one of the other ones (with pay) and a loan for enough money to buy the part to help him get back on the road along with a "Steve sign". Happy Birthday Steve!

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In Steve's honor, we have been helping a local child and his family during a very difficult time. 

43 acts of kindness (part 5)

We gave a Starbucks gift card to our mailman, who always takes the time out of his day to talk to the kids when we play outside. Happy birthday to Steve. 

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Today and tomorrow I am helping a friend who is an artist, single mom, and teacher set up for an art show at another friends home. My friend Linda and I will help to unload and set up her show, and we will also have a great time preparing food for the show tomorrow. Since Steve so loved art, I know in my heart how much he would love my act of kindness for his day! He would also love that a single parent mom is being supported by the kindness of others. We love and miss you Steve, Happy Birthday to one sweetheart of a Man!

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I listened to a client who's going through a tough time & bought her a glass of wine to unwind while she had a minute of down time. Some times you just need to relax. I did tell her about Steve & your family as well. Happy birthday Steve! I think I have a few more acts of kindness left in me:)

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Coffee on Kyla!

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Taking my mother in law to the thoracic surgeon to talk about surgery for her lung cancer. Being at Parkland makes me grateful for what I have. Today, I'm helping her, but will hold open doors and help anyone I see at the hospital.

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Julie Cavitt is walking the 3-Day for the cure with this hat on her head:

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Bought and delivered lunch to our office manager, who is covering the front desk today because our receptionist is out. She tried to pay me, but I handed her the "43" card and told her your family's story -- and the acts of kindness Coop and KT planned to do today. 

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We went to McDonald's and got hot chocolate for the crossing guard by Amy's school. I parked and went and delivered it. 

I said "You are always smiling and waving at me and my kids." and he said "I do that for everyone." So I said "I know, and that is why we stopped and got you some hot chocolate this morning." He was so surprised and had a big smile. Then I explained about Steve and how his you and the kids wanted to honor him in this way. He said that was so cool. He and his wife really believe in doing nice things for others and it generally comes back to you. The best part was when he said "Now I'll have to do something nice for someone else today."

It was such a great start to the day!

Thank you so much for inviting us to participate in this day! All the acts of kindness in Steve's honor is a great way to remember him.

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A rather large and nice dreadlock clad African American allowed me to teach him Indian phrases while we waited to be served by my Indian friend and owner of the subway near my office. The owner asked my new friend "cam cho" which means how are you? He answered with the phrase I taught him "me llama" which means "I'm fine." All of laughed at his pronunciation and I accused him of talking about "my mama." I quietly told my other Indian friend at the register that I want to pay for his meal, which was a five dollar foot long. I sat down to eat my lunch and he walked by stumbling over himself wondering what to say. He simply said "all right man." I said have a Damm good day.

Best 5 bucks ever.

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We bought someone their bread at the store today (since the clerk forgot to ring it up). It seemed a wonderful way to start the day and stuffed 12 boxes full of food for the needy at church today! The day is not over and The Currys will find something else to do I am sure!

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Purchased the sandwich order for the man behind me at Subway.   He was so thankful and said he would pass along the word to the folks receiving the sandwiches he had ordered.

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These are headed to my two best friends Melane & Sharon!  I know they will be here for me no matter what life throws!

43 acts of kindness (part 4)

I bought breakfast today for a woman and her two children at the bagel shop. Told her your story, Tyra, and what you hoped to accomplish with this wonderful gift in honor of your husband. She was so inspired she bought the couple behind her their breakfast! And promised to spread the word among her friends and family.


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Just picked up the tab for the folks behind me in line at Starbucks. The cashier was familiar with your brilliant initiative although she doesn't know you - apparently others have been up there doing it this am.


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We sent a bag of food to a single mother in need and helped her obtain vehicle repairs.


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Mary brought hot chocolate to the crossing guards... they had already been given two other treats. What a neat day. 


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We helped a 49 year old Grandma whose daughter is in jail. She is raising her 3 year old grandson alone on a very small salary and now has been diagnosed with Cancer. We made her a chemo care package for today's treatment and bought all her Grandson's gifts for her to put away from her or whomever for Christmas. She cried and was touched by your card and Steve's life. I know Steve is proud!


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I just bought the coffee for the car behind me in line at Starbucks and picked up an extra treat for my boss who's been extra stressed out.

Thanks for reminding us that it's the little things in life that can go a long way.


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Just took hot chocolate to our sweet crossing guards @ Lebanon & Timber Ridge. Happy Birthday Steve.


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I thought of Steve when I was at Arbys...
Arby's® is partnering with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry® Campaign to help end childhood hunger in America by 2015. Join us in the fight and help us reach our goal of raising $1 million by the end of 2011. I donated $10 while thinking of how much Tyra and the kids miss Steve. I had my 8 year old daughter with me and I told her the story of Steve and his family. She then took $2 of her money and donated it too for Steve.


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Delivered these yesterday. Looking forward to today...Happy Birthday Steve.

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Picking up a coworker so she doesnt have to ride the shuttle bus in the rain to work:) Praying and celebrating Steve's life!

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I am so happy to do this in celebration of Steve. I gave 2 high schools fabric from my sewing room for the their Life Skills classes. 

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Breakfast on me for the car behind me this morning at the McDonald's drive thru.

43 acts of kindness (part 3)

We heard about a holiday food drive here on Maui, so we put together a donation in honor of Steve and his amazing family!


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Dropped off a bucket of bagels and cream cheese (and Steve's card) at the Bedford police station this morning. 


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We had an act of kindness bestowed upon us by our wonderful neighbor, Wendy Naumann. On Halloween Adam, Matt and Wendy set up their smartly made Angry Bird set outside their home and allowed trick or treaters to use Angry Bird bean bags to attempt to knock them over. My kiddos were there forever. I have just found the whole set, bean bags and all, on my doorstep. Thank you sweet Wendy! The kids will be thrilled!

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I left a Starbucks gift card on the windshield of the car parked next to me at Target!


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I bought the person behind me in line their Dunkin Donuts order today. It was a gloomy morning here in NY too. Spreading the message of your wonderful family & Steve's memory is so inspiring!! Thinking of everyone participating today!!


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After GMB went to the Starbucks at Teel/Main and bought breakfast to a Men in Uniform. The team at Starbucks picked up the tab for his coffee (would not let me do so) but I went ahead and encouraged him to get breakfast (for which I paid for). Told him not to thank me but to remember Steve Damm and pray for his wife Tyra Damm, and their children Cooper and Katie; and gave him copy of your note!


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Sending Jacob's teacher a Thank you! And picking up all the trash I see!!

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I'm going to buy burgers for the disk golf high school kids that practice on the grounds of the shelter where I work :)


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The kids and I will be delivering these muffins to a new neighbor and another that has had a rough couple of weeks. Then they will be taking their money from the tooth fairy and donating it to the Ronald McDonald House.

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Donating money in Steve's name today to Dog and Kitty City to help feed the homeless animals this no-kill shelter houses. Happy birthday, Steve.


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Just brought the amazing staff at Bledsoe a sonic drink to celebrate Steve Damm's birthday!