On this day in Love Month I will share one of my favourite memories of a random act of kindness.

A number of years ago, at another place of work, it was leading up to the holidays. Food hampers and gifts were being organized and I was feeling guilty. I was going through a particularly tough season in life and I was struggling. As simple as it seemed to bring in some items for a hamper for families in need I was stretched thin myself. I remember the sense of awkwardness as company communication went out with sign up lists and how it seemed like everyone easily was able to sign up and give. I made a couple commitments with a heavy heart as I thought of the needs in my life and how I had no clue how to manage them all.

Giving some non-perishable food items was doable but how some upcoming bills were going to get paid was an overwhelming mystery. The hamper items were collected for all of the families and I was continually, and privately, trying to make a plan forward. At the end of the day of hamper deliveries, after watching all of these precious gifts leave the building, I returned to my car ready to head home. On the passenger seat was a beautiful basket full of items to soothe and refresh, and a generous stack of gift cards. I wept as I saw this incredible answer to the concerns I had been doing my best to handle on my own. I don’t know who recognized the difficult times I was in without me saying so but I am grateful to this day for their act of love. Sometimes making your needs known is a challenge. I am so thankful for my love filled gift basket received in a great moment of need.