Kindness Is Contagious

This morning I found out that my friend’s father passed away on Friday. Actually, he was more than just my friend’s dad. He was the father of my first “real” boyfriend and my first love. I only have fond memories of this wonderful family during the few years I called them my family too. Because that’s how they made me feel. Always welcoming me with open arms.

Frank Shaughnessy was a kind wonderful man. He raised eight amazing children and was married to one of the kindest women I’ve ever met. He was also a deacon and Pro Life advocate devoting his life to helping others.

My fondest memory of Frank was on Christmas morning. I was invited to spend the night at their home on Christmas Eve. This way the whole family could wake up together on Christmas morning. My mom had died the year before so I welcomed such a loving invitation. I lived alone in my own apartment at the time, so it felt a little strange for me to wake up in a house bustling with excitement on Christmas day.

Honestly, I was really sad over the loss of my mother. So I kind of just wanted to be alone. I remember sitting on the couch in the family room sipping a cup of warm tea. I was crying. Frank saw me and came over to sit next to me. He had such a warm comforting manner about him. I can’t recall the words he used. But I remember the moment and how he made me feel. What he said to me on that Christmas morning was healing.

The rest of that day is kind of a blur. But I do know that it was a happy day. Those kind words changed my entire day and made Christmas enjoyable despite the grief I was feeling.

Kind words can change a person’s day. And the chain reaction of those words can change the course of many people’s day. Because smiles and kindness are contagious.

Christmas time is filled with crowded lines and people hustling to get everything done in time. But just remember to be kind. You might encounter a grumpy sales associate or someone cuts you in line. Of course, you’re in a hurry to get back to work or pick up the kids from school. But just be kind. You never know if someone is going through a difficult time. Maybe they can’t find the strength to put a smile on their face. Those kind words can change a person’s day. And maybe even change their life.