The Golden Rule

I knew a woman with two hearts in her chest.

She gave more than she had and she never asked for anything in return.

That woman, is my mother.

There's this "golden rule" and it is something that frequented my childhood. It is my mother's favorite saying, and I've adopted it as my favorite as well. This "golden rule" states, "treat others as you wish to be treated." I believe that it's extremely important to follow this rule not only to honor my mother but to carry it out, in my duty as a human being.

Through the eyes of a child, I watched as my mother would awake each morning with a smile on her face, simply happy to be alive. She would go to work in the early morning and would work well into the evening. Although her work was never finished, her work as nurse would end when her feet crossed over the welcome mat in our little apartment. She would then transform into yet another beautiful part of herself, a volunteer. Every other night we would share dinner with weathered individuals and listen to their stories. Alternatively, we would shop at thrift stores for clothes and then donate them to a Church or shelter, "for people that have fallen upon hard times" as my mother would say. I admired that she managed to make time for me, as well as make time to help others. She never bragged to anybody about what she did and why; she would do a good deed and continue on with her life.

When someone would thank her, she would hug them in return. It wasn't one of those polite hugs though, it was a hug that only a mother could give. It was like she was leaving a piece of herself with each and every person she hugged. I could never tire of her hugs. I miss her.

Unfortunately, the most beautiful and brilliant and benevolent stars, tend to fade fast. That is what happened to my mother.

I struggled to continue doing small kind gestures after my mother's passing. I began to lose interest and I began to wonder what the point of doing for others was, when no one cared about me. I was alone. That was until the day that a strangely familiar woman had passed me by on a busy street. She had quickly seized my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze and almost whispering a "thank you, " she disappeared into the crowd.

I dare you to share kindness today, and each day moving forward. A simple kind gesture will not be forgotten.

439 Words