Today's Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

An Act of Kindness for a Broken Heart

My husband, Hanoch, and I wrote a book, " Acts of Kindness:

How to Create a Kindness Revolution, " which has generated much

interest across America. This story was shared with us by an

anonymous caller during a radio talk show in Chicago.

" Hi, Mommy, what are you doing? " asked Susie.

" I'm making a casserole for Mrs. next door, " said her

mother.

" Why? " asked Susie, who was only six years old.

" Because Mrs. is very sad; she lost her daughter and

she has a broken heart. We need to take care of her for a

little while. "

" Why, Mommy? "

" You see, Susie, when someone is very, very sad, they have

trouble doing the little things like making dinner or other

chores. Because we're part of a community and Mrs. is our

neighbor, we need to do some things to help her. Mrs.

won't ever be able to talk with her daughter or hug her or do

all those wonderful things that mommies and daughters do

together. You are a very smart girl, Susie; maybe you'll think

of some way to help take care of Mrs. . "

Susie thought seriously about this challenge and how she

could do her part in caring for Mrs. . A few minutes

later, Susie knocked on her door. After a few moments Mrs.

answered the knock with a " Hi, Susie. "

Susie noticed that Mrs. didn't have that familiar

musical quality about her voice when she greeted someone.

Mrs. also looked as though she might have been crying

because her eyes were watery and swollen.

" What can I do for you, Susie? " asked Mrs. .

" My mommy says that you lost your daughter and you're very,

very sad with a broken heart. " Susie held her hand out shyly.

In it was a Band-Aid. " This is for your broken heart. " Mrs.

gasped, choking back her tears. She knelt down and hugged

Susie. Through her tears she said, " Thank you, darling girl,

this will help a lot. "

Mrs. accepted Susie's act of kindness and took it one

step further. She purchased a small key ring with a plexiglass

picture frame - the ones designed to carry keys and proudly

display a family portrait at the same time. Mrs. placed

Susie's Band-Aid in the frame to remind herself to heal a little

every time she sees it. She wisely knows that healing takes

time and support. It has become her symbol for healing, while

not forgetting the joy and love she experienced with her

daughter.

by Meladee McCarty

Reprinted by permission of Meladee McCarty © 1994, from A 2nd

Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark

Victor Hansen.