A moment of kindness that changed my life.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, 17 years ago, I ended up with a pregnancy condition called Pre-eclampsia. I was rushed to the hospital at 7 months and had to remain until the baby was born. They would check my blood pressure repeatedly, weighing the perfect moment to rush deliver the baby - balancing her life with mine. I had no family in Toronto and I was feeling pretty alone.  

A friend of mine, Annie McDonald appeared out of the shadows.  In an almost superhero fashion, she became my lifeline. She visited me daily in the hospital, bringing me treats and books. She shopped for baby items, and prepped my home.  She even let my mom stay at her place when she came down for the birth. 

When Lillie was born at 3lbs, Annie was with me. She spent months checking on me, helping out with the baby, bringing things to make our life easier.  The interesting thing is that we hadn’t been super close prior to this. There was no explanation for her extreme generosity. 

We talk a lot about small acts of kindness or random acts, but what about all encompassing, life changing acts? I’ve never forgotten her.  

I think there is probably no greater gift than the opportunity to change someone’s life with kindness. Having received that gift, it shifted who I was. It created a desire to make an impact in other people’s lives. Every act of kindness has the ability to impact exponentially.

As we are entering Inspiration Week, we encourage you to share your stories and videos around Kindness. We have challenges created and we would love you to participate. I promise that if you follow our prompts, you will give someone an amazing gift - and in return feel so fulfilled yourself.

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