Without knowing it, some people have been a source of strength and helped turn a difficult day into a bearable one by showing simple, thoughtful kindness. It can often be overlooked and not considered as having much impact — but kindness is powerful.
If you’ve been following TN for a while or have seen it on my social media, you may know that my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is about to start various treatments, including surgery on December 3rd, to beat it.
Cancer is a very frightening thing to have to face, and without the random acts of kindness from strangers or the supportive care of family, friends and the medical team around us, I don’t think we would be feeling as ready to face it as we do now.
If you assume that your thoughtful message, blog comment, Tweet, GoFundMe donation, smile, listening ear or uplifting thoughts won’t do much, isn’t enough or won’t make a difference, I want you to know that it does. And no matter how close my husband or I get to feeling overwhelmed, somehow, inexplicably, those beautiful expressions of compassion come at just the right time and give us a soulful lift that can, and has, turned hopelessness around.
There is a very strong, protective sense of community amongst those who have or are fighting cancer (and the people who help treat them) and it is nothing short of inspirational. I should add that it isn’t just acts of kindness from humans, but animals too. Spencer, the therapy dog who is completely blind and is assigned to the radiotherapy centre that we will be going to in the New Year, sat with my husband for a bit because he sensed he was nervous about his first ever time being there to meet the doctors who will be giving him his radiotherapy. As reality was setting in and my husband was beginning to get emotional, along came Spencer to soothe and calm.
I don’t really know where exactly I’m going with this post, but I think as I review it before I hit the publish button, it occurs to me that this is my love letter to kindness and to those of you who walk through life trying to be as considerate and compassionate as possible. I want to give my thanks to you because you really do make some of the darkest times brighter. Thank you.
How do you show kindness to others? Has anyone ever done something thoughtful for you that helped you?
Useful Info:
Supporting A Friend Who Has Cancer via Cancer.Net
transatlantic | notes 
This was such a lovely post! Kindness IS so powerful! Just the fact that people are thinking of you and doing small, little acts to help, is one of the best feelings in the world. My heart goes out to you and your husband and I’m thinking of you both! Also, the kindness and selflessness of animals like Spencer is just beautiful! I’m so happy he was able to help your husband relax.
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
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Thank you so much — it has be a rollercoaster of emotions but the kindness we both feel from others is a force for positivity (as well as lovely Spencer)!
Thanks for reading!
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This is a beautiful post! So true, sometimes a simple act of kindness can change the trajectory of your day! Keeping you and your husband in my prayers!
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It really can, it can turn the day around or make you able to deal with any difficulties as they come. Thanks for reading!
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Kindness is powerful, that is so true. This was beautifully written. We have and are still dealing with a cancer fight in our extended family, and acts of kindness make the darkest days brighter. I love the story about Spencer the dog. Sending you a lot of prayers and good thoughts, and looking forward to reading about how you beat this and came out stronger on the other side.
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Thank you so much — and I send good vibes for good health to you and your family during this difficult time too. Thank you so much for commenting!
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Hi Molly, I pray that God covers you and your family in His blood and He will get cured in the Name Of Jesus Christ. Sending you and your family positive and uplifting vibes🎇🙏🏾💕
Catarina | https://beautyofcafe205.wordpress.com
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Thank you so much, that is very kind.
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Beautiful post. There are a lot of things I do to practice kindness. Some of them are show my support to friends in achieving their goals, root for my friends and others with the same dreams, give acknowledgement, help my galpals fix their tiara, and buy birthday present to my friends and love ones that is on their wish list.
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All of the ways you show kindness are wonderful and will make a difference in someone’s day/life. You should like an amazing friend!
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My heart goes out to you and your family. My sister and I are sending healing energy your way.🦋💕
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Thank you so much!
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Kindness, thank you so much for sharing. We need more kindness. 🦋💕
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We definitely do! Thanks for stopping by!
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Kindness really is so so powerful, can really turn a bad day into an amazing one. I’m so sorry to hear that your husband has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, my heart goes out to both of you, praying for his recovery + for a painless surgery. ❤️
That’s amazing to hear that there’s a therapy dog assigned to the radiotherapy center – dogs really make everything that much better!
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I’m so sorry I did not see this until now – thank you for the kind thoughts (and appreciation for the therapy dog)! Sending you best wishes and hoping you’re staying safe and well during this extraordinary 2020 so far!
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When I got diagnosed with the illness I have, the online community of fellow sufferers was and is completely invaluable to me. It can feel so isolating having no one who understands and people don’t realise just how far their kindness goes ❤️ Since being better in my health, I have given back by donating, taking part in and even arranging my own charity events to hopefully help other people. Sending you lots of love and luck in your journey.
Alice Xx
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Apologies for only just seeing this comment now — thank you so much for your kind words and I am so glad to hear that you are better within your health and are doing so many good things to give back. Wishing you all the best in your continued good health!
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