18 Stories of Kindess
2012, Dong Village, China
While traveling in the countryside with my extended family, many of us being vegetarians, we struggled to find food. A local restaurant owner took us into their backyard, showed us the vegetables they were growing, and prepared a special meal just for us.
2013, Guanacaste Airport, Costa Rica
Our car had been broken into and our wallets taken, so we didn’t have money to pay the exit tax. I asked a stranger for help, and without hesitation, he paid for my husband and me.
2014, Scotland, UK
Traveling with my husband, 6-month-old, and our parents, we arrived late in the Highlands, hungry and with no food options open. A pub owner took pity, made us sandwiches and chips, and fed us that night.
2015, Cinque Terre, Italy
At a restaurant, my one-year-old pulled on our tablecloth, bringing glasses and cutlery crashing to the floor. Mortified, we offered to pay, but the owner smiled and said, “Kids make mistakes, don’t worry.” His kindness eased our embarrassment in a new town.
2015, Berlin, Germany
Our one-year-old grew fussy and hungry, but we had run out of formula. I asked a bar if they had milk. Surprised by the request, they brought us some and refused payment, simply because it was for a crying child.
2015, Muscat, Oman
At the souk, I wandered while admiring the carved wooden roof, oblivious to where I was walking. A man ahead quietly stepped aside, waiting patiently so I wouldn’t bump into him—no reprimand, just gentle understanding.
2015, Puerto Rico, USA
My 10-year-old nephew was caught in a riptide. A stranger swam over, kept him calm, and guided him to safety before we even reached him.
2015, Gurugram, India
Waiting for an Uber that got canceled, I had no local number with which to rebook. A rickshaw pulled up, already occupied by an elderly couple. Seeing my distress, they welcomed me to ride along as they went to meet their daughter.
2016, Stanford Dish, CA
Pregnant and exhausted on a hike, I was ready to give up when a stranger stopped just to tell me how strong and brave I was. Their words carried me to the finish.
2016, Redwood City, CA
Moments after giving birth by C-section, I was in pain and bleeding. A nurse quietly changed my pad and dressed me, showing deep kindness at my most vulnerable moment.
2017, Fez, Morocco
My baby grew fussy, and I stepped outside a café to soothe her. A man emerging from a house saw me struggling and, despite the language barrier, offered help and encouraged me to meet his wife, thinking she might assist.
2017, Miyama, Japan
We met a renowned artist in a village who welcomed us into his home, played with my children, and shared his work with deep passion and pride. His example inspired me to search for a similar passion in my own life.
2017, Osaka, Japan
After two flights and a train ride with a 9-month-old and 2-year-old, I was exhausted. On a crowded train, an elderly man gave me his seat. His wife noticed my fatigue, took my baby in her lap, played with her, and even wiped her drool with her own tissues. As we left, she waved goodbye with both arms.
2018, Bláskógabyggð, Iceland
Traveling alone with my 4-year-old son, the farm we stayed on was so touched by our journey that they upgraded us with free breakfasts.
2019, London, UK
We stumbled into a local library while traveling. The librarian warmly welcomed my children into a story session, gently folding them into the circle as if they belonged.
2023, Hawaii, USA
On the beach, local children generously shared their surfboards with my kids, encouraging them to play as if they were old friends.
2023, Bangalore, India
My 9-year-old son went to a neighborhood dairy shop to buy milk but was short 5 rupees. The shopkeeper simply smiled and said, “Pay tomorrow,” making him feel confident and capable in a new place.
2024, San Jose, USA
At a crosswalk outside the airport, I waited for the light with my children as others rushed across, jaywalking. A young man started to step off the curb, but then noticed us. He stepped back, saying, “Kids are watching.”