Daryl Wood's Blog

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Stephen Grellet, Quaker Missionary

March 25, 1995 I was in Victoria B.C. with my first mother-in-law to celebrate her mother’s 100th birthday. It was a grand occasion and Grama Wardle loved the attention. As the party wound down I was tasked with taking her back to her room in the senior’s residence. She caught my arm and said “Wait. I have to thank everyone.” I gently reminded her that she had already done that and referenced some of the people she had particularly mentioned. Without skipping a beat, she recited the above verse. It was a holy moment.

Grama still had all of her faculties even though she was a bit forgetful. To be able to speak so eloquently in the excitement of the day really touched me. And what was more significant was the message. I came home, researched it, printed it and it has hung on my office all ever since.

The idea that we might live our lives doing one good thing or showing a kindness to any creature is such a statement of service in a world longing for love to spread. I’ve walked past that frame so many times and not given it a glance. Today was different.

Today I was remembering the abundant kindness that has been extended to me since the loss of my beloved husband Doug. Family and friends and complete strangers have offered compassion and comfort. I suspect that many of them don’t know what a lasting impact they had on me since our interactions were brief. But I remember.

The security guard at the hospital who pushed Doug in a wheelchair around the caution tape so that I could park the car. The receptionist at our clinic who lightly patted my shoulder as I walked past. The Canadian Tire employee who offered a warm hug when I entered in tears. And the lab technician who took time to answer Doug’s questions in the middle of a busy day. The list is long and I may never have the chance to thank each person directly. They didn’t give for reward. They followed their heart. They may not have even considered ‘deferring or neglecting’ but no matter what the future brings we will never pass that way again.

If you don’t already know what you are capable of when you meet/pass a complete stranger please think of the gratitude that is in my heart and do what you can. Someone, somewhere is going to carry a memory of your willingness to be kind.