The kindness of strangers

My college psychology escapes me, but I am sure there is a theory on why we tend to be kinder to strangers than those we know and love.

Today, Mom and I experienced an overwhelming outpouring of kindness and love from total strangers.

A very good friend of the family passed away. Mr. Oklessen's memorial service was this morning, amid the blustery snow storm blanketing northeast Ohio.

Mom really wanted to attend and I was singing.

The simple process of going to Mass turned out to be quite an extensive mission, which I started mapping out last evening.

We were ok, for the most part, on getting to church. A bit wet and snow covered, but successful.

After the service, we enacted our exit plan. A miracle sprung into life right before our very eyes. People we'd never met or seen before were extending their help in assisting Mom on this tedious journey through the snow.

Without even asking if we needed help, men grabbed Mom and whisked her across the street to the church hall for a luncheon the family was throwing.

Before I even knew what was happening, my friend Coach Sam, and his fellow 'guardian angels' had safely transplanted Mom from the Church to the Hall.

A true testament that there is hope in today's world.


After lunch, the very same thing happened. I had pulled the car right up to the doorway, apologizing profusely as I blocked everyone's exit for a few minutes. Before I could even get out of the car, fellow luncheon patrons had escorted Mom into the car along with her walking aid.


Mom and I were speechless, awestruck and ever so thankful to God and his 'guardian angels' down here on earth (one of which we know was Mr. Frank Oklessen!).



I guess, for me, sometimes I am more thoughtful to strangers because of these random acts of kindness that continually happen to Mom and I from virtual unknowns.


It's those I know and love who let me down...who have to be given an invitation to help us (even when the need seems so blatant to the naked eye)....and when they finally, begrudgingly assist, usually fall short of our real needs.