A little kindness can go a long way. The following is a true story about someone well known in the horse industry who did nothing more than take a few minutes out of his busy day at a Kentucky sale some years ago to offer encouragement to a single mother down on her luck, someone who didn’t see the opportunities and fulfillment that a life well lived can bring.

The names and some of the details have been changed, but this true story serves as a reminder that the spirit of giving doesn’t have to be limited to the holiday season. The following email, from a former employee to the individual, retells the story of the young lady whose life changed for the better as a result of a random act of kindness.

Dear —–,
 
Quite a few years ago, a girl named Mary helped me at the farm–mostly part-time—and also worked some at the horse sales for us. She had young kids at home and was a single mom.

You met her several times, though you may not remember her; she was extremely bright, very articulate, but always lacked self confidence.  She did not have a college education, but I remember her to be a voracious reader, with great curiosity about the world, and a desire to learn about everything. 

The last sale she worked for me was at Keeneland about seven years ago.  I vividly remember you chatting with her, and I can recall in some detail how you complimented her and encouraged her to further her education even though she thought she was too old (she must have been in her early 30s then).  I guess I remember it so well because she brought it up several times while we were at the sale; it meant so much to her that somebody like you, whom she respected greatly, took the time to talk with her and encourage her.
 
Mary and I lost touch shortly after that … honestly, it was difficult to watch her continue to make bad choices.  Last I saw her, she was still a single mother of three kids, and had given up on pretty much all of her dreams and hopes.  She lived with a guy who clearly did not appreciate any influence from friends who suggested there might be a better world for her out there, and convinced her she was "too dumb" to do anything else than live in a trailer with him … it was very sad. But something stuck with her.
 
Just yesterday, I found her on Facebook, and sent her a message to which she promptly and happily replied.  Today, she is working on getting her college degree, is single, and recently bought her own house.  Here is a paragraph from her email to me…I just had to share this with you:
 
 
“I am a preschool teacher at a development center in Anytown, USA. I don’t have my degree yet, but I am pursuing it as I work. They are using my job time in place of some classes and I should graduate within the next year!

“At the last sale I worked for you, the owner of that really nice filly we sold took the time to talk with me, and said he thought I had a degree and that I might make a great teacher someday. I took that to heart and have been getting myself straightened out. He seemed very surprised that I hadn’t gone to college, and I guess that told me I had more potential than I was using.

“I enjoy my job, the parents and children are the reason I do it. I love the unconditional love that the children have. The parents are so appreciative that I care about their kids and take care of them to the best of my ability. I live for the ‘aha’ moment when they understand something I am trying to teach them. I feel like you know what I mean because the owners and horses you care for have the relationship with you.”

We are making plans to get together over the holidays!

…  and with that, we at the Paulick Report wish everyone a joyous holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or simply look forward to the New Year ahead. May it be filled with peace, joy and gratitude for all that we have. – Brad Cummings and Ray Paulick

Copyright © 2009, The Paulick Report

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Tags: bradford cummings, Christmas, facebook, Good News Friday, Hanukkah, liberation farm, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 24th, 2009 at 5:34 pm and is filed under Good News Friday. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.