Our Delegate to the Virginia Assembly, Alfonso Lopez, stopped by this evening.� His mission was to put up a yard sign on our busy corner (we are squarely in his team so he knows that ask gets a �yes�).�...
Our Delegate to the Virginia Assembly, Alfonso Lopez, stopped by this evening.� His mission was to put up a yard sign on our busy corner (we are squarely in his team so he knows that ask gets a �yes�).�
But while he was here, we took time to chat. �Talked about the upcoming elections.� Talked about the repair to the porch David is working on.� Talked about the family arriving in America soon that needs temporary housing.� What an honor to have direct access to someone who represents us in government.� Not all Americans have that privilege, and I am thankful we do.
As we talked, I remembered that I have never shared an important story that involves Alfonso.� There are many reasons it has not been written about � time to sit down and compose being a factor.� But the main reason is this:� talking about yourself is difficult.� It can come across as boasting, which is a trait that I do not admire.�
But then I thought, by NOT sharing this story, I am not giving Alfonso the gratitude and respect that he deserves for honoring me in such a special and significant way.� And by not sharing it, I miss an opportunity to spread some kindness ripples.�
So � here�s the story�
On February 12, 2023 we hosted the 2nd birthday party for the Little Yellow Free Pantry.� I invited the community, and my sister even flew in from Omaha to be a part of the celebration.� We had hoped for a sunny, chilly day full of laughter and cupcakes and cookies.� Instead, what we got was a very cold, rainy day � but still full of laughter and cupcakes and cookies.
It rained super hard.� We had a canopy set up and guests huddled under it around the fire pit.� Kids created crafts (with glitter, lots of glitter!!) on the covered back porch.� We drank hot cocoa and hot tea.� One of David�s jobs was to periodically poke the underside of the canopy with a broom handle to move the puddles that had formed onto the ground.� Once the puddle he was getting rid of splashed right into the firepit � smoke and ashes flew everywhere.� Cue the laughter�
Late in the afternoon, State Representative Alfonso Lopez showed up.� And he brought with him a large blue folder, inside of which was a formal print of House Joint Resolution 365 � commending me, Susan Thompson-Gaines, for my work as a Kindness Activist.� Makes me tear up even thinking about it.
I don�t do this work for accolades.� I don�t do it to be recognized or applauded.�
I do kindness work because it makes my heart happy, and it makes the world a kinder place.� And really, don�t we all want happy hearts and a kind place to live?
Alfonso read the resolution aloud, and a kind neighbor videoed some of it and shared it with me, which I will share in the link here.
Alfonso Lopez Reading House Joint Resolution No. 365
Thank you Alfonso.� I am humbled and I am honored.� Maybe someday I will have an actual Kindness Activist OFFICE instead of working off the very full dining room table at home.� When that happens I can frame and hang this beautiful piece of parchment and hang it on the wall.
Until then, I will keep up the kindness.� Even on days when it is hard, and there feels like too much to juggle.� I would like to think that me finding this passion and diving into it so deeply would make my parents proud.� Wish they could see this Joint Resolution�� My dad would�ve photocopied this puppy 2 dozen times and handed out copies to all of his buddies (he might�ve even faxed it to a few of them�), and my mom most certainly would�ve cried when she saw it.
Go out there and be kind, friends.� It doesn�t cost you anything.� And it can honestly make a dent in changing the world.
Thanks.�
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P.S. � I just noticed tonight that it is House Joint Resolution Number 365.� I think that means 365 days in a year.� As in, be kind 365.
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#KindnessActivist�� #JustBeKind�� #BeKind365
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