i guess this means i have to work on my road rage.

I opened the door just a crack to see who was pounding so frantically. And as soon as I saw her, my heart told me I would help her. I told it to shut up, but that’s never worked out for me. She had a bird’s nest for hair, a yellowing nightgown, and tracks where the tears had ran down her cheeks. She needed 40 dollars to put gas in her car so she could get to her husband in the ICU.

When I got to this part of my story, my dad started laughing and my mom had a conniption. “Audrey, tell me you have enough common sense to not have fallen for that.” Well, of course I do. In that certain corner of my mind where sensibility lays collecting dust, I knew she was lying. I knew I would never see or hear from this woman again, but I helped her anyway because I believe in kindness.

I believe in grace and generosity. Often times people try to trick me, and often times I fall for it. But while I have never once regretted an act of compassion, there are too many instances where I wish I had done more. I believe in sparing a dollar for that man on the street, and not judging him for being there. I believe in giving up my seat to the elderly. I believe in giving time and loving care without the expectation of reward. I realize that the world gives us plenty of reasons to not care about the strangers around us, but I believe in caring anyway. And even when frustration and disappointment challenge charity, my belief in kindness pushes me to care for my fellowman. Kindness is how we can show our hope for humanity, despite the jealousy, the pride, and the anger which helps nothing and destroys everything. Through compassion I have learned to not dwell on the negative but to focus on the good. I have realized that the tenderness we show to others someday returns tenfold. And when the future is looking bleak, kindness to others is what can soften our sorrows and lift every heart.


- Audrey Utupo