The other day I had a thought that if tomorrow is my last day in this world then I am sad because I have not been kind enough and that today I will be very kind. But how? and to whom?
I only know that the world will be a better place if there is more kindness.
Kindness is one of the underestimated qualities. Rarely we praise someone as “You are so kind” or not as much as “You are so smart” and “You are so pretty”. I grew up in a family in which achievement outweighs everything and kindness is something that is being felt rather than being talked about. Many times, I did not how to deal with what a family member says to me because that was so hurtful. They are whom I care about but also who make me think and question the most about love and kindness. From little thing such as how I present myself or the way I live my life can be easily judged by them whom I love. I tend to take it by the fact that they do not know how to love in the right way. However, I only get it till I am an adult. To the next generations, I would love for them to receive more kind words, care, and understanding.
The first day I came to the U.S, after waking up in the new house, I saw a note: “Please eat as many eggs as you want in the fridge”. That was so lovely and kind from a religious sister who cares about me by all her heart. She is the sweetest old lady I have ever met. She is like my grandma and my best friend. She once helped me to do make up for my first Halloween ever in the States. We got a bunch of crazy colors then mix and match to create the most gross and outstanding face for the party I was coming. She even collected all of her little saving money and coins to give me and told me: “for the train rides, go join those parties”. How kind and sweet? The more I love her, the more I am afraid she would leave me one day, and she did. That day, when she announced that she would have to leave the house, we cried and hug each other so tight. The moment she was leaving, I burst out of tears. How can I meet a person who is that sweet, that kind, that caring, and brings me most joy again in this world?
I have a great friend in Boston who drove me to school everyday within nine months. We did not know each other before and I do not remember exactly how we connected but I am always grateful and appreciate his help and support. Sometimes, we talked too much during the drives that we had to avoid each other at class. Our conversations were mostly around school, culture, and life. He just made my first step in the states so much easier. I cannot imagine without his kindness, how much harder it would be for me to fulfill my master.
My uncle and my aunt are people who are also very kind to me here in the States. To me, they are truly my second parents. Never ever I found someone like them who are willing to sleep in the living room so that I and my cousin could have our own rooms. Their sacrifice for our better futures is unmatched. My aunt is a super mom who works, takes care of family at the same time, and never stops looking ahead to future. She has inspired me to cook the best Vietnamese dishes in the world. Foods that are cooked by her always melt my heart. I once told my friend that if I start a business, I would hire my aunt because she is super awesome and quicks on her feet. My uncle is someone who is calm and always looks after us. He is a good dad and very caring. I enjoy all the moments of sitting on the same car with him, we are both silent and think about different things but we are also very present to join each other for a conversation.
Here in California, I have a very close friend who has a similar journey like mine and who is always there for me to simply just run there, to cry, and to have a meal with. She is one of the people who have witnessed how I have struggled, stumbled, and thrive. I cannot thank her enough for her kindness and caring. She is like my sister and my friend. She is also the one who inspires me to go in to understand myself and to love myself more. Every act she has done to me is truly an act of kindness. We have deep respect to each other, the good, the bad, and the to-be-improved. We have grown together here. We both have things to carry on in life but we never hesitate to send each other a catchup or an encouragement. She is one of the people I trust the most in this world.
And many many friends and acquaintances whom I have met and have had a great time with along the way. A roommate who turns to a friend and who always cheers me up for what I do and who I am. Another roommate who spent one and a half hours to help me fix my bike. A different roommate who shared me a walk and a meal. A coworker who cares about my happiness and my success more than I do. Other coworkers who are willing to talk and to share with. Fellows who have helped me to keep up with school work and job application. Friends who shared a meal. Friends who gave me a ride. Friends who joined me with a hike. Strangers who have guided me here and there. Thank you for all of your kindness and of so much support. I cannot be who I am today without all of you. And to people who are not yet kind, thank you for teaching me of how kind I should be to receive more kindness in return.
Kindness has never been enough!
