September 22, 2025 by Glenn Mangurian
As a disabled senior, I experience many physical challenges whenever I am out. Opening a door is one of those challenges. Fortunately, I experience most people holding doors open for me. Last week, I experienced several unusual acts of kindness.
Awakening Generosity at Brewed Awakening
Last Thursday I had a coffee meeting at Brewed. My friend, Diane was having coffee with a friend outside the shop. Diane was kind enough to open the door for me. Inside waiting in line, the young woman in front me offered a “good morning” greeting. She asked me what I was going to order and announced the coffee was “on her”. I paused for a moment surprised with her kind offer. I quickly remembered the story I told in my last essay “Learning to Unlearn”.
For years, I had lived by the idea that strength meant doing everything myself and pushing through. That mindset had helped me achieve plenty, but in the face of life-changing circumstances, it would no longer work. I had to unlearn the notion that asking for help was a sign of weakness.
It was not just unlearning the asking for help was a sign of weakness but also how to accept help when offered. I quickly responded to the young woman, “Thank you. You are very kind.” I learned that accepting makes both the helper and the receiver feel good. I don’t remember her name. I wish I had.
Thoughtfulness at Town Hall
Also last week, I had planned on attending the Select Board meeting at the town hall. Fortunately, I found a handicap parking space in advance of the meeting. I parked, rolled down my van ramp and then struggled to push up the curb cut. I paused to rest on the sidewalk knowing that I still had to make my way up the sloped path to the front door. Suddenly, I noticed a young girl riding her bicycle on the walkway down from the Rec Center. She stopped next to me and offered a hello. I thought to myself, what a sweet young girl. She then asked me where I was going. I told her I was going to the front door to attend a meeting. She offered help. I remember that accepting help was a gift in return. I said yes. She put her bicycle kickstand down and proceeded to push me in my wheelchair all the way to the door. I profusely thanked her and asked what grade she was in. She responded that she was in the sixth grade at the middle school. I was surprised and hopeful. How was it that an 11 year old girl had the poise to speak to offer a stranger physical assistance? I have been in similar situations where adults ignore my situation and continue by me, preoccupied inside their own world.
She told me her name but unfortunately I forgot it. She did mention that she lived on Cedar Street. If the parent of this child reads this, be proud of the kind person you are raising.
In May, 2024 I wrote my annual letter to graduating seniors with the subject – cultivate a habit of being kind. Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is a gift that you can provide to others. If you are kind, you signal that you care about others. You can’t fake being kind. Authentic kindness is less an act of doing and more an outward expression of your inner character.
Thank you to the young woman and the young girl for your generosity. The world needs more kindness. Maybe you can cultivate a habit of being kind.
I must agree with this and give testimony. I find more and more people offer to help – whether at the dump (heavy stuff) the grocery store – getting things from high shelves (I’m short) and helping me load items into my car (Dollar Store and others). I am very grateful and surprised. I wonder if I give off “old person” phernomes or it is simply the human race stepping up. Either way I’m very grateful!