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 thoseĀ challenges. Fortunately, I experience most people holding doors open for me. Last week, I experienced severalĀ 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 theĀ shop. Diane was kind enough to open the door for me. Inside waiting in line, the young woman in front meĀ offered a āgood morningā greeting. She asked me what I was going to order and announced the coffee was āonĀ herā. I paused for a moment surprised with her kind offer. I quickly remembered the story I told in my lastĀ essay āLearning to Unlearnā.
For years, I had lived by the idea that strength meant doing everything myself and pushing through.Ā That mindset had helped me achieve plenty, but in the face of life-changing circumstances, it would noĀ 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.Ā I quickly responded to the young woman, āThank you. You are very kind.ā I learned that accepting makes bothĀ the helper and the receiver feel good. I donāt 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 aĀ handicap parking space in advance of the meeting. I parked, rolled down my van ramp and then struggled toĀ push up the curb cut. I paused to rest on the sidewalk knowing that I still had to make my way up the slopedĀ path to the front door. Suddenly, I noticed a young girl riding her bicycle on the walkway down from the RecĀ Center. She stopped next to me and offered a hello. I thought to myself, what a sweet young girl. She thenĀ asked me where I was going. I told her I was going to the front door to attend a meeting. She Ā offered help. IĀ remember that accepting help was a gift in return. I said yes. She put her bicycle kickstand down andĀ proceeded to push me in my wheelchair all the way to the door. I profusely thanked her and asked what gradeĀ she was in. She responded that she was in the sixth grade at the middle school. I was surprised and hopeful.Ā How was it that an 11 year old girl had the poise to speak to offer a stranger physical assistance? I have been inĀ 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 theĀ 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.Ā Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is a gift that you can provide to others. IfĀ you are kind, you signal that you care about others. You canāt fake being kind. Authentic kindness is less an actĀ 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. MaybeĀ 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!