Language skills?

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I love it when you can take two people who otherwise would not be able to communicate, put them together, and somehow they find a way to communicate. The other day when I was in a store, picking up a few household items - some bathroom cleansers, some batteries, and a couple of other menial items - when I walked down the greeting card aisle. I was perusing the cards when a woman sought my attention. I turned to her and in broken english, I could tell that she was asking for my help. After several gestures and words in her native language (I’m still unsure of what language it was), I knew that she was there for and needed help searching for a birthday card for a young girl, a 14-year old. After a few exchanges and some nervous laughter, I was able to find a card to her liking and we were able to find her a beautiful card that was fit for a teenage girl. Thought the process, I tried asking her if the girl was her daughter, niece, granddaughter (dare I say?). Our language incompatibilities didn’t allow for that to be answered, but the smile on her face and the multiple grateful nods she gave me were enough to make my day and make me feel as though I helped her in an immense way. Really, it was just a small gesture…but you know, it’s the small gestures that sometimes mean the most to folks. It makes me think, instead of rushing around through life at the speed of light, why don’t we sometimes slow down, take our blinders off and acknowledge each other? What are we rushing for? If I had brushed the lady off because she couldn’t communicate with me using her words, how would that have made her feel? How would it have made me feel? I had to try and I am so happy that I did. Now I wonder about the little girl who received that birthday card. I wonder if the girl received not only the card, but perhaps was handed down a story that went on to inspire her, and perhaps anyone else she tells the story to. Food for thought. (This story actually reminds me of another encounter I had a couple of years ago. I recounted it on my Celebrity Optimist blog. You can read that entry here.)

Blogging...

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Kenspirations, as I call it, came to be in 2011. It was conceived many years prior to that, but it was actually put out in the world, and action was taken, to make it public, in 2011. What is Kenspirations? Much like my other work, Kenversations (2010), but in blog form, it's a collection of conversational and inspiring stories, words, anecdotes and quotes...by Kendra...

Sunday reflection...

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Sunday reflection...thinking of the evolution of values and morals over time, specifically loyalty. In a time of "I" and "me", have we lost the true meaning of loyalty to others or are we, as a people, still pretty steadfast and considerate of others and their feelings? Are we standing by our causes, friends, family, etc. when they've been wronged...?

Sunday reflection...

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Sunday reflection... How many people do you actually see each day? Surely we see numerous amounts of people every day...but how many of those people do you actually SEE? After spending the last several days visiting family at a physical rehabilitation facility, I observed several elders...alone. Certainly there were family members visiting but one of the things I observed made me think about how many people we pass by each day without truly seeing them. Elders lined the hallways...some in catatonic stupors, some in that state only until I interacted with them. They lit up when they were engaged in a conversation...or a simple acknowledgment of their presence. Just a Sunday reflection...an observation...a question. How many people do YOU see each day?

Sunday reflection...

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Sunday reflection... It's in my nature to want to understand the "why". This year, especially, I've learned that it's not always that simple. Sometimes, there is no why...at least not yet... To be a genuinely kind character, is to be kind hearted, at all times, to everyone, even when nobody is watching...especially then. Of course there are times when we face disagreement and conflict, but there is a way to handle even those times, with kindness. I've wondered why someone would treat someone poorly...someone who has shown them love and respect...Why someone would, in addition, kick them while they're down. It can be complex but this year, especially, I've learned that it's a reflection of who they are...not the recipient of the treatment. Wishing them well...