No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. Aesop
A few years ago, I spent 9/11 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While I was visiting, I learned that forty aircraft carrying 8,000 passengers were diverted to Halifax Stanfield International Airport after the 9/11 attacks. By evening, all 8,000 people had a bed in which to sleep. Halifax accepted the greatest number of aircraft of any airport and was the first major airport to have all diverted flights back in the air. This city of kind Canadians opened their hearts and homes in a time of need.
After our kilt-clad, Scottish guide told us the 9/11 story, he gave us a history lesson in kindness. He explained that on December 6, 1917, in the Halifax Narrows, two cargo ships collided causing a massive explosion (the largest prior to the atomic bomb) that killed 2,000 people, injured 9,000, and demolished the town.
He went on to tell about the generous response by Americans who sent trains with supplies, building materials, and personnel to help. He said, “On 9/11, we were honored to have the opportunity to return the kindness we had been shown by Americans so many years earlier.”
And so it goes…kindness begetting kindness.
Affirmation: I treasure kindness.
Coaching question: In what way are you part of the circle of kindness in your part of the world?
Photo by Ged Lawson on Unsplash
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