Marcoujor: Kindness Does Not Discriminate

​Kindness is a word I hold near and dear...we all thrive and blossom with the slightest words ​ and​ gestures of kindness from others.

From a smile to a show of concern, kindness does not have to cost a thing.

Each day is a new opportunity for us to impact someone else's life.

We have the power to smile, to listen and to support those who are hurting in a variety of ways.

We have the ability at any time to choose kindness.

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​Kindness Comes in Many Forms​

This past Sunday evening, my cousin, Eddie, from Augusta GA died from complications of pneumonia.  

​My cousin, Thomas, shared some fond memories. "​Eddie was a good guy and we did so many things together even into our late 30's ​. ​  All I had to do was call him about a trip somewhere and he was ready to go.  He  ​loved bowling in​ his 40's and 50's a few times a week.​"

If truth be told, Eddie was my partner-in-crime whenever the family visited Mom's people in Georgia.

He was about ten years older than me - funny, patient and not much of a talker.

We genuinely enjoyed hanging out with each other.  It was great not always having to talk - instead we walked, drove around and genuinely experienced stuff.  

When I was twelve years old, Eddie took me to see "Save the Tiger" on the big screen. This movie earned Jack Lemmon an Oscar for Best Actor in 1973...and me a 'sound talking to' from my dear Momma...as I think back, I suppose the content was a tad mature for a young gal like me.

​Jack Lemmon ​ stars in "Save the Tiger" as  Harry Stoner ​,​ caught between watching everything he has worked for ​ in an apparel company​ evaporate, or becoming another grain of sand in the erosion of the values he once held so dear. ​ 

Mind you, I discovered the movie's message many years later.  At the tender age of twelve, I was befuddled that I never saw an actual tiger...? Eddie didn't have an answer for me - but patiently allowed me to stay through final credits... for a possible glimpse that never happened.

In those simple and gentle times, I felt completely safe when in Eddie's company.  And the twinkle in Mom's eyes made me know she felt the same.

Eddie sent me a necklace for high school graduation with a #1 pendant.  At a most insecure time in my life, Eddie helped me feel special and treasured.

In his last years, Eddie struggled with early neurocognitive issues.  While he may have struggled with memory and perceptual issues, those family and friends who loved him will never forget this gentle, kind and sweet man.
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I look forward to meeting up with Eddie in the next dimension.  I want to interview him and finally hear 'his side of the story'...

For now, I send my cousins and southern friends love, prayers and thoughts from your cousins in Pennsylvania.
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Here is a favorite by Willie Nelson - Mom would approve and hoping ya'll do too.

Love you and hugs, Maria