If every person made it a rule that
wherever you are, whenever you
can, you will try to act a little kinder
than necessary- the world really
would be a better place. And if you
do this, if you act a little kinder
than necessary, someone else,
somewhere, someday, may
recognize in you, the face of God.
-RJ Palacio, Wonder
When I saw the trailer for the movie "Wonder" I just
couldn't stop crying. Here was the story of a young boy,
with Treacher-Collins syndrome, who had been born with
what the world sees as a highly deformed face. His name was
Auggie. I read the book, Wonder, and went to the movie with my dear, dear granddaughter, Jenna.
Jenna knew that I wanted to go. She had already seen the movie Wonder with her big sister, but she could see in my eyes and hear in my voice that this really mattered to me. So she stepped in with such kindness and went to the movie again- this time with her Nana.
While my story of being visibly different is not the same as Auggie's, Auggie's story brought back so many memories.
As I sat in that movie theater I could feel the cruel stares that Auggie experienced and I could remember, vividly, the stares
I had received as a little girl.
You see looking and asking with compassion is one thing.
Looking with judgements and condemnation is quite another.
Knowing me well, to comfort me Jenna held my left hand through the whole movie. Before the movie started, she even showed me more kindness by warning me that Auggie's doggy's name was Daisy. Daisy is the name of the darling doggy Jenna gave to Bert and to me. Jenna instinctively knew that I might be upset about what happened to Daisy in the movie. She told me she would hold my hand extra tight during those scenes.
And she did.
I could hardly breathe as the story unfolded. While I know that everyone faces suffering and pain, this story paralled mine with so much vivid reality that I felt a little exposed.
There, on that screen, was part of my story.
Yet, while I will always remember seeing that movie, reading that book, and learning new lesson's from Auggie and the people in his life, what I will remember most is Jenna's kindness.
Her kindness comforted me, held me up, and made me feel not so all alone.
I've been the recipient of her kindness before. After Bert's TIA stroke, and Annora's birth, Jenna gave up her beloved doggy Daisy so that her Boppa could have company at home.
She loved Daisy enough, and her grandpa enough, to be selfless.
What I know for sure is that the world needs more kindness
right now, the kind of unselfish kindness I see in Jenna's heart.
What I know for sure is that Amy's darling daughter is on the right track.
What I know for sure is that Jenna's kindness has reminded me to "act a little kinder than necessary." The world really
is a better place when we extend kindness to others.
I truly see God's face in my precious granddaughter's eyes!
May we all #choosekindness
God Bless and Happy Mother's day!
Love, Linda
