Kindness

Sometimes when I start thinking about the things in life that are difficult, I'm reminded of those people in my past that have shown incredible kindness. People that I can only aspire to be like.

I think about the Hughes brothers who were "neighbors" of ours in Northern California, living several miles away in the country.

We lived deep in the woods, with no running water, electricity, or telephone and winters could be really harsh. There were times when we'd be snowed in for days, and sometimes, weeks on end. It was tough. But what I remember so clearly is that just when things were really beginning to deteriorate and I'd begin to think that we were doomed, I'd hear a rumbling in the distance. "It's the Hughes!", I'd scream and sure enough, soon after, Vern or Andy would show up on their Cat, and plow us out.

I loved them. Everything about them and their families. They were kind and generous and always there for us when we needed them.

I always looked forward to superbowl season, because I knew we'd be invited over to Vern's for the big game. We'd eat wonderful snacks and watch the game and for me, it was a view into a home and lifestyle that was so completely different than ours. I'd hang on to every word of every commercial and soak in what was to me a world that I knew absolutely nothing about.

When our home burned down, they gave us new furniture. They loaned us their Cat. And years later, after I'd moved away, I could still call Vern and ask him to check on my parents when a major storm hit.

Kindness.

When I think of kindness, I think of the Hughes, and all of the people who have been there for me when times were tough.

And thank goodness for that, because I think when we show someone kindness, it plants a little seed. And it makes us want to grow into better people who do good things.

Vern, Andy, and families: Today I thought of you and remembered your kindness and was reminded that I'm a better person because of you. And even though these words will never be enough....

Thank you.

 

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Comments

[Michelle]

Serena, you are such a dear...I love reading your blog.

[Leah (Hunter) Pointer]

Hi Serena! Your family is remembered as well for kindness...and much more. My parents still share fond memories of your parents. And I will never forget seeing your mom at 2nd Hand Rose (across the street from our house). She always had a smile, a laugh and a hug to share. :)

[Jori]

Lovely,lovely post! I love that you have such a good heart..

[Katja Meyer-Thuerke]

tears came into my eyes, may we all be the Hughes!!! Especially in times like this!

[peggy R]

You should write a book. When I read your stories I feel like I am back on little house in the prairie.

[Liane R]

Serena, Thanks for sharing your story. I needed it today!

[Heidi]

I love your post. It is so true that kindness with a smile, a hello goes a long way as well. I have two girls Grace 10 and Eden 7 and they always ask me "mom why did you say hello to that person-do you know them?" Most of the time I do not know them and I explain it is a kind gesture to make eye contact and simply say hello. Thank you for you for your lovely story.

[Carolyn Crockett]

What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it!

[Chana]

Awww, its like a warm hug reading your story of the Hughes. I aspire to be that kind of person. My mantra...pay it forward. If we could all do that, "what a wonderful world"

[Heather Ozee]

If only we could all spend more time thinking of those who've been kind to us and less of those who've wronged us. What a world it would be :)

[Angela]

Such a touching story ... I had no idea that you lived that way when you were growing up.
My mom was in a family of 6 that at times were strapped for food to eat when her dad wasn't working during the winter. Some kind soul anonymously left a sack of groceries for them on their porch.
Thank you for sharing!

[paige thomas king]

"kindness" . . .usually easier than the alternative.
lovely story.

[Jennifer Robin]

What a touching and wonderful rememberance. Let's hope that somehow, some way, the Hughes brothers can hear your words. What an inspiration!

[Kim]

I too think you should write a book about your childhood. I enjoy all your stories, they are all so real.It made you who you are today and no one can take that away!

The hughes brothers sound like genuine Men, what real Men are to be like.Now they are just to busy with life to lend a helping hand.~Cheers Kim

[Vicki]

These words...these thoughtful, kind words are sometimes left said when someone is gone, when they can't hear them anymore. How well of you to say them today, to put them out there for those that mean so much to you. What a great example.

[Jean]

Thank you for your inspiring post. It's nice to see that there is still kindness going on in the world today

[Bonnie]

Oh Serena! You have brought huge tears to my eyes. I still here my dad (Andy) saying "Better go fire up the cat they are going to need plowed out." So many memories. All wonderful ones! I only hope that I am the same giving person that my dad was and taught us to be!

[Shane]

Serena I remember coming up to see your place and thinking how it was not unlike our house when we lived in Scott Valley up Hurds Gulch. The long walk to the bus stop and back, the well water brought up by hand pump, picking veggies in the garden...good times. Shane

[Bonnie]

Serena,
Wanted to let you know I printed this out and faxed it to dad (since they don't have internet). He was really touched. I know mom and dad talk often of your parents. Always good and happy memories.

[Monica]

What a sweet tribute to very kind friends.

[Kim Hill]

Such a beautiful post. I am so glad I found it today.

[Ray]

So they weren't just the grumpy old loggers down the hill?? lol You look great Serena! Country Living has been very good to you.

[Susie Evans]

Serena you are kindness...every day I go to your blog to see what is up, everyday you share a piece of yourself with so many...you Serena are what kindness is, thank you!

[Debora]

Isn't it wonderful how simple kindnesses lodge in the heart of a child and stay with her all her life? Thank goodness for the Hughes of the world.

[mary]

love is eternal, the good things good people do that touch our lives stay with us forever, warming us in the coldest times in our lives.

[Nan]

Lovely post - I think I'll take your advice and plant some kindness seeds today! I just watched your video - so fun!! My friends and I are in it twice (the girls in the pink shirts with my friend from Perth, Australia!) and it brought back such great memories - we had such a good time!! So thanks Serena, you write a wonderful blog AND you provide girl trips to those in need!!! Looking forward to this year! xo, Nan

[Tiffany]

Kindness saves the day every time. I loved your post. Thanks for writing it :)

[Nicole]

Hi there,

I was wondering how I can get in contact with you regarding your books. For some reason the "email" to click on is not working. Thanks,

Nicole

[Donna Lohr]

Ah. You made me think and smile and cry...thanks.

[sandy]

What a lovely memory, we are all so lucky to have someone in our lives that touch us. When my husband and I first were married 40 years ago we had some lean times and we rented a little house on a river from a Dr. and his wife, they only charged us $40.00 a month and that included the phone. One Christmas when things were pretty tough we came home one night and on our front porch were boxes of toys, homemade jam, home canned tuna, books and candy and a brand new trike for our son. After all these years I still think of them often even though they have been gone many years. We have been blessed with many great neighbors.

[teresa]

It's nice to hear stories like that..sometimes it seems the world can so so un-caring.
Growing up we always lived in the country far from town....and my Mother didn't drive....there was an older lady down the road from our farm that would pick us kids up and take us to church etc. I think of her often and her kindness.
Thanks for a sweet post.

[joanne nixon]

kindness......what a wonderful word....and the deed itself is contagious..there are those in the world who make our lives better just by being there...they inspire us to be better, do better and think better....

i love your entries....they are so very down to earth......thank you for your kindness.....

[rachel schindler]

What a beautiful post.

[Alice]

What a lovely post! Where would we all be if it weren't for the kindness of others?

Enjoy your weekend!

[Monica Greensides]

Such a nice tribute to obviously a wonderful family ❤️