BUCKING THE SYSTEM: NEIGHBORS, KINDNESS AND WATERMELON ... THOSE WERE THE DAYS

I'm one of the people who keeps Hallmark in business.

I read their cards, I watch their televised movies and I cry at their commercials.

I like Hallmark because the company goes out of its way to remind you of the way things used to be. Everything about the company discusses the simple pleasures that make us love things and one another.

I've been having a week-long Hallmark moment this week because people have been going out of their way to do nice things for one another. Random Acts of Kindness week seems to bring out the best in people, and the outcome has been a lot more smiles everyday.

I must admit, I've enjoyed everything I've seen this week. No one sent the newsroom any treats, which is just as well because my baby-influenced body probably couldn't eat it now anyway. But even without the treats, I'm satisfied with the high volume of RAK reports we've received and the many stories we've run about kind people and businesses.

I also must applaud the number of courteous drivers I've met who have let me go first at a four-way stop or allowed me to get in front of them at a busy intersection.

And I can't forget to mention the excellent early-morning service that's been available at area drive-throughs this week. People actually have told me to have a nice day and meant it. It's been better than Christmas.

But you know, even as I've enjoyed RAK Week it's made me kind of reflective, not unlike the way I feel when I watch a Hallmark commercial. I guess that's because all of this kindness has taken me back to a time when that kindness was a lot more prevalent and a lot less time-oriented.

Remember when people would step out on their porches just as the sun was setting and take a moment to wave at their neighbors, who were also settling down on their porches? Those simple hellos added to the already wondrous beauty of the setting sun.

And then there were the neighborhood cookouts that started with a lone family barbecue, but ended up with everyone "bringing a little something" to make a meal. It always seemed that the family who didn't have the best cook or the most money could always be counted on to bring the coldest, juiciest watermelon to brighten everybody's day.

And what about the little ladies who heard you mention that you liked pound cake, or mustard greens, or homemade ice cream, then sent you a week's worth of food on a pretty plate "just for you to nibble on." Those were the days.

Unlike the Hallmark moments, I don't cry over those experiences, because I'm lucky enough to still have them. People who grew up with and cherished random kindnesses during their childhood tend to continue to spread it. Although it appears many people have gotten caught up in their worlds and forgotten those simple niceties, I think there are many more people who remember and continue to share that goodness.

We just forget to say thank you until a special week rolls around.

Tamara Zellars Buck is a staff for the Southeast Missourian.