KINDNESS WEEK

It is no accident that the first-ever Random Acts of Kindness Week in the Cape Girardeau area begins today, Mother's Day.

Ask almost anyone to tell you the kindest person they know, and many times the answer will be the same: "Why, my mother, of course." Mothers occupy that special place in our hearts. We love our own mothers for the many kindnesses they have bestowed. We admire the mothers of our friends and acquaintances for the beauty of their lives. We hold up as models those mothers whose devotion and caring exemplify all that is good about the human race.

So this is, indeed, a very special day. As mothers are remembered in countless ways, it also is a day to find ways to participate in kindness, whether it is a small act or a large one.

When the Southeast Missourian decided to sponsor an entire week devoted to kindness, there was considerable confidence that the reaction would be positive. The surprise, however, has been the overwhelming reaction to Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Some 350 businesses, churches, organizations and groups have pledged to find ways to participate. Setting aside a special week, many of them have said, has given them a reason to pause and reflect on the many kindnesses that are expressed day in and day out.

Moreover, it has been heart-lifting and downright fun to discover story after story of the ripple effect that this special week already has had. Here is just one example: An organization decided it would be nice, as a part of Random Acts of Kindness Week, to do something for single mothers. A member of the organization happened to mention this to her hairdresser. The hairdresser, in turn, offered to give free haircuts to the single mothers being honored. Another member mentioned it to her dentist. The dentist offered free toothbrushes. And on and on. All from one group's simple plan to be nice to single mothers during this week.

It is obvious that a pebble thrown into the pond of human kindness quickly generates ripples that become waves of compassion and giving.

How remarkable. In an age that has acquired a reputation for being callous, insular, selfish and spoiled, there exists what appears to be a bottomless well of caring, sharing, benevolence and kindheartedness.

Response to Random Acts of Kindness Week has been much more widespread than anticipated. Six counties in Southeast Missouri and one county in Illinois are represented by the many groups that have signed up to participate. Thousands of special stickers and bookmarks have been distributed, each a reminder that a huge reservoir of caring people is ready to make kindness a top priority.

A special week of kindness is one thing. But if the thousands of individuals represented by all those organizations produce the same ripple effect as the organization that is doing something special for single mothers, just think how long this could last and how far it could reach.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day and start Random Acts of Kindness Week. A sincere thank you to everyone who has responded so positively to this effort. Your kindnesses will be returned many times over. Just wait and see.