Thread by @imaracingmom

Today's thread:
Random Acts of Kindness!

I don't think we realize that the smallest things can add up to make huge differences in the world. We can't see what's going on in other's brains or the pain in someone's heart. When we make the effort to be kind to others, we can soften pain and lesson worry.

Even on social media, we are offered many opportunities to be hurtful or kind. May we all make an effort to choose kind!!! So many of us are cut off and isolated and have had to replace much of our face to face socialization with online socialization.

For months, I have silently suffered fighting a huge fear. The infamous fear of needles. But it wasn't just that fear. It's the fear of this stupid virus. It's the fear of not knowing what is true and who to trust.

When you don't feel you can trust your leaders and public health officials, what do you? Watch the news? NOT a good option. Ask your neighbor? Maybe, but you have no way of knowing if they're a reliable source of the truth.

Twitter has given many of us everyday folk the opportunity to interact with medical professionals, scientists, politicians, public health officials, and academics. Because those people interact with us, we end up getting a feel for who seems to be honest.

I'm sure those folks are super busy, so it's nice to see them willing to take the time to interact with those of us in need of information or solutions. Which led me to people who I felt I could trust for information about the vaccines for Covid.

It led me to people who had ways to keep from fainting due to fear of needles, and to people who had ways to over come that fear. It turned into a village of twitter warriors, each taking the time to help 1 person face fear head on until they were able to kick it in the nuts.

Finally after months of fear, I was able to go to a walk-in clinic at my pharmacy. There was one old gentleman there waiting. He must have been at least 80. My heart's pounding, I'm sweating up a storm, my hands are shaking, and my eyes are leaking.

My mind started making excuses of why I should leave. I take a picture of the registration sign and quickly send it to one of my cheerleaders and they responded encouragement right away. Now if I back out, I have to face the embarrassment of failure again.

The old guy is pacing back and forth while I register. I'm shifting my weight from one foot to the other. And then I wait. The guy gives me a nervous smile and I say Hi. He says "at my age, there shouldn't be anything left to fear, but I hate needles."

He continues, "If you hear a thump, you'll know I fainted again". The poor man had the biggest look of shock on his face when I bust out laughing. I'm talking a roaring belly laugh! OMG, how rude of me!!!!

I quickly explain my fear and that this is my 4th time trying to get the first dose. We exchange stories while we wait. Then it's his turn. I ask if there's anything I can do to help. He asks me to pray. So in a pharmacy, I stood outside a closed door and in my bravest voice...

I prayed. I didn't hear a thump. The man comes out smiling and tells me its not that bad. He then asks if there's anything he can do to help me. I said, I don't think so. I was going to bring some music to listen to and I forgot to program something on my phone.

All of a sudden he gives me a hug! He says, I'll wait until you're done to make sure you're ok. I'll be right here outside the door. He thanked me for praying and told me he thinks I'm fierce. Taking deep breaths, I walk into the room and shut the door.

All of a sudden, the most unexpected random act of kindness happens when the old guy starts belting out a song!!!! In falsetto none the less!!!! I laughed so hard, I never saw or felt the needle!!!! So, what was the song???

Sing with me!
"Hush my darling, don't fear my darling, the lion sleeps tonight"!!

Wishing you all a great day!

#BeKind

~Skip