It was a typical walk in the park for Charley, my labradoodle, and me. I was feeling emotionally drained that day most likely due to Valentine’s Day being the next.

I am currently in the process of divorcing my husband of 35+ years. I hope this better paints the picture of why I felt this way. I do not resonate with the hallmark holidays that society seems to impose on us, I believe love is given every day and not expressed on a day chosen outside of ourselves. 

As we were walking, I noticed a mother and her 3 young boys, not older than 9 years of age by her side. One of the little boys caught my eye, he had blond hair, the cutest little smile, and was wearing a suit. I smiled at them and this little boy approached me with a pink rose handing it to me, saying “Happy early Valentine’s Day”.

The tears welled up in my eyes and all I could say was thank you, not only to the young boy, but also to his mother for raising such a respectable, kind, young boy. I know they will never know what an impact that one act of kindness had on me.

I was so very grateful to this family for the gift they had shared with me that day, it just reinforced how powerful one small action can be. My whole attitude changed from sadness to gratitude that day. It’s the little actions in life that can have such an impact on others.

I live every day by sharing smiles with others, and kind words, but today I received the gift, and wow did it feel awesome.