The Kindness of Strangers

Published on Friday, May 1, 2009 by Katherine

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I received a call from my son’s high school Lacrosse coach today.  He said that one of the kids on the team was signed up (and paid) for two Lacrosse day camp sessions at a nearby local college for the summer.  It is a four day camp, meals included (in the a/c dining center), excellent coach and training, indoor Lacrosse as well as outdoor… it is the bomb-diggety.  The cost?  $260 for four days.  That is why I didn’t sign my son up when I first heard about it.

Apparently this woman’s son decided to go to the $600+ “away for a week camp” instead.  She asked the coach if there were two boys on the team who could benefit the day camp who would not normally be able to pay for it.  That is why the coach called.  Instead of asking for her money back, this wonderful mother is donating the camp sessions to other team members.  And my boy is a recipient.

I cannot begin to tell you how I felt when I hung up from this call.  My son has just been given an amazing opportunity by an incredibly generous family.  And to top it off, he was selected by his coach as someone who would both enjoy it and benefit from it.  A gift from a stranger – and a significant one at that.  It has renewed my faith in this world and the people who live in it. 

Have you been touched by a stranger?  Or even a friend or family member?  Has someone helped you when you needed it the most?  Or done something for you “just because?”  Or have you helped someone yourself?  Please share… I think we all need some positive stories right now!