There are so many ways kindnesses are manifested in the families I am blessed to treat. Relatives and friends pitch in to drive, cook, help with medications, set up appointments and find a myriad of ways to extend support. Right now I have a run on handbags!

Wait. What? Women come for their treatments and their husbands arrive carrying their handbags, some over their arm others dragging on the floor. I noticed this phenomenon more this week because of Mrs. Arnold’s husband. He is a big 6’4″ robust man who arrives daily with his petite wife for her therapy. After her exam she heads to the changing room and he dutifully picks up her tiny purse. He has no concerns for himself and I love it. He smiles at me and shrugs his shoulders.

“Mr. Arnold, I think it is time for you to get a bigger bag, one that suits you. This tiny flowered one can’t hold more than lipstick and a tissue”. He looks down and softly smiles. “Doc, you won’t believe it but now I put my cellphone in here too!” I think: now that is a self assured man! He is laser focused on one thing: helping his wife in every way. Hoping that carrying her bag, assisting her with a sweater, holding her chair will somehow contribute to her healing.

As Mrs. Arnold rounds the corner, he steps up to meet her and transfers the bag into his other hand while he gently holds hers and escorts her to the door. The big gruff man with the tiny handbag is a blessed vision of kindness. I don’t think he will get a bigger bag. I think this one is just right.

Recognize the simple acts of kindnesses that surround you everyday and enjoy the blessings.