Please be Kind

Image courtesy of Pixabay.
@akalinus (44366)
United States
June 30, 2018 11:55am CST
A couple of days ago, the police were forced to shoot someone who lived down the street from me. He took a hundred pills. His roommate tried to save his life by calling the cops and ambulance. When they got there, the man came out shooting a long gun. The deputies had to return fire in fear of their lives. The life flight helicopter took him to a trauma unit where he died. I heard the gunshots, saw the cops retrieve the gun, and saw the helicopter and the sheriff of the county giving a news conference. I think that the man once lived next door to me. He was fat and obnoxious. I never once reached out to him with a touch of kindness. I am heartbroken. Please be kind to those around you. People are hurting everywhere. Reach out to a hurting person with kind words, a smile, a helping hand. You could save a life.
8 people like this
7 responses
The Horse
@TheHorse (238305)
• Walnut Creek, California
2 Jul 18
I actually do try to do that. A good, meaningful conversation could save a life.
2 people like this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
2 Jul 18
Yes, it could. It means the person is acknowledged and deemed important. I am sorry I never talked to him beyond a 'hi, how are you?" and not wait for an answer.
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
2 Jul 18
@TheHorse I lived in California for some years. I know that feeling. Then there are people who are much too friendly. You have to watch out for them too.
The Horse
@TheHorse (238305)
• Walnut Creek, California
2 Jul 18
@akalinus Even that can establish SOME sense of connection. Many people here in California walk by each other as if the other did not exist.
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
30 Jun 18
That's so sad his life came to that. I agree, we need to reach out in kindness all the time.
2 people like this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
We get so busy with our own lives and problems that we don't see the pain all around us until something terrible happens. He was only 54.
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
@just4him Yes, he should have had many years left.
1 person likes this
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
30 Jun 18
@akalinus That's way too young.
1 person likes this
Belle Starr (Iz)
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
30 Jun 18
I am sorry that you had to hear the shot and know the man who was killed. If he was obnoxious, it certainly wasn't easy to reach out to him and he may not have responded well at any rate. I think kindness is in short demand today and yes, all of us could spread more of it.
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
I am glad you agree. It is in short demand but if we try to reach out, it might help. People are so upset and violent and doing all sorts of crazy things. I thought if we all gave a little kindness where we can, people might start feeling and acting better.
1 person likes this
Belle Starr (Iz)
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
30 Jun 18
@akalinus Love is what Jesus told us to do and he certainly had the right of it today and every day I think.
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
@BelleStarr I think it is more needed today than ever.
1 person likes this
Shiva
@Shiva49 (28380)
• Singapore
5 Jul 18
Yes, all deserve a helping hand without being judged. Everyone yearns for love and understanding. I look out for those who seem to be hurting and all it takes is showing that we care - siva
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
5 Jul 18
That is a good attitude to have. A little caring goes a long way.
1 person likes this
Bhem
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
30 Jun 18
Not only outside of myLot also here, because we may never know they are battling inside.
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
I know there are a lot of hurt people here.
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
30 Jun 18
@JustBhem It includes me too. I'm sorry you are hurting. If you ever want to message me, I am here. Prayers.
1 person likes this
Bhem
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
30 Jun 18
@akalinus Yeah, that includes me.
ARM
@responsiveme (22923)
• India
4 Jul 18
This is sad...People have troubles we cannot think of
1 person likes this
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
4 Jul 18
A little kindness goes a long way to make anyone feel better for a moment or two.
1 person likes this
marguicha
@marguicha (230350)
• Chile
30 Jun 18
Don´t cops have other means (like water or gas) to subdue people instead of shooting them down? Cops have seen too many serials like Criminal Minds where the FBI shoots first and then asks.