A unique visitor gives back

I never thought asking a friend for such a small favor would have such an impact. It’s often the tiniest gestures that can make such a huge difference. In the spirit of giving creatively, here’s how one innocuous idea meant so much, especially when coming from such an unexpected source.After six months at sea, I finally ended my deployment just in time for the holidays. Calling Washington State my current home, I am celebrating Christmas here with my boyfriend and his family. As a treat to both of us for an arduous year spent mostly at work for both of us, we booked a cruise to Mexico then plan to take another week off and vacation to Hawaii.These trips, along with the new RV I’m buying next week, meant that sadly I’m not spending the holidays in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up until joining the Navy at 19 years old. I felt guilty about that as it’s been more than two years since I last saw my parents, godparents, and the small handful of friends I still keep in touch with. In the 21 years I’ve served in the Navy, I try to make it home at least once every couple of yearsWondering what I could do to make the holidays special for my parents, I asked them what they wanted. Part of their routine is to visit Cup of Joe, a coffee shop located just a few miles north of their Clintonville home. All they wanted from me for Christmas was a gift card. Sounded simple, right? Nope. It turns out that they do not have a process in place to pay for a gift card remotely. This put me in a bind. Not sure what to do, I thought, “maybe I can pay a friend.” But who? I'm not one to ask for favors. I feel like I'm inconveniencing another.Enter Megan Starr. Megan is one of my dear friends from high school, who I have kept in touch with over the years. She’s also one of the best at keeping in touch with all of us, and truly cares about people. I can always count on her for support, and she takes the time to keep in touch where many of us get busy and the distance makes keeping in touch hard. She is also deeply supportive of the armed forces, and has said several times how much she appreciates those that serve.I reached out to her on Facebook messenger and not only did she agree, she insisted I not pay her to deliver the gift card. She performed this act of kindness two days later. I figured she’d leave the gift card in the mailbox, or inside the front door.I was wrong. And so happy for that.Instead, Megan caught my parents at home. They had not seen each other in decades, but my Dad remembers everything and everyone, so they were so happy to see her again. I’m told my Mother started crying, and I received the pictures you see here.When I asked my Mother if I could post this, she responded with this:"Do you know she put the card in a lovely gift box decorated with ornaments and ribbon. She made us laugh and touched us with loving stories of you and of her own life. She gave me a big hug, and when I started crying she literally picked me up and toted me to the sofa. You have a good friend in her, Teri; and she in you!" Megan also saw her Father right afterwards while shopping in the nearby Krogers grocery store. They had not seen each other in years either, and they shared a meaningful embrace.All of this goodness came about because I simply asked a friend to perform an act of kindness, and she went above and beyond what was requested. It reminds me of the power we all have to perform minor good deeds, but ones that mean so much to others. Getting those pictures she sent me right after her visit made my day, and it reminded me of the capacity for good that resides in all of us. I feel like being kind, considerate and loving never falters. It’s truly what sets us apart as humans and what defines and unites us. Instead of material things, status, or ego it’s how I treat myself and others that carries the day. So thankful for Megan and her thoughtfulness. She performed such a simple yet so powerful act that was so special for my parents and for myself.She exemplified the spirit of giving. And all I did was ask that she drop off a gift card.Love you girl! This blog is dedicated to all those who perform random acts of kindness. This is not a herculean feat. It's the small acts that every one can do to brighten another's day.They are the heroes among us. And we all can do this!