YMCA
Wristband Number: 17388
It’s taken me a while to write this because I didn’t feel like I really deserved to get it. The more I think about it, the more I realize that kindness doesn’t have to be above and beyond; it doesn’t have to be some grandiose gesture. Sometimes, it is just you going about your normal day and bringing someone into that to make them feel included or helping them see something new. Anyway, here it goes.
I received this wristband last week from a friend of a friend. I met my friend M through my work. I teach at my local YMCA. Over the past two years, we have become friends beyond the classroom. I first met M’s friend, R, at a concert we went to. M has joined a new gym at work with R. They started going to classes together and M realized that R needed a little further instruction for spinning. I offered to have M bring R to the YMCA so I could spend some time and help set him up properly and talk to him about proper form and technique so he would be better prepared to take class at his gym again. They came together for class. I set R up on his bike and we went through class. After class, we chatted about things to remember during his future classes and I reminded him that M knew enough from being in my classes for so long that he would be in good hands. R thanked me with a sweaty hug and this wristband. I’ve had limited interactions with R, but his energy is contagious and he seems to be so deeply cheerful in a radiant sort of way. Being given this bracelet by someone who makes people smile just by being around him felt a little…undeserving. This is a fantastic concept, but it left me wondering what exactly I did to deserve it. Was I kind? I was just doing my job, wasn’t I? I suppose it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day, it makes me want to SHOW more kindness. It makes me want to RECOGNIZE more kindness. As soon as I got the bracelet, I knew who really should get it, but I needed to wait for the right time.
M is the true recipient of this bracelet. He recognized a need and did what was in his power to be able to help R. Beyond his kindness toward R, I’ve never seen anything but kindness from M…except that time he was talking about a soccer ref and a poor call! 2 years ago, M stepped into my class. He was the only male amongst a group of ladies, but boy did he bring a camaraderie to the class that was amazing to watch. He is constantly cheering other people on-fist bumps, high fives, words of encouragement…he genuinely cares about the people he is around. He is one of the most thoughtful and caring individuals I have ever met. I am sad to know that I won’t see him as often, but happy that he will be able to workout with R and bring his spirit to a new group of people. I am so happy to have met M and am grateful to be able to call him my friend.
If you have read all the way, thank you. I’ve written and re-written this so many times, but it didn’t feel right to condense it any more than I have. Kindess spreads like a weed and it’s roots run deep. I would’ve never had my opportunity to show R my kindness if M hadn’t acted out of kindness to begin with. I hope the effects of the bracelet don’t wear off anytime soon and the concept continues to spread.
*~*K*~*