The Kindness of the Easter Bunny

It's that time of year again...yes, Easter! Aside from being the most religious of weekends on the Christian calender, Easter is also a time to enjoy some candy and this is exactly what I have been doing. The reason that I was able to fully enjoy these Easter treats is because I received a visit from the Easter Bunny, herself. Not only did she arrive early this year, but given my age and the state of my dental health, the whole experience was a real event. The bunny herself, appeared gracious and benevolent, leaving behind an Easter greeting card written in a foreign romance language. The bunny also gave reminders to balance enjoyment of her sweet goods with regular brushing and flossing and I appreciated her attention to typical requirements of daily living.
As I enjoy candy over this Easter seaason, I will recall the kindest of visits from my local Easter bunny.

The Kindess of the Biblical Songbird

The other day I received a gift from a songbird! This gift was a total suprise, but was just what I needed at the time and I am not sure how the songbird could have been aware of this if not for some type of devine intervention. Interestingly, this may have been the case, as the songbird brought me the gift of God's Word. This does not come as a complete shock, as in terms of biblical signifigance the songbirds are regarded as both reflecting and brining the truth of God to individuals. Indeed the songbird's peaceful songs are seen as reflecting social connections and conversations of love and truth. Generally, the songbird is not interested in sustained thoughtful contemplation that leads to the recognition of some truth, in an abstract manner, but instead is interested in real and obvious truth of God's love. Although I did engage in some reflection regarding meaning and truth after receiving this gift, it was clear through receipt of this gift that I am loved here on earth. Also, this gift from my songbird definitely illustrated the potential of God's love for me, if in fact I beleive in the power and plan that exists according to the kingdom of God.
As we approach springtime, I will continue to be mindful of the beauty and power of the messages of the songbirds. As well, I will remain thankful for the gift of this specific songbird.

The Kindness of Dolphins

Both the Common and Bottlenose dolphins are said to be very social animals. They are unlike colonies of ants who live in some amount of discord, in that dolphins help each other during times of hardship. I am fortunate to travel with a school of very compassionate and kind dolphins. Although we all work together to promote the wellbeing of dolphins who come to us in a less then optimal state of health, it is also evident that the dolphins I work with care about my wellbeing and are there to support me. Their kind ways were reiterated recently as I have been away due to illness and upon my return, I was greeted by many kind words and also a card expressing interest in my "speedy recovery". Like all "schools" of dolphins ours changes from time to time based on need of individual dolphins and seasonal shifts for example. I, myself, will be leaving this particular school once the summer season is upon us. However, I will always remember their kindness toward me both on a day-to-day basis as well as during relatively exceptional circumstances such as my recent illness.

The Kindness of Goats

Goats like pumpkin. Well I've heard it said that goats will eat anything, but perhaps they are particularly fond of pumpkin. If this were true then my brother would be no exception. My brother, Chad, is especially fond of a pumpkin cake that our cousin Anne makes. She was kind enough to make it one time when we were all getting together for dinner and Chad has reminded her of the deliciousness ever since. Today I was speaking to our cousin and she mentioned that I should let her know if my mom and I were sticking to the plan of going to visit my brother this coming weekend. If so, she wanted us to let her know so she could bake pumpkin cake and send it with us for Chad. I thought that this was a very kind idea on her part. Well, our cousin then spoke to my mom and the plan evolved. Our cousin may now be making the trip with us, in order to deliver her cake in person. I think that this would be very interesting and kind. I'm sure that my brother would be shocked to see her. So, from the kind words that my brother shared with our cousin Anne about her yummy cake, evolved this kindness that may see Anne coming with us! I am part of a kind and thoughtful family..how great!

the kindness of horses in Tim Hortons

Horses handle straw. They love it! Interestingly, yesterday I came across a unique type of horse. I think he was unique because he was into handling straws; the drinking variety, not straw, as would be more traditional. I came across this horse in Tim Hortons. I had just ordered a drink, and with my hands full was proceeding to a table. However, I had forgotten to grab a drinking straw. This horse kindly stepped out of line, where he was, and handed me two straws. This was a very kind gesture as it saved me from leaving my drink and walking all the way back to the front of the store to grab a straw. The actions of this horse were greatly appreciated. I think Tim Hortons should think about employing horses for this express purpose.

the kindness of the McMaster staff

I am a large Irish bull. This often causes problems for me in terms of my functional performance for daily activities. However, today I was lucky when McMaster staff called to help me out of my Irish Bull moment (i.e. making an absurd comment or mistake). I was trying to have my transcript send to the college of occupational therapists, but foolishly I had written the wrong address on my fax form. Staff from the registrar's office called to tell me that they had a different address and also that they had looked it up online and the address was different from what I had. How nice of them to call! I am one fortunate person. I asked them to make the correction and send it off. They agreed. They are so kind and I am one lucky Irish bull.

The Kindness of Dexter Cattle

I recently met some very kind folks. I use the word folks because it is kind of farm like and ranch-ish and that's exactly who these individuals were. If you will believe it, they were Dexter cattle...four of them! Interestingly, they were interviewing me for a job and true to their breed they were very inquisitive. There was over an hour of questioning about my thinking around theories and practices. Although, I didn't ask them, the word of the street is that they are all descendants of one breed that comes from Ireland and dates back to the 16th century. At any rate, all of this questioning was aimed at one very specific purpose, which was to see if I would fit in with them or could be moulded to behave in their ways. They asked me if I was easily trained. I admit, in some ways I have a lot in common with Dexter cattle, as I assured them that I pick up new things very quickly and am good at retaining information. Also, like them I am inquisitive and eager to learn concepts. I am also very hardy; just like them, which they saw as a bonus because it means that I am less likely to take extended sick leave. I've heard that Dexter cattle are also very good at calving young, which is how they put it. In fact that is the reason I am needed, or at least interviewing in the first place. You see one of their own is due to give birth and I may be called in as a replacement. That is, if they like me. By all accounts, we had a good meeting and they were so kind to at least show interest in me and my potential. They said they would let me know if my services are needed and I am hoping to hear from them soon. Either way, I would like to thank the Dexter cattle for a lovely time on their little farm.