Kindness Is Alive and Well

Happy “Dan före dopparedan!” (That’s what we call December 23 in Sweden. Long story…)

Do you ever feel like good, old-fashioned neighborly kindness has vanished? In this age of profit-maximizing business and impersonal mega-stores, I find myself longing for the days when I could go to the grocery store with not quite enough money and the cashier would say: “Just pay it next time you stop in.”

Well, I’m here to tell you that neighborly kindness is alive and well. Here’s my story:

Several weeks ago, my daughter, in her infinite 13-year-old wisdom, decided to use the bottom drawer of her chest of drawers as a stepping stool (I would’ve totally done the same thing when I was her age…).

Needless to say, the drawer was damaged and wouldn’t slide back properly into its place. Being the Type A person that I am, it bothered me tremendously. Every time I entered her bedroom, all I could think about was that stupid drawer.

A week ago, I decided to try to pull it out and attempt to fix it. I managed to get it out (not a small feat), but sorely lacked the tools required to bend the warped metal back in place (banging with a hammer did NOT work).

I went to IKEAs website (most of our furniture comes from IKEA, if it’s not a hand-me-down) to see if they do repairs. No siree… Replacement parts are available, but only if there was a defect (I wish!). I continued my search and found Craig Graybar Furniture Works, a local furniture repair store. I called the friendly receptionist and told her about my warped drawer. She asked me to bring it in to see what they could do.

Well, I finally made it to that part of town the other day and dropped off the drawer. Yesterday, the receptionist called me back and said that Mr. Graybar had bent the metal as far as it would go and it would probably work just fine. And they were not going to charge me for it.

I’m sorry, what?!?! No charge. For a service. Here. In. Corporate. America?

It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

This afternoon, I stopped by National Bakery and picked up a Stollen loaf (apparently Germans eat this for Christmas – see recipe here…). Then I drove over to the furniture shop to pick up my drawer. I gave the stollen to the friendly receptionist to thank her and Mr. Graybar for their kindness. It made her smile.

It was such a simple transaction, but it was so much more meaningful than if money had been exchanged…

So be encouraged! The world is not yet completely corrupt and greedy. How’s that for a good Christmas message?

PS. I also received a free half cup of coffee from Starbucks yesterday when I told them I needed some for baking. They get an honorable mention. :)

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