One of the many lessons learned from this year is we can’t always control what happens in our life. We can control how we respond to these things. Watching the CMA show on TV earlier this week, I got a glimpse of hope. Maren Morris received the award for Female Vocalist of the year. During her speech, Morris recognized talented black female artists in her genre. She credits them for being pioneers in the genre and a source of inspiration. Morris used her voice to encourage other performers and enjoy their music as well.

Last year, I heard about the Tony Award winning Broadway play called Come From Away. It’s the story about the people of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed 7,000 stranded passengers from U.S. airplanes in transit after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I was intrigued by this heart-warming story and got tickets to see the show when it came to Dallas. I didn’t get to see the show due to the pandemic. However, I did some research about this story and here are some take-aways:

• After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. airplanes in transit had to go back to European airports to land or go to Canadian airports. This is why 7,000 passengers arrived unexpectedly in Gander, Newfoundland that day.
• Once the planes landed at the airport there were school buses waiting to transport all the passengers.
• All the passengers were given a small box of food and a toothbrush.
• The people of Gander got busy setting up cots, gathering linens and cooking for thousands of people.
• Some people of Gander invited the passengers into their homes for meals and to take showers.

Out of this tragedy, friendships were formed. Passengers were sad to leave after their unexpected 5 day visit to Gander, Newfoundland. The people of Gander were so generous that they wouldn’t accept money from the stranded passengers in exchange for their hospitality. After the 10-year anniversary, in kind gifts were being built with new computer labs in Newfoundland schools and a scholarship was created at a school nearby.

If you’re looking for ways to show kindness in your own community, take a look below.
• Buy extra food at the store and donate it to a food pantry.
• Order your meals online from your favorite restaurants.
• Some families are grieving a loss of a loved one. Reach out and let them know you care.

Amelia Earhart’s quote sums it up best – “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.“