No one has ever become poor by giving - Anne Frank

I don't know about you, but I love being able to do good things that make other people happy. Doesn't always have to be a "big deal", but just seeing the happiness when their predicament has been solved, or their life has been made a fraction easier because of something I was able to offer, is just a lovely moment.

The experiences I enjoy most are the ones where actually, the good deed turns out to be more for me than it is for them. Let me explain, without sounding too selfish here.

So it was a Friday evening, we didn't have much planned but as always, looking forward to spending time with my gorgeous family.  A friend messaged me on Facebook and asked if I could help her collect a bed. "Sure, when do you need me?" (or something along those lines) was my response. So we set off on our road trip later that evening.  This friend was more of an acquaintance at the time, we knew each other from church but had never really been in this situation, alone in a car where we had to chat.  I loved it!! The chat was great and I learned so much more about her. We had another road trip a few days later, socialised together on a few occasions after and it is a privilege to call her a friend.

Now, some of you will know that I am a qualified midwife, but I decided to undertake further studies and became a health visitor.  I loved my midwifery training, the privilege of sharing in some of the most precious moments women and couples will ever experience.  For some women this happens many times, for others it happens few or not at all.  Being there to support expectant parents in that preparation for parenthood is unique and special.  It's exciting to stand on the sidelines, watching individuals plan and prepare for their new arrival, to have the opportunity to reassure them when nerves and anxiety set in that they are going to "mess it up."  I don't get these opportunities any longer in such depth, as the majority of my work kicks in once the baby has arrived and boy, I miss that part of midwifery.

You are probably wondering what on earth I am talking about, but let me piece it together for you.  This road trip to collect the bed was part of the preparations for my friend becoming a foster carer.  We discussed the excitement of a new arrival, along with the "but what ifs", how is it going to affect the family dynamics? Her relationship with her own child? She was so anxiously excited about the experience, it brought me back to being the midwife again. Privileged to support and encourage at such a special moment.  My friend was grateful for my help that evening, but I don't think she realises that actually, I was taken back to a time that I loved and made me realise that I can still experience those moments in a different way.  If there was a job entitled "Preparation for Fostering Supporter", I'd be the first to apply.  Lots happened that night for me, including the birth of a friendship.

This coming week is Random Acts of Kindness week. Although that experience was planned (quickly), it taught me that amazing things can happen from an act of kindness.  So what are you going to do this week to bring a smile to someone else's face?