An Act of Kindness That Lasted Seven Years

What Happens When Someone Sees You at Your Lowest Point

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I usually don’t write about politics; however, I cannot turn a blind eye to what is going on in the country

To be a citizen and yet still be afraid of whether I am next up for an impromptu document check, or a bored or inquisitive (depending on how you look at it) agent going through my socials and finding fault with my love (my partner is from Denmark, uh oh) or travel choices.

I live in an affluent neighborhood that can be aptly named UN Lane. There is a family from Belarus, a couple whose parents came over from Lebanon, two from China, one from Sri Lanka, along with several white American families.

Once during a nasty snowstorm, my neighbor used his snowblower to clear my entire driveway without being asked.

Another neighbor, an elderly lady who is like a second mom, once batted away a giant bug hanging off my front door with the sleeve of her sweatshirt so I could get in. I thought that was so brave and kind of her to do that for me!

We work, pay our taxes, and generally mind our own business.

There should really be nothing to be worried about except for the little fact that many of us are brown-skinned and therefore open to being targeted.

I hear lawyers on social media advise people to have their American passports on hand wherever they go — in case they are stopped.

Not in a million years did I expect to see such things happen in the US.

It makes me wonder, “Are we living in an America that still needs kindness?”

A story that restores faith

It is during times like this that we need to be reminded that, at the end of the day, we are all human beings.

We may be black, white, brown, or blue (technically, at that point, it doesn’t matter, but still), but the emotions and problems are universal. Loneliness, heartbreak, betrayal, health issues, suffering, and loss impact one and all.

In that moment, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone who genuinely cares, no judgment, no questions asked, who is willing to sit by you till the crisis has passed? It doesn’t have to be a loved one; sometimes kindness from a stranger just might be the one to do the trick.

Recently, I read about one such story that moved me to tears — that kindness and compassion are still alive and well.

Seven years ago, college senior Joey Romano broke his wrist while skateboarding near the University of Texas. Since he didn’t have good insurance, he called an Uber instead of an ambulance.

His driver, Beni Lukumu, helped him into the car, took him to the ER, and stayed by his side for six hours — all without charging him. Lukumu, who had immigrated from Congo, understood what it was like to be far from family and offered support when he realized Romano had no relatives nearby.

“That one act of kindness showed me the good in the world,” Romano says. “Beni spent his entire day with me, a complete stranger, and absolutely changed my life.”

In case you’re wondering, their friendship is still going strong. Lukumu now works in insurance, and Romano in renewable energy.

Lukumu hopes their story reminds people of the power of human connection. “The world is so divided right now,” he says. “What we need is love and kindness.”

Do you believe kindness still has the power to bring us together?

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