It’s the little things…
In life we never know how our small acts of kindness can profoundly affect the life of a complete stranger. One small act–that we barely have to think about or takes us no time to perform–could impact a life forever.
For 2- year- old Vivian and her family it began in February of 2015. Vivian had been diagnosed with Leukemia and was being treated in a hospital directly across from a massive construction project.
Two construction workers noticed her in the window and waved.
Touching others, touches you…
When Travis Barnes and Greg Combs noticed the cute little girl waving from a hospital window, naturally they waved back. As time progressed, an emotional connection began to form and they saw themselves looking forward to seeing their little friend in the window. She was always smiling and waving enthusiastically.
It struck the two men, that this little girl was sick–and the world of her and her family had stop turning–was redirected and began to revolve around her sickness. While she was in the window smiling and waving she was simultaneously fighting for her life.
The interaction took on new meaning for the two construction workers.
Kindness perpetuates itself
Travis and Greg decided to make their greeting a bit more meaningful. They had never actually met Vivian or her family as she was isolated due to her illness–but they wanted to send her a message. So Travis and Greg took the time to climb up onto a higher section of the construction site and painted “Get Well Soon” on one of the beams.
Needless to say, the family was deeply touched and the story has sense gone viral. The local news station covered the story and asked the men why they did it. They talked about the life perspective they were able to gain in those moments and were able to empathize with the family as they have children of their own.
Since writing that message, Vivian has gotten well enough to have outside visitors and Travis and Greg have visited Vivian and her family in the hospital. That one act of kindness, created and experience which has left an indelible mark on all involved.
