DIY Acts of Kindness
When running around, trying to get everything done for ourselves, it's easy to forget how much the little things for others matter
Sometimes, I am struck by a random act of kindness. It shouldn't be such a rare thing. But, when running around, trying to get everything done for ourselves, we can forget how much the little things for others matter. This month, I wanted to share a story about a random act of kindness from residency. The following story has been anonymized, and details have been changed to ensure privacy.
Mr. X had end-stage renal disease and needed dialysis three times a week. Many years ago, in a fit of frustration, he lost his temper and threatened the staff at his dialysis center. He was no longer welcome there or at any other dialysis centers nearby. So, Mr. X would show up to the ER three days a week to get his dialysis. During the day, they would squeeze him between other regularly scheduled patients. Sometimes, he waited a few hours to get dialyzed. Other times, he waited all day. Mr. X was a stubborn and proud man. He often refused blood work. Sometimes, he wanted a specific treatment. Often he was angry if another patient was occupying his usual room. He was demanding but never threatening. Often, he’d show up just when the ER was bursting at its seams. We were all frustrated by the situation. I am sure he was, too. This went on for years.
One day, when I arrived at work, I saw a small gift bag attached to a ‘Get Well Soon’ helium balloon. I learned that Mr. X had been admitted to the ICU with an infection. The staff was going to visit him after their shift. They told me they thought it might be nice for him to see a friendly face. I was touched by their small act of kindness.
Sometimes, when I talk to my medical friends, I envy the long-term relationships they develop with their patients. My friend, an Oncologist, often talks about the delicious pies his patient bakes for him. He looks forward to her visits. My friend, a Neurologist, talks about how she helped a young patient through an early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis many years ago. She is happy to see her now thriving. My friend, a Pediatrician, talks about her patients, several of whom she has known since infancy. They are now graduating high school and going off to college.
In the ER, we often don’t have our own patients, whom we have followed for years in a traditional sense. But, after that experience with Mr. X years ago, I started to think differently about our patients who come to the ER frequently. Maybe they are “our” patients. And maybe I should not be so surprised at a small act of kindness for our patients.
And on a practical note……
I wanted to share this idea in case anyone was looking for a worthwhile project for a youth group, school, service group, etc.
A lovely ER RN I work with made these "blessing bags" to give homeless patients in our ER. It was a church service project for kids too young to volunteer at homeless shelters and soup kitchens. The kids made these bags full of essential items: socks, toothbrush, peanuts/tuna, and lotion.
The paramedic told me that when she gave one to a patient, he started crying. He told her that he hadn’t brushed his teeth in 3 weeks.
Love this DIY act of kindness.
I shared this picture on social media to get more ideas of what other items may be helpful for a blessing bag. Here are a few of the responses (paraphrased).
I rarely use Kohl’s cash because I dislike making multiple trips there and hate shopping. I give them to my mom, who uses them to buy socks for the homeless. Periodically, she sends a Facebook message to our neighborhood group, collects all the unused Kohl’s cash, and buys socks.
We did something similar when growing up, except we made bags for shelters for battered women for both adults and children. Making these bags is something I will never forget. It touched my heart as a child.
My friend keeps these in her car. Just hand them out as needed. It’s a great blessing to others.
The tuna fish is a great idea. I have picked up some trail mix without realizing that some people have difficulty because of dental issues. Nutri-grain bars, packaged cheese, and crackers are good snacks. I put two pairs of socks, a clean T-shirt, a toothbrush and toothpaste, nail clippers, Band-Aids, and disposable cleansing wipes.
Tuna’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll add that and some crackers.
In the winter, I add hand warmers. The patients are usually pretty thankful for them.
Toothbrush and toothpaste make you feel more human.
We have similar in our cars.
We also collect hotel toiletries and international flight care kits. It’s a simple way to reach out that many people can contribute to.
Nail clippers! Such a great idea to add these.
Thanks for reading this far. I hope that you enjoyed this post. Hope to see you next month. Stay well!
Great idea! Thanks!