Random Acts of Kindness

Out-of-the-Blue and Spirit-Lifting

2011-12-15T18:28:00.001-05:00

I logged onto Facebook this morning and discovered this note waiting for me. I should probably tell you, heartfelt words and acknowledgement that Heller's Day makes someone happy, these are two of my most favorite kindnesses!

Simply Give from Your Heart!

2011-12-13T23:45:00.001-05:00

Kindness and Laughter

2011-12-08T00:12:00.003-05:00

We called it “letting out his air.”

The sound Heller made when we tickled his neck reminded us of a wayward balloon as it flips and rolls and twirls through the air in its silly deflation dance. It made us laugh. It made him laugh that we laughed about it. Heller’s laugher is the memory that I try to pull to the front of my mind most often when I think about my Sunshine. It was pretty perfect in the way that it too flipped and rolled and twirled.

Did you know that laughter and kindness go together as well as peanut butter and jelly?

Make someone laugh and you will provide a physical, emotional, and social benefit that costs nothing and is worth everything!

Be careful—like kindness, laughter is contagious!

Share Kindness!

2011-12-04T22:50:00.001-05:00

I don't know which one of the children at the park that day decided that the stick should be moved. Nor do I know which child reached for the first end. I can only imagine the stick was heavy, but I couldn't tell you who worked the hardest, or who gave the most. The one thing I can tell you is, the sound of laughter reached throughout the park, drawing in more and more children to become a part of the effort.

Did you know that kindness works just like that?! Do a good deed and you are not only sharing kindness with others, but giving it to yourself. When others around you see how much fun you are having, they won't be able to help themselves from joining in. Even better--invite someone to join you. Imagine how much fun we will have when more and more of us become a part of the effort!

I Want a Hippopotamus...

2011-12-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

Kindness is, taking the time to get to know your friends and family. Show them that you are paying attention, that you hear them, and that you care about their needs. And, even if you could never give them their absolute heart’s desire, find a way to let them know you would if you could!

Original Art!

2011-12-02T23:08:00.003-05:00

Heller was so proud to discover that I framed and hung his art work. It actually brought tears to his eyes when he walked into the room and saw what I had done. I repeated the gesture with Heller’s little brother’s recent paintings. He was also delighted! I must say, I adore my art.

Today’s kindness idea: Display your child’s art work. It’s one-of-a-kind and made with love.

Yet Another Way to Spread Kindness! Pun intended. ;)

2011-12-01T23:14:00.003-05:00

The Game:

It was a silly game, yet important enough to encourage the purchase of a king-sized mattress to fit our growing family of four (almost five). Each night, we would lie together on the mattress, telling jokes and stories of our day.

“Bread!” I would yell from my outside position on the mattress, throwing my arm into the air.

“Bread!” My husband would return from his far side.

“Peanut Butter!” Jenny would cry.

“Jelly!” came Heller’s giggling voice.

Then, we would crush together into the tightest family sandwich possible.

It was a silly game. And, it was everything.

Emergency Care Help Organization

According to its website, The Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO Brandon FL) provides immediate relief in the forms of food, clothing and household items to those residents of the greater Brandon area that have experienced a recent emergency. Since its inception in 1987, ECHO FL has assisted over 109,000 individuals, over half of whom were children, with the basic life necessities. When families experience an unexpected emergency they are often faced with the decision paying the bills or buying food for their families.

In addition to gently used clothing, towels, blankets, and household items,

Most needed items include:

Canned meats
Jelly
Peanut Butter
Spaghetti Sauce
Canned Fruit
Canned Pasta
Rice
Macaroni and Cheese

Because of Heller

ECHO is an organization that was special to Heller. For this reason, this year we will host a kindness drive to fill some of the organization needs. Please let us know if you would like to participate. You can begin by gathering donation items from the above list, and simply setting them aside. Let us know you have items for pick up, and will be happy to pick them up during the week of December 22^nd for delivery to ECHO on Kindness Day!

Click to Learn More About ECHO and How You Can Help.

Thank You!

2010-12-22T23:53:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all those who shared kindness Because of Heller today!

With so much love and gratitude,
Heller's Family

HAPPY KINDNESS DAY!!

2010-12-21T23:05:00.006-05:00

And so it was, on the eve of Kindness Day, that it hit me. As we scrambled around our nearby streets in the chill and darkness, leaving silly hats, and reminders of kindness for our small community to awaken to, I thought to myself, "Heller would have LOVED this!"

I know that I have said it before. I have shared Heller's kind heart with you all, and I have stood by the fact that Heller would want us to spread kindness because of him on December 22nd.

But, what I discovered this evening was different. What I came to realize, with a heavy heart, is that Heller would have loved DOING this. I only wish that I had thought of it sooner. I wish we were doing kindness WITH Heller instead of because of him.

As I write this message, in the early hours of Kindness Day Because of Heller 2010, I am filled with sadness, longing, excitement, and gratitude. I truly hope you will delight in delivering kindnesses, sharing kindnesses, and growing kindnesses today, but don't stop tomorrow! Keep delivering kindness.

Share it with everyone you know. The sooner everyone is DOING kindness together, the better the world will be!

A Kindness Message from Heller's Sister, Jenny

2010-12-16T21:39:00.002-05:00

Just like the inseparable Raggedy-Ann and Andy, my brother, Heller, and I were best friends. Despite our six-year age difference, we could hang-out for hours.

“Jenny, can we play?” was a question I came to know very well. When Heller finally got the inevitable “yes” he had worked anywhere from thirty-minutes to two-days for, his face would light up and he would flash his brilliant smile. The rewards did not stop there. When Heller and I played, it was magical for both of us. Whether we built Lego families, played “cars with faces” and defeated the powerful evil Meme, or summoned giant monkeys, we had fun.

Not only did Heller and I learn to amuse each other, but he also loved to entertain our little brother, Nicholas. He would read books to Nicholas nonstop, and Heller didn’t have to be asked twice. He loved doing it. Heller always treated me and Nicholas with the utmost love and respect. He was always doing little things that simply made me feel good, like making pictures or Lego trophies, or having the “seamonkies” attack my bedroom.

Today’s kindness reminder is something that Heller truly knew the meaning of--respect and be kind to your siblings. Even though I sometimes have a tough time with it, each day I try to be more like Heller, treating Nicholas the best way possible. I encourage you to do something just to remind your brother or sister that you love them. You never know, you might even receive your very own Lego trophy as a result.

Showing Gratitude is Kind

2010-12-15T22:17:00.002-05:00

To be a firefighter, that was Heller’s dream—until the age of five.

At the age of five, Heller said, “I don’t think I want to be a firefighter anymore.”
Secretly relieved, I replied, “Oh? Why not?”
His answer came easy. “You could get hurt!”

And yet, there are still firefighters--courageous men and women who are waiting, night and day, to rush toward what most others rush away from.

The fire station is very close to my home. Almost nightly, I hear the low sirens of engines. With each occurrence, I say a prayer-- for the individuals in need, for the firefighters in route. I include a prayer of thanks, for the rescuers who came to our call in our hour of need. They were unable to deliver to us what we most wanted, but they came…they helped…and, like us, a part of them will carry the moments with them for the rest of their lives.

Today’s kindness reminder: Remember those who most deserve our gratitude—those we take for granted. I pray you never need them, but know they are there if you do. Let them know you appreciate them this kindness day.

Give from the Sole

2010-12-15T00:03:00.005-05:00

Shoes.

Just say the word and see what happens.

For some, we begin reaching for our credit cards right away. For others, we don't even give them a moment's thought--we simply know they are there and we will put them on each morning before we begin the day.

When was the last time you counted the number of shoes in your closet? How many do you think are there? One pair? Ten? A number higher than all of your fingers and toes?

Now, imagine if your answer was "none." There are so many in the world who could give this answer. They are walking barefoot, because they lack the resources to simply put shoes on their feet.

Today's kindness idea: When slipping off your shoes at the end of the day, take a moment to slip into your closet and pull out those gently worn shoes you haven't used in a while. Locate a shoe donation location, and drop them in. What a difference you can make delivering kindness from the sole.

Kindness: Made with Love

2010-12-13T21:55:00.007-05:00

Making gifts is fun! Giving gifts is almost as exciting as getting them. But, giving a gift that you made with your own two hands, that is a special reward of its own.

Heller loved to make gifts for his family and friends. Whether it was candy reindeer, freshly baked bread, a painted picture, or a trophy of legos, Heller made it with love and delivered it with pure joy!

The very last gift Heller gave (on the day before he joined his Father in Heaven) was a stuffed aligator from Build-A-Bear. He was convinced that his teacher could not be without a school mascot. He planned for it, did chores to earn money for it, and put it together with love. I am sure she will never forget his excitement as he presented his personal creation to her. I know I won't.

Kindness is a two-way street. The joy of giving and receiving go hand-in-hand.

Today's kindness suggestion is: Make your own gifts and give them with love. Your heart will thank you.

Offer Comfort and Cheer

2010-12-11T16:00:00.003-05:00

Do you know someone who could use a little bit of assistance with holiday preparations this year? Perhaps you could pay a visit with a strand of lights and a cup of cheer. Take a few minutes when you are finished decorating to offer your company as well. There are so many who are lonely and would appreciate this act of kindness.

Bear Good Fruits

2010-12-10T23:34:00.003-05:00

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22

Is it any wonder that the fifth fruit of the spirit is kindness?

Today's kindness idea: Leave a basket of fruit on the doorstep of a neighbor or someone in need.

Random Acts of Kindness: The Path of Kindness

2010-12-10T05:59:00.000-05:00

Random Acts of Kindness: The Path of Kindness

The Path of Kindness

2010-12-09T23:13:00.000-05:00

So far, my kindness reminders have been easy. This one, however, is a little bit more challenging. With Kindness Day and Christmas Day approaching ever so swiftly, our carefully coordinated schedules are becoming more inflexible. This is the busiest time of the year for most of us, and we can’t imagine breaking out of routine for some unplanned occurrence.

I know that I have encouraged deliberate acts of kindness. I’ve reminded you that “practice makes perfect.” I stand by this firmly. But sometimes, someone’s need for kindness comes as a surprise.

On this day, three years ago, our family had no idea that in just two short weeks, our path would change forever. As far as we knew, our schedule was fixed. We were headed in the direction of a beautiful holiday season.

On December 22, 2007, our family found itself on the Earth’s Edge. We were lost, sometimes unable to move in any direction.

On December 22, 2007, and for many many days that followed, inflexible schedules of kind hearted friends, and even strangers, suddenly became wide open. Fixed routines became bendable. Kindness surrounded us because so many individuals stepped out of their own way to help us find ours.

For those kindnesses, we found our way. For those kindnesses, we will forever be thankful.

So, today’s kindness reminder is one I learned by heart, and I keep in my heart. I hope you will do the same. Help others find their way by stepping out of your own.

Whatever it Takes to Make Someone Happy...

2010-12-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

Do it!

Heller knew this! Everyone deserves kindness. For some, kindness is an action, a grand gesture, a need satisfied. For others, kindness is a word, a smile, a simple acknowledgment.

Heller knew how to deliver kindness in many ways. Mommy needed a break, so Heller would read to his little brother for a while. Daddy needed Spongebob to NOT be on the television, so Heller would change the channel, when Daddy came home, to something they both enjoyed. Jenny needed a laugh, so Heller would offer up his "How do we know you are REALLY Heller dance," with signature moves that only Heller could deliver.

He "dinked" with his Mapa, endured the "broken hug machine" with his Aee, offered up "jelly" for his Papa, and "let" his Uncle Tommy win at basket ball.

Heller knew that one of his favorite teachers loved the color purple. When planting flowers in our yard, Heller would select a particularly bright, purple annual out of our arrangement to take to school the next day. He was quick to hug, happy to help, and full of kind things to say to his friends.

Everyone has a kindness need. Find it. Fulfill it. Whatever it takes!

(In case you are wondering, my need is to know that you have stopped by. I would love to hear about your suggestions for Kindness Day on December 22nd. Please leave a comment, email BecauseofHeller@aol.com, or share with us on Facebook.)

Anyone Can Deliver Kindness

2010-12-07T23:22:00.003-05:00

How will YOU hang your star?

Just Wishing

2010-12-06T23:50:00.000-05:00

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas.

Heller,
You will always be my "hippo." I will never stop wishing for you.
Love, Mommy

Be Kind to Yourself

2010-12-05T22:58:00.004-05:00

Silver and gold, silver and gold
Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold
How do you measure its worth?
Just by the pleasure it gives here on earth.

Silver and gold, silver and gold
Mean so much more when I see
Silver and gold decorations
On ev'ry Christmas tree.

Today's Kindness Reminder is: Be kind to yourself.

Your happiness. Your smile. These things will shine as bright as all of the silver and gold in the world. Kindness begets kindness. Start the chain with YOU. If we all do this, imagine the pleasure it will give here on earth.

Count Down to Kindness

2010-12-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

Just another day in December? Nope! If you are keeping an advent calendar, like we are, then each day is filled with a new surprise. Pictured above is our yearly advent calendar. Some years, we indulge by adding store-bought, chocolate-filled calendars to our decorating list, and some years we do not. But, this nativity advent calendar remains our favorite.

When Heller was just four years old, it was difficult to include him in the end-of-holiday clean-up. Everything had to be just so in order to pack tightly to fit into our small attic or garage. Heller so wanted to be a part of the break down—almost as much as the put-up. One day I decided to start an end-of-holiday tradition. Heller would be responsible for putting each nativity piece back into its doorway—a job he took very seriously.

For the last few years, the calendar has remained in its box. We couldn’t bear the thought that each day in December, we would be reminded that we were opening a door without Heller.

This year, we finally had the strength to pull out our calendar and we were met with something quite unexpected. December 22nd was missing its door. We don’t know why, and we do not know where the door has gone. We only know that this year, we won’t open the door without Heller. We will keep his door to kindness open—this year, and forever after.

Today's Kindness Reminder: Keep the door to kindness open!

Kindness Through Providing Books and Reading

2010-12-03T14:38:00.003-05:00

“I get to read books to little children who cannot read!” Heller told me when he came home from school one day. The electricity that radiated his smile could have lit a thousand Christmas trees.

To have a child who loved to read like Heller was a privilege. To listen to Heller read, with beautiful intonation and expression that made the book come alive, was pure joy. But, to see the enthusiasm Heller exhibited because of his ability to share his love and talent for reading with others; that was sheer bliss.

Heller shared his gift for reading with his family too. He enjoyed sharing his stories with his sister, Jenny, and he enjoyed reading to his baby brother, Nicholas.

Walt Disney once said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” I agree.

Often, when we think of delivering acts of kindness, we think of giving of gifts—gifts of food, acts of service, and our time. Reading aloud to someone (whether a child, someone who is blind, the elderly, or even those who can read, but would benefit from your time and attention) is a gift. It feeds the hungry mind, creates lasting bonds and memories, and develops relationships. In addition, donating books to those who cannot afford their own is also a wonderful gift of kindness.
Last year, on December 22nd, several families donated books to those in need. It warmed my heart to receive letters from many individuals who were so very appreciative of this kind act.

Today’s Kindness Reminder: Kindness can be delivered through the gift of books and reading.

Carry the Burden of Another. That is Kindness.

2010-12-02T10:31:00.005-05:00

December 2nd is here--ready or not. For many, this is a time of celebration and joy. For many others, it is a period of chaotic activity. Between working, shopping, decorating, entertaining, and maintaining a budget, emotional stress runs high.

For me, December brings a time of reflection. I tread carefully into the season. I never know when those powerless feelings of loss and anxiety will overwhelm me. I could be eyebrow high in decorations, whistling along to the latest holiday jingle, the smell of cookie dough in the air, when out of nowhere, those feelings engulf me.

I know that I am not alone.

Even before I lost my sunshine, there were burdens. Everyone carries at least a few.

This year, someone suffered a loss—a job, a loved one, a beloved pet, or even a familiar social environment (as in having moved away from home); someone is hungry; someone is sick; someone needs forgiveness; someone is homeless; someone is sad, angry, or bitter; someone is lonely.

Perhaps your burdens are light, or perhaps they are heavy, but you know that by taking on a few more of someone else’s, you will need to set aside a few of yours, and that is comforting.

Whatever your case may be, today’s kindness reminder is:

To carry the burden of another, that is kindness.

Kindness and Kisses

2010-12-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

Heller loved our game. I can still hear him in my heart, laughing each time his bear nose clicked with mine. The magnets, secretly hidden within the snout of these lovebird bears ensured that their kisses would hold tightly together—at least until a greater force pulled them apart.

I tilted my bear side to side, pretending to create a serious dialogue with Heller’s bear. “So, as I was saying,” I would begin, “I want to share an important message with…” Before I could finish, Heller would press his bear into mine and the lips would lock. My bear was rendered speechless. Of course, my bear would object, as a woman with something to say would, but Heller would just laugh and laugh.

Oh that laughter…

It wasn’t until just last year that I noticed the bear noses formed a heart. I imagine I was too enchanted by my own heart, standing before me with his twinkling eyes full of mischief and delight, to notice.

For the last two years, each time I pulled out our bears, to begin our holiday decorating, I longed for our game. I longed for my little boy and his laughter. But, each time those lips lock together, I know the kiss is a kiss from Heller.

This year, I am able to share the game with Nicholas, Heller’s brother, who is now old enough to understand. I explained to him that our game came from Heller. He understands that too.

Today’s Kindness Reminder:
Play with your children. Make them laugh. Show them your heart, and let them show you theirs. There is no greater force that can ever pull that away!

A Word from Heller's Mom

2008-12-10T19:01:00.004-05:00

December 22, 2008 is less than two weeks away. It was exactly one year ago when we were preparing for the holiday season in the cookie cutter routine we followed each and every year before. One year ago my calendar read, “Mail Christmas Cards Today!, Jenny’s Christmas Concert, and Heller in Church Play.” Heller would be The King this time. In years gone by, he was a shepherd, and before that, a lamb.

The twinkling array of lighted snowflakes beckoned to our neighbors from our front lawn, “Merry Christmas!” they seemed to shout out. “Yes, we too are festive!”

Our annual Santa photo was positioned in its dedicated frame upon the piano, and our hand-picked tree stood proudly in the corner of the room--thanks to a single late night of tree-trimming assistance from Heller.

A few chosen charities awaited our donations. Last year we selected Water for Life and ECHO--two organizations that we felt would best turn our meager gifts into small contributions that would ultimately help to change the world. I will admit; we put forth very little effort in our decision. These charities were easily selected because they were the two that Heller chose through his youth program at church and through the Honor Guard at school.

Yes, we were well on our way toward a holly-jolly, conventional Christmas when December 22nd callously appeared out of nowhere and knocked us off of our path, thus changing the course of our lives, and the future of our Christmases forever.

Here, as I post this message, I have the option to share with you a story of sorrow and remembrance, a story you already realize, or at the very least can imagine, in your own minds. Yes, our hearts are damaged. Yes, sometimes we do not know how to go on. We could very easily come face-to-face with December 22nd this year harboring anger, fear, and trepidation, but Heller wouldn’t have it that way.

So, this post, this site, and this year (as well as the years that follow from here until we may join Heller in eternity) are not intended to deliver melancholy. Our purpose, Because of Heller, is to deliver joy!

If you are reading this, you probably think you already know just how Heller’s family and friends plan to face December 22nd this year. You may have received a reminder card, observed a flyer, or accepted one of Heller’s kindness cards. Each of these state, “Because of Heller, we plan to Spread Random Acts of Kindness on December 22nd.”

The truth is, however, “random acts of kindness” implies chance, arbitrary, haphazard, or accidental acts. Heller’s family, friends, and those new friends who are choosing to join us, know that our plans to deliver acts of kindness on December 22nd are quite intentional. Our acts are not random in any way. They are purposeful, premeditated, deliberate, and planned. Our abilities to perform these acts are a gift from God, given to us because He knew our path would be a difficult one. He knew that “those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” J.M. Barrie

We know that Heller is celebrating his first anniversary with Jesus this year, and with that faith and knowledge we are comforted. This year, December 22nd will not go unnoticed, and with each act this season, we will thank God for our blessings. Our routine will be different this year, but it will never again be routine. This year, and every year that follows, we will put our faith into purposeful action as we commit our deliberate acts of kindness in memory of Heller and in honor of our Lord! We are so glad you are here to join us!

In His Love,
Hayley Ritz

Kindness Grows and Grows by Heller's Mapa

2008-12-04T23:39:00.006-05:00

Joyce with her grandson and mine, Heller.

It is only the beginning of December, but I am already excited about watching the spirit of Heller continue to grow and shine through those of us who will honor his memory with acts of kindness on December 22. Today, I made a contribution to St. Jude's Research Hospital for Children in memory of my sister, who just lost a long, seven-year battle with cancer. I realized as I was doing this, that her spirit would continue to live in the lives of those who will receive the benefit of this donation.

I also realized how much Heller's spirit would live in the acts of kindness others perform in his memory on December 22nd and throughout the year. I wonder...who commited the act of kindness in the donation to St Jude's? Was it me, my sister, or Heller? Or is it the person who set up the Foundation, the doctors and nurses, or the children who will carry the spirit of my loves who have passed? It's so amazing how one kindness leads to another, and life and death suddenly make sense.

Random Act of Kindness Idea - Do Something Nice for Others who Cannot Do for Themselves

2008-11-30T00:01:00.007-05:00

Heller read to his baby brother every day. He performed this act of kindness for his Mommy (so she could get some of her work done) and for his little brother, who loved to listen and imitate his big brother.

Random Act of Kindness Idea - Plant a Tree

2008-11-28T07:04:00.003-05:00

The children in Heller's third grade class at Alafia Elementary School, along with their teacher, Ms. Herlihy, planted this beautiful tree in memory of Heller. They worked together to plant wonderful flowers around the tree as well. Several children read their memories of Heller to us as they presented the tree. They also hung a weather thermometer from the tree, because the children knew how much Heller loved to report the weather. He wanted to be a meteorologist one day. What thoughtful friends Heller had! Thank you.

Random Act of Kindness Idea - Do Something Unexpected for Your Mom and Dad

2008-11-26T23:14:00.001-05:00

Random Act of Kindness Idea - Be Good to Your Little Brother

2008-11-26T22:48:00.006-05:00

Heller loved to sing to his baby brother. Here is a clip of Heller's first song on the day that Nicholas was born.

Heller loved to play with his big sister, Jenny. Here, Jenny swings with him at the playground.

We Will Remember the Kindness...Always

2008-11-18T18:09:00.004-05:00

On kindness, Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The acts of kindness from our family, friends, and community have held us up during the very difficult last year without our sunshine. We are forever very grateful for the love and support we have received. We will never forget how so many of you made us feel.