In this 2019 photo, second grade students, from left, Guliani Perez, Hunter Moore, Asher York and Mia McCrellis pose at McClelland Elementary School in Rochester, New Hampshire. The school has formally adopted a nationwide kindness initiative with creating murals through the school to emphasize the responsibility for everyone to perform acts of kindness for the people around them. Credit: Deb Cram / Foster's Daily Democrat via AP

Several years ago, I had some serious medical issues. I was in and out of the hospital, saw numerous doctors, and underwent test after test. Finally, I had surgery and recovered.

When I was in the hospital, if a doctor or nurse looked me straight in the eye, patted me on the shoulder, and gave me an encouraging word, it made my day.

After my surgery, I decided that I would go out of my way to be kind to everyone — friends, neighbors, even strangers. My wife asks me why I’m always talking to strangers.

Mother Teresa said: “If you want to help yourself, help someone else.” Good advice. And, it works. What the heck. Give it a try, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

John Cross 
Tenants Harbor

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