The kindness of strangers

“The kindness of strangers” is a phrase from a Tennessee Williams’ play. The sentiment behind it is something that we have very definitely lost in today’s world. We have good reasons today to be afraid of stranger kindness and yet, it strengthens the bonds of humanity when it is given or received. I wanted to share a few choice experiences I’ve had on the receiving end.


A few years ago, Brent and I spent about 8 months trucking all over the U.S. and Canada. At one point, the truck needed a couple of days at the truck doctor’s. Since it was our home and we couldn’t be in it while it was being worked on, we had a problem!

We were in a very small town and unsure of where to find lodging, I asked an older woman working at the small grocery store if she knew where we could stay for the night. Almost instantly, she replied, “How about at my place?” I thanked her, told her we had a dog and lots of laundry so she might want to reconsider. No problem, dog and laundry were both welcome.

I echoed her offer to my husband who had just come in. Speaking very quietly I said, “She doesn’t LOOK like an ax murderer, what do you think?” We accepted. She gave us the key and directions to her house. By the time she and her husband got home from work we had showered, done our clothes and gave the dog a bath in the laundry room. We were fed a wonderful meal and had a delightful evening. We talked with each other as if we were old friends. She too had been afraid to make the offer but she had thought “They don’t LOOK like ax murderers!”

Another time, we were in an area of the country that had next to no truck stops or truck parking. Having finally found a spot, we dared not leave it. We were there, in the cab, for 4 days. Three of those days brought heavy rain. We needed supplies. We needed to get OUT of the truck. On the third day, my husband asked the cook inside for directions to the nearest Wal-Mart. We not only got directions but also the keys to his car!!

When Brent returned to the truck to tell me, my first question was, “What kind of car is it? Is he going to report it stolen or what?” Shame on me. We did our shopping which now included a thank you card and donuts which we left in the car.

Both of these people took a risk as did we. Neither of these people truly understood the extent of their service to us. They felt like their offerings were small but to us they were huge! It also made us long for a simpler time when the “kindness of strangers” was the norm not the exception.

That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?