Kindlandia: Kind actions of a loving “superhero” 4-year-old

Dearest Edythe,
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This week the CBS evening news featured a segment about an amazing little 4-year-old boy, Austin Perine from Montgomery, Alabama.

One night, Austin watched in dismay as a mother panda abandoned her baby on the TV show, Animal Planet. He asked his dad what would happen to the baby panda. The dad said, “The baby panda would be homeless for a while.” Austin was deeply troubled about this. Then he asked, “Are some people homeless, too?” The affirmative reply disturbed Austin to the point that he wanted to meet a homeless person. After the dad took Austin to a homeless shelter he decided the best way he could help would be to use his weekly allowance to feed homeless people. Each time he offered a sandwich and drink, he took time to talk and offer encouragement for them to pass it on by remembering to “Show Love.”

Edythe, I remember the many times we spoke about people panhandling on the streets of Seattle. I shared how the local clergy handed out cards listing the locations available for meals, shelters, social services. The hope was people would take steps for permanent change, not just a fleeting handout. Edythe, you always commented how often the homeless seemed invisible. Rarely did anyone seem “to see” the homeless person and give a courteous nod of acknowledgement. Normally pedestrians averted their eyes and hurried past.

I think that is why this story about Austin touched me so much. Yes, he worried about hunger, but he also saw the homeless as human beings who deserved to be treated with dignity and love. And encouraged them to “Show Love” to others. To pay it forward. Austin and his dad started #ShowLove and often wear it on their t-shirts when passing out the meals. I was thinking of public kindness when I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago about the BE KIND fence in my town—Be Kind, like Austin Perine.
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Edythe, I knew this story would touch you deeply, as it did me. I wish I could hear what other insights you would share. I also celebrate that your kind generous heart is alive and well in the actions of Austin, a loving “superhero” little 4-year-old boy!