One thing I have found out, is that making a difference in someone's life is as easy as just listening to them,giving a hug,or even making way for them at the supermarket.

Someone recently made a difference in my life, they made me homemade pumpkin soup,popped it in three containers so have some in the freezer,just made my day, lifted my spirits,and made me feel very grateful for the kindness shown me.

Anyone else have a lovely story to share.

Pumpkin soup must be the `magic' soup, Booklover.

My sister makes a delicious pumpkin soup and she always makes heaps of it, freezes it in little tubs and shares it around to folk that she knows no longer bothers to cook for themselves.

She also takes some home made bread around too. They always return the containers (so my sister takes that as a hint that they'd appreciate some more!).

Me, I bake biscuits and cakes. Again, because a lot of people don't do home baking anymore. Taking some home-made cakes or biscuits around to someone is always a prompt for them to put the kettle on; and there's nothing nicer than a good chin-wag with someone who doesn't get out much anymore.

And I think it's lovely that someone, like yourself, appreciates the kindess shown to them by that friend. The biggest compliment you can give someone like that is to tell them how lovely their cooking was! It's heartening to know that there are still some caring people about, isn't it?

it certainly is, and I loved the soup, and just by saying that it seemed to make my friends day. Makes me think of that film "passing it on"dont think it was called that, but you know someone does a kindness to you, you in turn do one for someone else.

I love homebaking, do not do much now, the occassional scone,but not biscuits etc, with just two of us it doesnt seem worthwhile, mind u cannot beat it really, and I remember the days when the house smelt so lovly from home baking and soup on the boil.

"I love homebaking, do not do much now, the occassional scone,but not biscuits etc, with just two of us it doesnt seem worthwhile"

You should do what I do...freeze half the dough mixture (ready for baking next time) or bake the lot and put the cooked biscuits down in small quantities so I can pull a few out at a time.

Having some baked biscuits in the freezer is good for when you have to pop around to someone's place because you can grab some out of the freezer and the biscuits thaw out by the time you get there.

"Making a Difference".....I would pay tribute to my youngest daughter here. When my Hubby (her Dad) died in 2004, my wonderful daughter kept me alive. She was single Mum at the time...yet she was always there for me...even coming to my place in the wee hours when I just couldnt cope with life. She sat with me, talked with me, had patience with me when I was frustrated etc. Even now she is a wonderful woman who is always "making a difference" in many people's lives even tho her own life is not the easiest.
Also tribute to my eldest Son & his wife who, at the same time, phoned me very often and travelled down from Auckland each month to be with me, comfort me and showed tremendous love & support.
Yes, there are people who "make a difference" in our lives.
I have since remarried.....and another story to tell....another time!!!!

Thanks for sharing that, Beannie13.

Your children are a fitting tribute to you and your husband.

It is wonderful to read how your children cared so much about you that they put their own tribulations aside to show their love. You truly are blessed.

Beautiful stories ladies. I look forward to your follow up story Beannie.

it is lovely sharing some great stories of kindness done, family rallying around, just loveing kindness.

Will do that Joybel never thought about freezing the dough before, will try it out,good getting ideas of you ladies, and men, better not leave them out.

Booklover, I read a piece in the NZ Herald today that said a poll showed that people who performed acts of kindness (without being asked) were "resented" by others because they `raised the bar' for others.

Well, I hope that won't deter all the "angels" out there. Kindness is so important. It can save lives.

Agree with you totally, Kari. How sad that people have such low esteem that they would prefer others to stop doing something nice just to make themselves feel better.