An Act of Kindness

Many years ago my Mom was enjoying her weekly visit to her favorite restaurant where she had become friends with the owner and staff. The hundred-year-old family owned and operated upscale restaurant, and local landmark, is located in the downtown area of our hometown in Upstate New York. Elegant, but comfortable, it’s close proximity to the state capital is a warm environment frequented by nearby business professionals and politicians alike. Within walking distance to a large concert arena adds to its popularity.

Mom was seated at her regular table reading the newspaper after a late lunch when in walked the famous baritone Robert Goulet, one of Mom’s favorite performers. He and his guests were seated across the room. She suddenly remembered that he was performing in town.

Mom was gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, although she was never given the opportunity to use it professionally. She did sing on stage during holiday performances when she lived in an orphanage. Over the years she would sing around the house or out with friends. I believe if Mom was given the proper resources and support, she could have had a singing career.

Moments after Mr. Goulet was seated, Mom arose. Looking into his legendary blue eyes, she sang, “Some enchanted evening,” the first lyrics to his famous hit song of the same name from the musical, South Pacific. As if rehearsed, Robert Goulet stood, stretched out his hand towards Mom, and continued with the opening lyrics: “You may see a stranger. You may see a stranger, across a crowded room.”

Tears filled Mom’s eyes as patrons and staff burst into applause. She called me that evening and told me about her adventure. It was an experience we never forgot. Years later after Mom passed away, the local newspaper dedicated a substantial sized article to my Mom who had been such a loyal patron at the locally historic restaurant for decades. In the article, one of the restaurant’s staff recounted the day Mom sang with Robert Goulet.

That little act of kindness on the part of Robert Goulet only took a moment, but it had an impact on Mom, me, and all those in the restaurant that day. I’ve heard many stories of celebrities being annoyed when approached by fans in public places. But Mr. Goulet used the gift God had given him to bring joy to an older woman and others around her.

The bible says in Galatians 6:10: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” I have no idea what Robert Goulet’s faith was, but I know that act of kindness was a clear demonstration of what God talks about in Galatians. I pray that as a Christian, I never miss the opportunity to share an act of kindness that will leave a lasting impact.