Yesterday, I awoke to the smiling face of my late grandmother; my mother had posted a photograph of her on social media honoring the anniversary of her seventh-year passing. A true spirit of Southern hospitality and kindness, my grandmother (I called her Mama) taught me at a young age the importance of genuinely caring for others by introducing me to a song. “Less Of Me,” recorded in the late 60s by Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry, encouraged us to “think more of our neighbors and a little less of me.”
And, so it was no surprise to me that everywhere I turned yesterday, the song’s gentle anthem greeted me in a multitude of ways:
It started shortly after 7 a.m. when an older Hispanic lady said, “Good morning, sir! How may I help you today?” at McDonald’s ( I was craving their breakfast burritos). As I stood near the counter waiting for my food, she added, ” Sir, go ahead and have a seat; I’ll be happy to bring the order to your table.”
On to the next stop: auto maintenance at the nearby dealership. The service agent, a Filipino, first shook my hand and asked if I’d like a glass of water or a cup of coffee – before we even talked about my vehicle. As we reviewed my car upkeep list, he generously offered two discounts on-the-spot!
Naturally, I had time to kill while waiting for my car being serviced, so I ventured over to the mall. There, in the housewares department of Macy’s of all places, I saw a sales clerk, whose appearance and vocal accent implied she was a native of India, assisting an elderly, disabled woman with her shopping list. Patiently, she helped the senior citizen and her mobile walker to the various displays and retrieved merchandise that the customer was unable to reach. As she paid for her purchase, I overhead the older lady say, “You were so kind to me. Thank you.” The employee repeated to same type of graciousness when it came my turn (and, I wasn’t even buying anything!).
Approaching lunchtime, my good friend, a native of Iran, arranged for us to meet at a local place that served amazing Mediterranean food. As we noshed on moussaka and gyros, the Greek family who owned the taverna stopped by our table for not only waiter duties, but to simply say, “Thank you for coming in today; our family is happy you are here with us.” There was a bonus: my buddy, who I believe to be a brother from a previous life, treated me to lunch!
By early evening, I’d driven into Los Angeles, where traffic was surprisingly moving along without any snarls! Another friend, a Canadian native who’d just received his U.S. citizenship, joined me at the infamous Hollywood Bowl to watch the film, “Jaws,” complete with the classic film score performed by a live orchestra. Once in our seats, we were immediately surrounded by other attendees enjoying the summer night at the legendary amphitheater. To our left was an Asian family with two toddlers, whose thrilled young faces looked as if they were about to meet Santa! A couple, originally from Boston, sat on the other side of us. When it was discovered that my friend and I were actually in the wrong row (I didn’t have my glasses and mistook Row 19 for Row 14 on the tickets), our seat mates said, “There’s no need for you two move; we’ll make it work!” As fate would have it, the former New Englanders had two vacant seats that weren’t being used and offered them to us!
I share the different backgrounds of these people not to place labels, but, instead, to illustrate how human kindness comes from diverse walks of life.
Driving back to my residence in Montecito around midnight, I felt as though the entire day had been a tribute to my grandmother’s sweet nature. Mama was right: “Less Of Me,” has a universal voice.
Love and light,
Tony
Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell’s “Less Of Me” reminds us to be kind.
There needs to be more kindness in this world. I’ve gotten in the place where the world is over whelming at times and the simple acts of kindness by a stranger makes all the difference in the world! Thanks for reminding me that most of the world is a good place and that doing the right thing will make others feel that way too!
Yes, I agree with you: most of the world is a good place….with good people doing good things. 🙂
Beautiful. Kindness is everywhere when we take time to notice it. Your grandmother was a special soul, as was mine. And finally, we have this album in our collection, but I had forgotten about that song. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much!! I bet your grandmother offered you many kind pearls of wisdom too. By the way, The entire album is wonderful.
Great post Tony. That is the second post I have read today with a similar theme. I think I shared the other one today. It was by Andy Andrews.
Zig Ziglar always says you get what you look for and that holds true more often than not.
This reminds me of another Glen Campbell song too, called “Try A Little Kindness”, with these words in the chorus.
“And if you try a little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets”
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! I’d forgotten about that other Glen Campbell song! And, Zig Ziglar – a Coffee County native – offered great advice!
Thanks for sharing examples of the genuine kindness of our beautiful human race. But, in fairness, your presence brings out the best in people ❤️
Aww. You’re too sweet! It wasn’t until I was driving home that I replayed all of the different types of people that I’d met during the day. Made me smile!
I don’t know that Glen Campbell song and have to check it out.
…and I’m grateful for you inviting me to the Bowl with you!Fun! 🍁🦈
The Bowl was a blast. Thanks for being a part of such a great day!
Thank you Tony…and gracious Mama…for reminding us to be kind, because we are all in this together. Lovingly, Kim
Kindness is so easy to multiply – if we allow it to happen. Love to you!
Mr. Tony….I love it! I remember this song so well. The kids will be fine if we let them be
Thank you! Isn’t that a great song?
Love this post!!! Mama was a big influence on you as my grandmother was to me.
Our grandmothers are extra special!!
My great-grandmother reminds me of your grandmother. It seems like something she would say.
I don’t get out too much these days, but my ever-so kind oncologist is a native of Lebanon. The young man who takes my bloodwork is from Mississippi, and the PA is from Chicago. They’re all wonderful.
Thanks, Tony, to you and your grandmother for the gentle reminder.
I love hearing about all of your special connections! Wonderful!