A Moment In Time

If you were to be granted one word to describe an act of kindness,

which word would be left standing?

In my years, I have grown to understand and admire an unspoken truth that resides in all whom receive, as well as gift something so universally free- yet fulfilling as a small smile, sincere eyes or a few virtuous words of endearment brought on by the actions of a loved one or a common stranger. Such sudden happenings- though highly favored- often remain unspoken, but all knowing. When one experiences true kindness, it is as though a whole new world is unveiled before a pair of eyes once clouded by life’s mundane experiences and unquenchable earthly pleasures. No longer do the days melt together in an unending flat tone that never seems to reach crescendo- for, the conditioned routines embedded into a lukewarm mind and dormant heart are shaken out of order and forced upon uncommon grounds, brimming with unconditional love and restored faith in human decency. Such gracious behavior imprints an everlasting mark upon the perceptions of both receivers and donors alike. What begins as an innocently pursued exchange between two walking stories is irrevocably transfigured into a moment tucked closely within the deepest crevices of a critical mind. Such happenings only to be brought to light when faced with the trials and tribulations weaved intricately within life’s ever changing path. Though I stand strong with the value of keeping such encounters beneath my left sleeve, this past whirlwind of a year has taught me the true importance of embracing, encouraging and revealing the fruitful seeds of kindness that exist quietly, yet ever so present in the timid corners of a tender heart. As we glide into the new year with a reborn sense of purpose, let us shake out our wings and tend to the feathers that carried us safely through the storms of 2020 and into a new chapter with crisp pages- swaying with potential and pulsing with promise for a better life. In contribution to this celebration of life and prosperity, I will reveal to you- my dear reader- that even in the darkest of hours, the seed of kindness blossoms steadfast with the faintest of lights. My name is Kazia and this is the story of how one act of kindness catalyzed a divine blossoming of faith, love and the bountiful discovery of humankind's most underated actions. Open your minds and unguard your hearts- but most importantly, enjoy and feel the love.

Family: an easy-going word to describe a bond so utterly complex. The entangled ties of souls that seemingly hold neither end, nor beginning. Whether you be a vagrant on the run or an aloof traveler sailing the dead seas in search for life in a place you have never belonged, we all possess or yearn to obtain an origin we can root ourselves in; like a bread trail or an anchor we can fall back on in times of uncertainty and hardship. In my short years gracing this wondrously confusing planet, I have learnt and grown to appreciate that family is not categorized nor defined by whom shares the life flowing through my veins, but rather by whom compels such life to continue flowing. Genetic ties are of little matter if I cannot take pride in standing alongside the predetermined traits and characteristics of my ancestry. I dedicate this story to a man who has taught me that family is not only thicker than the richest of bloods, but softer than the purest of waters, my Father.

My story, a story I can hardly claim as mine alone, begins in the most precious stages of a human life, infancy. Though I cannot say I hold many memories within the womb, my Mother made it her life’s work to ensure I carried a deepened sense of warmth and comfort- wrapping me mindfully in her internal blankets of security up until my first breath. I continue to hold and cherish this fuzzy feeling that warms my belly and tickles my toes as I slowly but surely sweep them into the unnerving waters of adulthood. Roughly five months into the interconnected journey of Mother and Daughter, my small being was wholly oblivious to the impending discovery that I was destined to lack what ever little girl deserves; a paternal figure with rooted lineage. I can only imagine the internal conflict my Mother battled in such unprecedented times. This revelation of such raw courage only led me to praise and love her more in later years. There is not a woman to grace this planet that I admire more than my Mother- a Goddess who sacrificed nineteen years of her precious life raising a daughter who has, and continues to test, push and surpass the boundaries set before her on a path to self-remembrance. In retrospect, I now understand why my Father- with an eye for organically timeless beauty- was quick to notice such luminous attributes and was even quicker to sweep my Mother of her delicate feet. Surely, I say to you, since this moment I cannot say I have seen my father so quick on his own! Me? Well, I think its safe to say I came along for the ride.

The following moths leading up to my birth were indeed the happiest of many to come and pass. Before my small body could understand that it was to go without strong, calloused hands to hold me above the clouds, my Father was awaiting my entrance at the starting line to hold me above the world. Before my eyes could witness a vast world of open space, my Father was there to fill it. Before my cheeks were victimized by the brisk chill of the hospital room, my Father was there to warm them with kisses. Before my lungs could find their will to cry out, my Father was there to silence them with his own. Before my small mind knew what it meant to go with out, my Father was there with open palms to grant me it all. Before my heart could even begin to comprehend the meaning of Love, my Fathers actions were there to confirm and seal its very essence. Before I could speak, before I could make my presence known beyond the walls of my mothers swelling belly- before I could even understand what it meant to lack, a man I proudly call my Father welcomed me into the world with open arms and an aching heart. My Father set all plans, values, morals and beliefs he was taught to hold above all else aside and instead chose to hold me. Before I knew my Father, my father knew me. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Now, the question still stands- with which word? This is entirely up to you my dear reader. My answer serves for only a minuscule fraction of what kindness means. Yet this small fraction determined the overall well being of the life I am privileged and proud to call my own. Whether you be a vagrant growing tired of running from your truth or an aloof traveler who continues to sail the dead seas in search for a reason, from the very second we take our first breath, our eyes are baring witness to a wondrously confusing world that exists to open our minds and strip our hearts bare to the undeniable kindness that fills our wary lungs with air. What word do I hold above kindness? Sacrifice. For, a heart unwilling to sacrifice is a heart incapable of expressing a kindness so pure. A kindness I am proud to call my Father. This is the story of how one act of kindness gifted me not only a fighting chance in life, but a boundless first-hand experience on what it means to love and be loved unconditionally. The priceless blessings bestowed upon me and my family were all made possible by my Fathers actions. This is the story of a moment in time.

If you are to gain any insight from my personal revelation, I hope this story can teach you that even the seemingly smallest of actions- ones you may think to be of little value in the long run- do indeed have an everlasting and evergrowing impact on those you choose to bless. No matter your status, orientation, pigment or situation, we are all capable and deserving to love and be loved. I will mend the ties of all these words with a quote from my Father dearest and a message long over do. I recall asking my father once what he believes his purpose to be in this lifetime and whether it has been fulfilled. His answer was both as thoughtful and enlightening as he.

“I am still alive, so I have yet to fulfill every purpose and task. You can never know if what you do with your last breath will be the reason you took your first”

Well, my dear Father, though you have yet to find all you set out to conquer in this lifetime, know this; your first breath granted me a promise you have now fulfilled and your last will surely set this in stone. With all that lies ahead of you, remember that little girl in her Mothers womb you chose to call your own. This little girl found purpose in you.