An Unexpected Morning: The Power of Kindness and Community

When I got up today, I had a lot on my mind. I was eager to catch up on tasks I hadn’t completed, so much so that I left the house at 6:45 a.m., excited to start the day. Little did I know, my morning would unfold in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

As I drove down Rockport and Rogers in the early morning darkness, it was so pitch-black I could barely see in front of me. Suddenly, the car ahead of me stopped, and a woman jumped out, sobbing, “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!” I noticed a man pacing up and down nearby, yelling in distress. After a few moments, I carefully went around their car and saw why they were so upset—a dog was lying motionless in the road. No life, no movement. It was heartbreaking.

I quickly pulled over, called 911, and described the situation. Meanwhile, the woman, who I later learned was not the dog’s owner, gently moved the dog to the grassy side of the road. The man, devastated, had been living in the park, and his dog, Jade, had chased a deer before being struck. The woman, who was training to be a therapist and had her own recovery story, showed immense compassion for the dog and its owner, comforting him in those final moments.

In that moment, we all formed a little community. The woman’s kindness, despite her own struggles, was incredible. It reminded me that kindness and compassion are powerful forces that can bring people together when least expected. We all have the power to lead with kindness.