Celebrating World Kindness Day
Each year, on November 13, World Kindness Day nudges us to be grateful and recognize and celebrate the everyday acts of kindness that bring warmth and connection to our lives. While kindness can come from anyone, there is something especially powerful in the gestures of kindness we receive from our family—those who know us best and share so much of our life journey. In the spirit of this day, I find myself reflecting on the unique kindness that siblings bring to our lives. A sister’s or brother’s kindness is unlike any other, woven from shared memories, laughter, and a shared history that enriches our connection over time.
**My Sister’s Gift of Art and Heart**
Recently, I received a beautiful reminder of this sibling kindness from my sister Suzi. She’s raising chickens, and as a gift, she painted me a birthday card with five of her charming chickens. Each brushstroke seemed to carry her love and creative spirit. The card wasn’t just a piece of art—it was a tangible reminder of her thoughtfulness and care. Small, heartfelt gestures like these remind us of the love that exists within our family bonds, creating keepsakes we treasure long after we receive them. This card now hangs on my bulletin board, in a place of honor, reminding me of Suzi’s thoughtfulness and the enduring connection we share.
Kind gestures like Suzi’s hold an extra layer of meaning because they come from a place of knowing. Siblings, having grown up alongside us, understand our quirks and preferences, our struggles and joys. When a sister sends a note, makes a call, or even paints a card, there’s a depth of understanding behind it that makes these gestures feel truly special.
My two brothers are just as giving. Flowers for my birthday, calls from across the globe. Special treats when we meet up. I am so very blessed.
**The Unique Bond of Siblings Across the Miles**
Sibling connections are unique, often filled with ups, downs, and countless shared moments. In recent years, my family, spread across the globe, has been able to reconnect in ways we never would have anticipated. When the Covid pandemic arrived, we all found ourselves needing connection more than ever before. Separated by continents and time zones, we discovered Zoom, a tool that none of us had tried before. In that time of isolation, video calls became a vital lifeline. They allowed us to share updates, tell stories, and simply enjoy each other’s presence despite the miles.
We found that these gatherings fostered a renewed closeness, with kindness shown in small but meaningful ways—whether it was a quick “hello,” a shared laugh, or even a virtual birthday cake together. Each call felt like a reminder that we are there for each other, even when we can’t be physically close. Moments like these are a testament to the power of kindness in maintaining family bonds across any distance. Similarly we created a WhatsApp chat group where we share our separate lives nearly every day.
Whether it’s a phone call on a hard day, a supportive message, or a thoughtful birthday card with a painted chicken, siblings bring a steady stream of kindness into our lives. These gestures, often simple yet sincere, anchor us and remind us of the love that has shaped who we are. Who else can you call up and say “I need a hug” and get one – no questions asked.
**How Sibling Kindness Inspires Us to Be Kind Beyond Family**
The kindness we receive from our siblings extends beyond our family, encouraging us to bring that same kindness into the world. A sister or brother can teach us about patience, empathy, loyalty, and resilience. (Especially patience!) Their thoughtful gestures prompt us to find our own ways to bring kindness to others—whether we’re checking in on a friend, helping a neighbor, or spreading kindness in small, unexpected ways throughout our community. These lessons in kindness become the threads that connect us all.
**Thankful for the Gift of Sibling Kindness**
This World Kindness Day, I invite us all to celebrate the kindness of siblings—their love, humor, and gestures of thoughtfulness that deepen our lives. To my sister, Suzi, and to siblings everywhere, thank you for being a light in my life and a constant source of kindness. You remind us that kindness, whether given or received, is the gift that keeps on giving. In celebrating sibling kindness, we honor the bonds that bring out the best in each of us and remind us to carry that kindness into the world.