Random Acts of Kindness in a Time of Tragedy

On October 16th, 2009 a very dear friend of mine was killed by a drunk driver. I’ve lost family members before, and although Brook was a friend, I considered him family.  Losing a loved one is never easy to take, especially when we all know that drinking and driving can be avoided.  Call a cab, call a friend, sleep it off, etc.

Me and Brook at the finish line - Carlsbad 1/2 Jan. 25, 2009

I’ve heard about MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) for years, but it wasn’t until now, that I understand the importance of the message they are trying to spread. MADD is not against drinking, they are against drunk driving and under age drinking. I decided to participate in the “Walk Like MADD” campaign coming up on May 8th in Huntington Beach in honor of Brook.

If you’re not familiar with how this works, you create a team, and then get your friends, family members and the community to contribute towards your goal (you determine what that goal is). I created Team Trout and set a team goal of $2,500.00 and then started to ask as many people as I could to get involved and help me in my quest to honor Brook by joining my team or making a donation to support us.

Random acts of kindness come from the unlikeliest places. 

My 15 year old nephew, Daniel, came over to my house this week with two of my nieces.  We had gone to take the lockbox off of Brook’s home which had just closed escrow.  Daniel remembered having been there and asked if this was the place where they had come to watch fireworks a few years ago.  He remembered Brook and I said “yes it was”.  It got quiet and we moved on.

Later, I mentioned to kids how I had a received an email about Team Trout and that I was not far from reaching my goal! It was quite exciting. 

As we were heading out for dinner, Daniel came to me and said “Here Auntie”.  I looked and saw a bill.  I asked what this was for.  He said “I want to contribute to Team Trout.  I want to help you reach your goal.” I was overwhelmed with emotion and on the verge of tears.  He asked why I was so choked up, and of course, I couldn’t explain it.

The next day I called my sister to tell her how generous and loving her son is.  She let me know that the minute he got home, he had asked her if she had contributed as well.

I am extremely thankful and grateful for all of the donations made in Brook’s honor, but this one from Daniel touched my heart the most. 

Click here if you would like to contribute or even sign up to participate.

Many people have had their lives impacted by some tragedy. You’re welcome to share your story here.