When I think about some of the most “famous” people in my life, I am often reminded of total strangers—people I may never see again but whose small acts of kindness have left an indelible mark upon my heart. They appeared almost as God’s agents during those imperfect moments, providing me with just what I needed at that precise time.

• Waiting Bus Driver: I once was running late towards a bus and saw it start, frantically waving. The driver paused, smiled, and said, “Take your time.” Such a small gesture saved my day and proved that not all acts of kindness must be significant enough to count.
• The Stranger in the Rain: One evening, amid a storm, I struggled with groceries and an umbrella flipping inside out. A stranger stopped, shared their sturdy umbrella, and helped me to my car. I didn’t catch their name, but that act of benevolence has stayed with me.
• The Nurse Who Sat with Me: I went to the hospital because of a loved one and felt super anxious. Then a nurse, who wasn’t even assigned to us, came over, sat down for just a second, and said, “You’re doing so great. Take a deep breath.” That was precisely what I needed to hear.
  The Man Who Paid the Parking Ticket: Many times, when I feel super panicked and frustrated, such as when I didn’t have enough cash for a parking meter, a man appeared out of nowhere and said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it.” Then, he just smiled, waved, and disappeared before I could even say thank you properly.
  • The Smiling Stranger: On days when I’ve felt stressed or sad, sometimes all it took to lift my spirits was a stranger passing by with a flooding smile. A smile’s so pure, especially when it’s as radiant and innocent as an infant’s. It feels like a message from the universe, reminding me that joy still exists.

For each of these strangers, my mind wishes for an after-meeting time just to thank them and let them know how much their small gestures meant to me. But perhaps the very character of their fleeting presence is what makes such kindness extraordinary, like gifts sent by the universe to brighten a dark moment.

These strangers will never know how much their actions meant, but I remember them as divine messengers, reminding me that even in the worst of times, kindness exists in the world.

Perhaps these moments were never coincidences. Maybe they were tiny miracles-proof that we are never completely alone, even when life feels heavy.