Contest Results - “Being compassionate is healthy for your heart!”

In celebration of Heart Health Month (February), Mary's Center's Health Promotion Department held a staff-wide contest entitled “Being compassionate is healthy for your heart!” Staff were encouraged to submit stories of a time when they or someone they know exercised compassion during a trying situation.

Here's the winning story, submitted by Andrea Arias:

"I have a friend Kip, who was having such a bad day. He had to get an emergency repair for his car, he got a ticket, he was just going through a really tough time. He decided to come down to Silver Spring, Maryland and spend some time with us. We decided to sit for a while on some steps in downtown silver spring and a 10 yr. old boy walked over to us. He kept eyeing our boards and just paced back and forth. Kip asked him if he knew how to skateboard. The boy answered “yes, but my board broke in ½ and my parents won’t buy me a new one.” Kip replied “well I have been having such a bad day, it can’t get any worse so my plan is to make it your best day.” The kid just stared at him. Kip looked at us and looked back at him and told him “wait here, I’ll be right back.” Kip went to his car pulled out a fresh, never used skateboard that cost him $150. He walked back to us and handed this kid the board and said “it’s yours.” The look on the kids face was priceless, he replied “really?” Kip said “yes, as long as your parents are okay with it.” The kid ran over to his parents and they waved back at us thanking us. The kid jumped on his brand new board and threw out a couple tricks for us to see. Kip just stared at him with a smile, the world just got a little better." 

The Health Promotion Department adds: "We also hope that before going to bed every day, you can continue to count your blessings, feel appreciation for one more person, and firmly say that you have created more love and compassion in your world…one more day."