Creating Memorable Moments

Lola Adeosun
Dec 17, 2024
3 min read

Have you ever had a moment where a small act of kindness turned into something unforgettable? Sometimes, it's the tiniest gestures that leave the deepest impressions—on others and on ourselves. Let me take you on a journey that reminded me of the power of creating meaningful moments, especially when we least expect them.

The Wrong Door, a Voice, and an Unexpected Encounter

It started on an ordinary day with an ordinary task. My daughter and I had driven to our local store to grab some ready-made meals—beef lasagne, to be exact. As I approached the entrance, the doors wouldn’t open. A little puzzled, I stood there until a voice nearby chimed in:

“You’re at the wrong door.”

I turned and spotted a man sitting near the entrance—clearly not part of the store's welcoming committee but helpful.

Smiling sheepishly, I admitted, “I missed the entrance because I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

We laughed together for a moment, and just as I started walking toward the correct entrance, the man called out:

“Could you spare some change, please?”

A Pound Coin and a Moment of Choice

In that fleeting moment, my mind calculated quickly. I had only a single pound coin in my purse—the one I usually save for the trolleys. A pound didn’t seem like much, considering today’s prices.

But instead of handing over the coin, I asked him:

“Would you like to come into the store and choose what you want?”

He shook his head politely. “I can’t leave my spot… I’m keeping an eye out for my mate.”

“Alright then,” I said, “what would you like me to get for you?”

Without hesitation, he answered, “Sausages and mash.”

“How about some beef lasagne as well?” I added with a grin.

“Sure, why not?” he replied, a bit surprised.

I promised him I’d be back in a few minutes and hurried off into the store. From his tone, I’m not sure he fully believed me.

A Look of Pure Gratitude

To his likely surprise, I wasn’t gone long. I picked up everything he’d requested—the sausages and mash, plus the lasagne—and made my way back to the entrance. There he was, sitting in the same spot, probably expecting to wait much longer.

The moment I handed over the meals and the receipt—in case he wanted to swap them later—his expression said it all. His eyes lit up with genuine gratitude, his face a mixture of surprise and joy.

“Merry Christmas!” we both said as I walked away. And in that moment, I realized something important: kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like.

Reflection: What Christmas (and Life) Is Really About

When I got back to the car, my daughter shook her head and laughed:

“I can’t leave you for five minutes!”

And while we laughed together, I couldn’t help but reflect on the entire encounter.

Kindness doesn’t need to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, it’s simply noticing someone, asking what they need, and taking a little time out of your day. Creating memorable moments isn’t just about what we experience ourselves; it’s about the impact we leave on others, too.

How You Can Create Meaningful Memories Today

If this story reminds you of a moment when kindness made a difference—whether as a giver or a receiver—I’d love to hear it. Share your story in the comments or take a moment today to create your own meaningful memory. It could be as simple as:

Offering a smile or kind word to a stranger
Paying for someone’s coffee
Checking in on a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while

Remember, it’s the small things that often mean the most.