Kindness Rocks Stories

Mark Olexson's Story
Kindness Rocks!
(Transcript of a speech from the 'Kindness Rocks' concert for young children.)

When I was in school, I used to be picked on by a bigger boy. He bullied me for years. He would call me names and push me around. He even gave me a black eye at my first school dance.

When I finished school, I left all that behind. Through it all, I had the kindness and love of my family to help me. I never thought about the bully again until ten years later. A friend of his gave me this letter. I'd like to share it with you.

Dear Mark,

Over the years I've accomplished many things of which I am very proud. I went to University, got my degree, married a wonderful woman and have an incredible son.

There is just one thing in my life that I am deeply ashamed of and that is the way I victimized and bullied you throughout school. I now realize that my own, personal problems were the reason for my behaviour. That is hardly an excuse for my cruelty. You never deserved to be treated that way.

I hope this letter finds you well and that perhaps you can forgive me. Please accept this as my deepest, most heartfelt apology.

Sincerely, Barry

So you see, long after I had forgotten the mean things Barry did to me, he could never forget. It was love and kindness that got me through the toughest days of my life. I wonder how a little kindness and understanding might have made a difference in the life of a bully?

Jeanette O'Keeffe's Story
Founder/ CEO of Moon Coin Productions
Co-Founder of Kindness Rocks!

I was the fifth of seven children born in an Irish/ French-Canadian family. We lived in a rather unusual home, which stood out from the neighbourhood's otherwise "perfect" homes with manicured lawns and flowerbeds. Our front yard consisted of Dad's corn field, Chinese-style totem poles and two evergreen trees, shaped like palm trees, that led to our pink, white and brown house.

There was always excitement around our house; unfortunately, not all of it was good. My Dad was an alcoholic and Mom, a workaholic. The older siblings took care of the younger ones and often we were left to fend for ourselves. Having four older sisters, I got a lot of "hand-me-downs" and homemade clothes. In grade one, kids took notice of my "nerdy" clothes and our "strange" house and began to harass, bully, even sometimes physically beat me. This continued right up until grade 9, when we moved to a different city. I remember looking at myself in the mirror, trying to figure out what was ugly and wrong with me.

I started singing as early as I can remember. While nobody in my family knew, my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Friesen, noticed I could sing and encouraged me to perform for the class. She was such a kind and caring person. For the first time in my life, I felt empowered and confident. Mrs. Friesen told my Mom of my talent and then eventually my Mom signed me up for singing lessons.

The one thing I always got solace from was the fact that I was a singer. Whenever I felt down, I would escape to my room into my own musical world and dream of becoming a famous singer. The kindness and validation my Kindergarten teacher showed me gave me the inner confidence to cope, hope, and a dream to cling to. I don't think Mrs. Friesen knows how big an impact she made in my life, but I am forever grateful, and will never forget her.

I am now living my dream as a professional Singer and Producer.

Brock Tully's Story
Co-Founder of Kindness Rocks!
World Kindness Concert Producer

I was hobbling on crutches down a busy street near my home in Vancouver when I saw a beautiful woman looking into a store window. I stopped in my tracks and without thinking said, "Hi, it's me!" She said nothing. I repeated, "Hi, it's me!" It quickly became apparent she didn't understand me. Beautiful Wilma was visiting from Austria and spoke very little English.

Over the next few days, Wilma and I became "smitten" with each other. Although she had to fly back to Austria, she planned to return to travel with me around North America. The plan was she would fly to Seattle and I would take the ferry and pick her up by car at the airport. We had no way of communicating with each other so this plan required complete trust.

The big day arrived. I drove to the ferry, filled with uncontrollable excitement. This however turned to frustration and fear as I saw the small ferry approaching and the long line of cars ahead of me. I ran to the front of the line to find out how many cars the ferry could carry. "100", they told me. In a panic, I ran to my car counting the cars as I went - 105! I then rushed from car to car - all 104 - explaining my predicament to each driver. "I have met the woman of my dreams; she is flying from Austria; doesn't speak English and I absolutely have to be on this ferry to pick her up." I pleaded, "Please, please park as close to the car in front of you as you can so that I have a chance of getting on."

As I approached the ferry, I was waved on as the very last car!!! I looked up to the overhead ferry deck and saw everyone cheering and waving as I climbed out of the car. Thanks to the kindness of these people, I made the ferry and met up with Wilma. I am happy to report that I have already enjoyed 16 years with Wilma. What a gift!!!