Recently on a morning radio talk show here on Maui, the morning crew were discussing panhandlers outside of Wal-Mart. These panhandlers look very sad, yet many say they have nice cars and use the money for alcohol and cigarettes. Many people were calling into the radio station stating “That’s why I don’t give anything to anyone.” and “I work for my money, I keep my money.”

While I understand those thoughts, it was one caller that I truly admired. She phoned in and said that it doesn’t matter what that person does with the money. The money was given with kindness. That really struck a chord with me.

Last night while walking on Front Street in Lahaina after a photo session, there was a homeless man playing the harp by the Banyan Tree. I didn’t have any change. But we stopped for a moment, said hello, listened, shared a smile and that man smiled back at me and my kids and told us to have a wonderful night. I hope that things like that stick with them. Everyone deserves kindness. My husband shared this video with me last night and told me he’s proud of the work I do to help others – people and animals. And that really made my night.