About six or seven years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The disease has progressed to the point where it is difficult for me to put groceries in my car or open doors.

It is not the purpose of this letter to talk about MS, but rather to express by gratitude for the kindness I have been shown. More times than I can count, perfect strangers have asked me if they can help. Not once has anyone asked for anything in return.

Their motivation has seemed to be showing kindness to a stranger for no other reason than to show kinds to a stranger. The kindness I have been shown has been an inspiration to me.

It has shown me that there is within people a source of goodwill and a willingness to help simply because when there is a need to be met the thing to do is to meet the need. People smile when they stop. They seem to get a lot of satisfaction from showing kindness simply for the sake of showing kindness.

I am more grateful than words can tell. I would thank each of these people by name, only I don’t know their names. They are simply strangers showing kindness to a stranger.

To all these people, I want you to know how grateful I am for your kindness and what an inspiration you are to me.

Stephen Ekholm, Bainbridge Island