LETTER: Children at lemonade stand showed the power of kindness

To Ozaukee Press:

I walked into the Feith Family YMCA and there was a cadre of children with a lemonade stand. I complimented their enterprise but did not have cash for them, and asked if they would be around another day. They said no and then huddled together to deliberate. They followed me to say they could give me a lemonade because some patrons had paid enough that they had two dozen lemonades to give for just such an occasion.

Reminiscent of my brother, who took great joy as a child in concocting beverages when presented with the opportunity at a fountain dispenser, the children enthusiastically decreed “Mix them!” when I asked for their recommendation. The mixed drink was as sweet as their smiles.

My mom, Rosie Buser, taught me via example of the importance of being kind as a lady. Her exemplification was indelibly solidified for me while collaborating under the tutelage of Harvard’s Dr. Shawn Achor and Dr. Eli Susman: being kind (intentional micro-moments of care) catalyzes neurochemical boosts that support well-being as well as problem-solving; but also observing kindness, hearing about kindness,or reading about kindness elicits parallel reverberations.

Hajira Buser

Port Washington