No act of kindness is too small

I enjoy reading blog posts about major, life-changing events.  However, I recently experienced a small act of kindness that touched me, and I'd like to share this experience (and the lesson I learned).

I recently was invited to a baby shower for a co-worker.  The shower organizer was the mom-to-be's sister-in-law who doesn't know me from Adam.  I received a beautiful printed invitation in the mail... and it quickly was lost in the madness that is my kitchen.  I never replied to the invitation.

Then (and here's where the excuses start), I had back-to-back vacation and business trip.  While on one of these trips (I forget which one), I received a kind email from the party-planner asking if I was coming to the shower.  I never replied. The date for the baby shower came and went... and I was MIA. 

I got back to the office, went through my old emails, and realized what I had done.  Now, I am not trying to make a big deal out of missing a baby shower, but I absolutely think it's rude to never reply to the party hostess.  I have thrown many parties, and I understand the importance of headcount.  Ugh, I had become that rude lady who can't take 2 minutes to reply to an email or pick up the phone.  I decided my would-be-hostess deserved an apology, and so I sent an email:

I owe you a huge apology.  I totally spaced on replying to my invitation and to this email. My only excuse is back-to-back business trips and a three-year old.   I know that not replying is in bad form and just plain rude.  I hope you (and the mom-to-be!) had a good time! I certainly meant no disrespect.

I honestly did not expect a reply email, but I received the most gracious, understanding and kind note in return:

You are very kind to reply. Thank you so much.  I believe [the mom-to-be] had a wonderful time.  As a mother of four small children I understand about things falling through the cracks all too well!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Enjoy that precious three year old of yours to the fullest extent.  They grow so fast and despite all of the hard times, whining, disobedience, and potty training woes, you will miss these years of the toddler!  Showers will come and go, your baby's childhood will only go!

This kind mommy's message taught me a lesson.  She was not angry with me, she was not mad that I missed the shower, she encouraged me to enjoy my life and make the most of the time I have with my child.  I was speechless.

If you are reading this post, you might be touched... or you might be rolling your eyes.  Regardless, I walk away with the lesson that there is no act of kindness too small to touch people's lives.

This is a Silicon Valley Moms Blog Original Post. Less serious posts about a working mom and her television habits (can you say American Idol?) can be found at Laptop Television Mom.