Author Dana Reinhardt recounts the evening she escorted her elderly grandmother to an event honoring a Vietnam Vet. Complete with many celebrities, Dana pointed several out to her, including Robert Downey Jr. Later, exiting the facility, her grandmother tripped and fell hard into the wheelchair ramp, slicing her right shin. As she bled profusely, Robert Downey Jr., came over and took charge of the situation – comforting her grandmother, directing someone to call for an ambulance, and another to bring her a glass of water. He then took off his cream-colored linen jacket and tied it around her wound. He stayed with her until the ambulance came and held her hand until they left.
It wasn’t until some years later, following his prison time for some serious drug offenses that the author spotted Robert Downey Jr. in a restaurant. She meekly went up to him recounted the story, which he recalled, and said, “I just want to thank you. And I wanted to tell you that it was simply the kindest act I’ve ever witnessed.” He stood up, taking her hands, and said, “You have absolutely no idea how much I needed to hear that today.”
Over the course of your marriage or significant relationships, your partner has no doubt performed some extreme loving kind act toward you. For some, I realize that it may have been years ago and has since been buried under relational stress and tension. But just maybe, today is the day that your recollection and reminder of your gratefulness for their action is just what they “needed to hear.” And with that expressed thanks, may come a new connection and appreciation. Would you like it if they recalled such an act on your part? So would they. Contemplate and dig deep. They will love you for it.