Fellow RVer, good friend, and frequent tip provider and commenter George Bliss emailed this story about a random act of kindness to us earlier this week and we haven’t stopped thinking about it.
George said he came across this post by Becky Brawner on Facebook and wanted to pass it along. We’re glad he did.
Becky’s post reads:
“I see so many posts complaining about rude campers—cutting through sites, barking dogs, loud children, and noisy heaters. And they almost always end with: ‘Whatever happened to camping etiquette?’
“But let me ask… Whatever happened to kindness?
“I was at a campsite when the camper across from me accidentally reversed 6-10 feet into my space, nearly overlapping my picnic table. The rain was pouring, and he had already disconnected his vehicle.
“When I took my dog out, he immediately apologized and said he’d hook back up and move as soon as the rain stopped. But how could I ask him to do that?
“I was there for three weeks, visiting my dad in nursing care. He was only there for two nights, visiting his aunt in the hospital. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t a big deal. We even laughed about my picnic table having extra shade.
“A few months earlier, at another campground, a man pulled in and spent what felt like an hour revving his motorcycle engine. At first, I wanted to complain. But later, I got to know him and his wife—and learned something that stopped me in my tracks.
“This was their last camping trip together. He had stage four cancer and was traveling to visit his kids and grandkids—saying goodbye.
“Even now, as I type this, I get tears in my eyes. And I am so grateful that I didn’t complain about the noise that day.
“So, next time you camp or post online, ask yourself: Is it more important to be ‘right’ or to be kind?
“At the end of the day, we are lucky—lucky to have the means, the time, and the health to enjoy camping at all.”
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RVT1227
I get the point, and it’s a really good one, but how bout something in between? Not in you face or Kumbaya; just simple civil common sense. Talk to the offender in a non offense way. Are they belligerent or apologetic? Like the lady said, I, too, have a lot of compassion and kindness, on the other hand I’m locked and loaded (figuratively not literally) for the entitlement crowd.
Nice Article! I always say that you never know what loads other people are carrying in their lives.
I can think of a similar event. The parents had set up a loud speaker and was blaring rap music. When the kids came over to play with our dogs, I told them if they were very quiet and listened they could hear the waves lapping against the shore. They ran back and the music was suddenly shut off😁. Later the parents came by, a little sheepishly, and we were able to tell them about a wonderful, safe rafting trip they could do with the kids the next day. It was wonderfully peaceful after that!
IMHO: While cancer is a devastating ailment that too many of us have gone through, it is absolutely no excuse for rude behavior. If the “hour revving his motorcycle engine”, was true, the offender should have hopped on it and took it out of the park, or at least to a more remote area. My ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ does not involve listening to extremely loud engines, music, or people. Where is the respect for others?
I agree with DLoyd, I was in a similar situation being diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer in July 2023. In reality there is no stages with pancreatic cancer. It’s deadly. While I had to pack up my camper and motorcycle, put them away. I was never rude or mistreated anyone. Nor did I feel sorry for my self. I was lucky, I survived, thanks to my guardian angel and everyone who prayed for me. Plus the care provided by the Dr’s and nurses.
When I was a kid, my mom used to have the ladies for coffee in the am, and she called it the stitch and b*tch club. I remember all they did was b*tch while my mom (who loved the drama) just smiled and poured coffee. And now we have the internet, and most of the b*tching is boredom.
It’s sad how “kindness” has been lost in this new world of ours…it’s too bad, too, as it make both feel better – the giver and the receiver.
What a great article, kindness is not so common anymore!
Earlier this year we stopped for 2 nights at Willow Beach COE campground outside of Little Rock, Arkansas, on our way to the Blue Bonnet Rally in Texas. The COE campground host told us about a group of campers near our site and he was keeping an eye on them as they were getting ready for a wedding on the weekend, from which we inferred there was potential for trouble. We never met the campers nor noted any concerns. However, after the wedding party was over, the host brought us leftovers from the party. He told us the campers had noticed our New York state license and wanted to us to share in Southern hospitality. There was enough for 2 if not 3 nights of dinner from the leftovers!
It’s really hard, but we should all want to assume the best in others first because we would truly like for ourselves.
I try to do the same. But you can’t be nice to some people, they won’t let you.
Good advice. I usually never think about it that way. I don’t usually complain. Sometimes it backfires on you.
Loved this~ so very true!
Beautiful! Always best to think before reacting to a situation. I heard a saying awhile back, Be Kind…
If you can’t be kind, be quiet…
You heard a saying a while back? Did you know my mom?
Nice article. And far too many folks these days fly off the handle at the slightest perceived affront. Like the guy parking his camper. Once he saw you, he apologized and said he’d move when the rain stopped. That’s reasonable, and if you were in a huff about it, his reaction is a great way to de-escalate.
Thank you for the great story, Emily! Seems familiar, but not sure when or where. Great advice either way. Have a great week and safe travels!
Thank you for the story and the reminder to be kind. The world would be a better place if we all strived to be kinder. My wife often asks me “If I want to be right or be happy? There’s a few naysayers here, so….There’s this guy that opens the door for a lady and then she rebukes him saying “You don’t have to open the door just because I’m a women!” And he replied “I didn’t, I opened it because I’m a gentleman”. So while kindness isn’t always appreciated, it will be in the bigger scheme of things so do the right thing when you can.