Woman shares story of hope through random acts of kindness
By Todd Magel
Click here for updates on this story
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — A Des Moines woman, who wishes to remain anonymous and is referred to as “Samantha,” marked the anniversary of her decision to choose life over suicide by spreading kindness through heartfelt notes and monetary gifts to strangers.
Last week, Samantha handed an envelope to a reporter at the corner of 15th Street and Grand Avenue in Des Moines. The envelope had a sticker on the outside that read, “Good things are coming.” Inside was a $10 bill and a note.
“A year ago today, I chose life over suicide,” Samantha said.
Samantha explained that her words and the money were meant to brighten the day of the random people she handed them to.
“You know, it’s so simple. Simple things that can change a person’s world, really,” Samantha said.
The reporter posted the note on social media, where it garnered thousands of likes and comments from people who shared their own experiences with the pain of suicide. Days later, Samantha saw the post and reached out, saying she wanted to tell her story.
“Did that surprise you that so many people were sympathetic?” Samantha said, “Yes. I was like, I’ve never seen a post where there weren’t negative comments.”
Samantha shared that several years ago, she was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological disorder, which led her to consider ending her life.
“Living with this disease was daily pain. So over time, it was better (for my family), for me to be gone,” Samantha said.
After receiving treatment, Samantha chose to live. On the anniversary of that choice, she withdrew $310 from the bank, wrote heartfelt notes, and drove around Des Moines handing out envelopes to strangers.
“I don’t want anyone to feel that hopeless,” Samantha said.
She reflected on the impact of her actions and the purpose behind them.
“Maybe I hit someone that was having a bad day, and that was the purpose. And then I ran into you, and I think, you know, this story isn’t about me, but it is about, I don’t know, my journey, my decision to not commit suicide,” Samantha said.
Samantha described her gesture as a simple act of kindness, an act of faith, and an act that could save a life.
“I think this all happened to me because God was like, no, that’s not why I put you here,” Samantha said.
She hopes her story will inspire others to see their worth, no matter their circumstances.
“I want people to know that they’re worth it. I don’t care if you are the worst person, you’ve made horrible mistakes. You’re worth it. You are worth saving,” Samantha said.
Samantha plans to continue this act of kindness every year on the anniversary of her choice to live.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.