Random Acts of Kindness Can Change the World
When Readers Respond to Writers
As I read ’s response to my story, my whole body responded with joy. When I wrote my book, The Secret Friend, I hoped my words would be helpful to someone. But writing is a solitary endeavor. It’s only through feedback and reviews that we can glimpse the effects of our efforts.
Here’s what had to say….
Dear Susan Bostian,
Your book, The Secret Friend, is not just a story — it is a call for humanity.
Abby’s experience shows that individuals living with Alzheimer’s can still hold onto love, friendship, and meaning in life.
However, this story can inspire even greater awareness.
Perhaps creating an awareness award in Abby’s name could further illuminate her legacy.
This award could be given to caregivers, individuals who support Alzheimer’s patients, or those spearheading awareness initiatives.
If Alzheimer’s foundations and organizations collaborate to establish this award, Abby’s story would not remain only in a book — it would become the catalyst for real change.
How can something deteriorating turn into an ever-growing kindness and love?
Only those who truly deserve to be called human can achieve this — those who cultivate hope, strengthen solidarity, and nurture love.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, kindness and love around it continue to grow.
Every moment spent together adds deeper meaning to the bonds we share.
Perhaps an awareness award in Abby’s name could further strengthen the love and solidarity within the Alzheimer’s community.
And just when Abby needed support the most, someone else was struggling with their own hardships.
But this wasn’t mere coincidence — it was the intersection of two stories, tied to a larger purpose.
Sometimes, the hardships one faces become an opportunity to give hope to someone else.
Instead of seeing it as random chance, we can recognize it as part of something far greater.
Some moments feel like a gift from a watchful gaze above…
And perhaps the most meaningful thing for both of them was being each other’s light.
Still, one can’t help but wonder…
If Alzheimer had a cure, and Abby had recovered, how wonderful would it be to read, in her own words, what you meant to her?
Maybe the greatest gratitude would be Abby telling her own story about you.
Susan, I sincerely thank you — because telling Abby’s story is not just a testament of friendship, but the foundation of a movement for awareness.
Someone like you, with a powerful voice, is the best person to help grow this initiative.
Here’s my response to him…
Dear Mahmut,
Thank you very much for reading my story and providing insightful and uplifting feedback. I love your idea of creating an award for Abby to spread awareness of the devastation of Alzheimer’s and the opportunity to still find joy in being alive.
I also appreciate your profound understanding of the universal themes in The Secret Friend. We are all struggling with hardships, but despite these challenges, we can still give hope. Abby and I lifted each other and everyone around us up to a higher level of understanding.
When you wrote, “perhaps the most meaningful thing for both of them was being each other’s light,” I wanted to cry. Your beautiful words will live in my heart forever.
Maybe it’s all random, but maybe we are all part of something greater.
Thank you, Mahmut, wherever you are in the world. I am filled with gratitude for your kindness and love. You have reached out and made a difference in my life. Many blessings to you.
Susan Bostian
