Kindness appears out of the blue most times. You see it happening all around almost on a daily basis, especially if you look close enough.

Fortunately for me these past two weeks (and before), I have been the recipient of much kindness and in various forms following a surgical procedure.

I have received words of encouragement face to face, via texts, Facebook messages, cards and phone calls. I have also received flowers and food which I have enjoyed. And my wife has been wonderful through the whole ordeal, going the extra mile in making sure I recover correctly.

Before I forget, I want to thank you all for your kindness. You have given me a new outlook on being kind. I am looking forward to paying it forward, even in the smallest of ways, because even words of encouragement add up when passing them along to those who might need them.

I have always found it easier to give than to receive. Most of us are pretty independent and find it hard to accept kindness — I think we would rather give it. But as one who has received recent kindness, I have come to realize that without it, there would be a void in my recovery.

If you aren't a regular viewer of CBS Evening News, I suggest you at least tune in on Friday nights for the weekly segment, "On The Road" with Steve Hartman, which concludes the news segment. Most of his stories are about kindness. It does the heart good, especially after viewing the usual disheartening news during the first 25 minutes of the broadcast.

Thanks again and I am looking forward to getting back to work next week.