Lessons on Love and Connection: What My Favorite Patient Taught Me About Kindness

How One Woman’s Warmth and Generosity Made Baltimore Truly ‘Charm City’

I debated whether to send out a newsletter this week, with so many understandably focused on the elections. But then I reconsidered. What better time than the Monday before election day to focus on a message of kindness and love—especially one that transcends differences? I hope this small tribute to one of my favorite patients resonates with you.

Years ago, I learned never to say “never,” because life has a way of surprising us. After finishing my dietetic internship at Johns Hopkins in 2005, I swore I would never return to Baltimore. Despite being called “Charm City,” it didn’t feel charming to me. Yet, a few years later, I found myself driving back into the city for a new job in a place that clearly wasn’t done teaching me lessons.

I met *Rose when I was 34, she had joined a class I was leading at the hospital. In her seventies, she was impeccably stylish, radiating joy through her huge, beautiful smile. She was always the first to arrive, typically beating me as I rushed to set up. Born and raised in Baltimore, she’d lived her whole life here, raising her family and sharing her warmth and positivity with everyone she met. She offered words of encouragement to her classmates and connected with each person with genuine curiosity.

Because Rose was often early, we had extra moments to talk. She’d share stories about her adored grandchild and ask sincerely about my life. When I announced my pregnancy, she may have been as thrilled as a close family member. Every week, she asked about my preparations for the baby, bonding with me over our shared love of family. Her joyful spirit brought our group closer together, turning strangers into friends. They started meeting up outside of class for lunch and looking back, I know that sense of connection was thanks to Rose.

Once, when I was coordinating an educational event and needed a speaker, I was disappointed that my choice was out of budget. When Rose heard this, she offered to help, reaching out through her Baltimore connections. Thanks to Rose, her connections and kindness, the speaker agreed to a reduced fee, making our event possible. As my due date approached, I was excited to meet my daughter, but I felt a pang of sadness about leaving such a wonderful group.

On my last day teaching the class, I walked in to find the entire group there, waiting with a surprise baby shower Rose had organized. It was one of the most touching moments of my career, an outpouring of love and kindness from people who didn’t have to acknowledge this milestone in my life but chose to do so in such a touching way.

I left that job shortly after, finally understanding Baltimore’s “charm”—because of Rose.

Years later, I asked a colleague about her and learned she had passed away. I thought of her grandchild and wished I could tell her family how her remarkable spirit had really touched me. Her warmth extended far beyond her circle, and our time together showed me the true power in loving your neighbor. She sent me into motherhood with a full heart, reminding me that while there will always be darkness in the world, there will also always be light.

Rose taught me so much about sharing love and kindness beyond those close to you. You don’t even have to travel far to do so, it’s possible in your own neighborhood.

Here are three lessons Rose shared that I still carry with me:

1) Spread Kindness & Love To Those Outside Your Circle

It’s easy to love those in your immediate circle, but it takes a special person to connect with others who are strangers and perhaps very different than yourself. Rose and I were separated by age, ethnicity, and life experiences, but she bridged those gaps with kindness and curiosity. Oftentimes we find out that there are more points of shared connectivity than we realize.

2) Share Your Gifts

The baby shower wasn’t the only gift Rose gave me. She shared her connections and always provided a genuine smile and extended kindness to others. We all have gifts, whether it’s a skill, a network, or just a listening ear. Share them beyond your usual circle; you never know how much of a difference it might make.

3) You’re Never Too Old to Make New Friends

Rose created a warm, inviting environment that brought everyone in the group together. Her kindness and encouragement made that year unforgettable, showing that you’re never too old to make new friends or leave a lasting impact.

There’s still so much poverty, corruption, and tragedy, not only in Baltimore but everywhere. But with more people like Rose, who love their neighbors wholeheartedly, any place can become a beacon of hope. I hope we all can remember the power of spreading kindness and love on Election Day and each and every day moving forward in life.

John 15:12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

*Name changed to protect privacy