KINDNESS COUNTS

Putting love & kindness into each plate

Farah Jadran

During the week, Niko and I are always making sure we spend some time together between our work shifts. I work early mornings and he works evenings. Part of that time includes eating lunch together and possibly eating dinner together. I usually cook for us out of convenience between our schedules but recently Niko decided it was time for me to take a break from cooking. This is an exciting and also delicious decision!

One of our first dates included Niko cooking me a wonderful dinner. I will never forget that evening because it was such a selfless and thoughtful gesture. Here we are in May 2021 - celebrating our sixth wedding anniversary and still doing selfless deeds for one another.

Part of “Chef Niko’s” commitment to lunch and dinner creations is to try different recipes and dishes. This has been so much fun. We are looking at old recipe books and of course, surfing different sites touting trendy and healthy meals. We are sending each other different recipes and then taking a list to the grocery store. Buying items for the new dishes was also an enjoyable experience. Part of our new household routine is hearing about what is next up on the menu.

One of the first Chief Niko creations was a plate of tasty turkey tacos. Hold back your mouthwatering but take a look at the photo! He did a wonderful job and took the time to make something delicious. From the seasoned ground turkey to the avocado - everything was lovely. I came home from work to find a plate ready and a smiling husband excited for me to try the tacos he made.

The genuine care made the gesture so much more amazing than I thought it would be. It’s caring actions like this that can change someone’s day. Knowing that a person you love and care for has taken time to treat you is a blessing. Everyone is capable of doing something thoughtful, selfless and genuine for someone else. I feel blessed to have such an incredible husband, best friend and teammate for life.

I know we all have someone in our lives we love unconditionally. What will you do for them to show them you care? It doesn’t have to cost money or even time. Dig deep and give it some thought. It will do your mental and physical health some good. For me, I know I have a happy heart and I pray Niko always does to.

Kindness can change someone’s heart. It can help others realize there is a world around them and more to life than possessions and petty arguments. Kindness can be the message you wear and walk with because you choose to live life with genuine gratitude for each day you are given. Tomorrow is not promised. Why not spend today being kind and being positive? SWM

Farah Jadran is the anchor of CBS5 This Morning and CBS5 News at Noon for CNYCentral in Syracuse. Farah also served as editor of SWM for more than four years after she helped launch it in January 2011. If you or someone you know is spreading kindness in our community -- tweet at her -- @FarahJadran using #BeKindSyracuse.