This is an author's request. He contacted me via this blog and asked to review this book.
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the title of this book. Three-hour dad. What does that even mean? Does that mean being a dad for just three hours. That does not sound good to me.
As it turned out, Three-hour Dad means the author, being the dad referred to in the title, only found out he was going to be a dad three hours before his wife gave birth. Yes, they didn't realize that his wife was in labor until they've gotten to the hospital because they suspected his wife had appendicitis. Amazing, right? Or you'll wonder, how is that possible?
It was explained in the book how the unexpected pregnancy happened. How his wife never noticed any of the symptoms or never had any of the symptoms of a woman who's pregnant. It seemed like an anomaly or more like a miracle.
This book came to be because the author wanted to document that very special and unique experience, including the overflowing and unexpected kindness they got from friends, co-workers and other people. As the couple didn't know that they were expecting, they were not prepared also. There were no baby clothes shopping, or a crib to be assembled. None of that ever happened. When the author called in his office to inform that his wife was in labor, his office mates and boss were just as surprised. The office mates rallied together and chipped in and bought baby supplies and clothes for the coming baby. Friends also were very excited for the couple that they too bought baby things to give to the couple and to welcome the new baby properly. The couple was so overwhelmed by this flow of kindness. They never expected that their friends would be so generous and help them get everything ready for the baby instantly. It gave them courage to be ready to be instant parents.
And with this very touching experience, the author decided that he too could pass on the same kindness to others. He decided that a random kindness or any small act of kindness goes a long way, just as it greatly helped his new family. So, with this in mind, he set out to do just that. Time and time again, he would go out into the streets and approach an unsuspecting stranger and give him a gift card to use for groceries or any other needs. You can watch a video of the same act here. Proceeds from the sale of this book also goes to helping more people. So, go and buy your copy now. It would go a long way.
But you might ask, why tell the world that he's helping people. Why not just do it and not publicize it? He took a video not because he wants to publish that he's giving people this and that, or he wants to become popular, or be the next thing to be trending on social media. He posted a video because he wanted more people to be moved and join in the random act of kindness movement. He wants it to become a lifestyle - that everyone will show kindness to strangers, especially strangers, whether it'd be small or not. He wants to start a kindness revolution. He wants to make kindness very popular that it will no longer be a novelty. A time when kindness will be just as ordinary as saying hello or probably as easy as blinking an eye. Oh, I would love to see that happen in this lifetime.
With all that said, this book is worth your time. Reading through the author's personal miracle is just a wonderful feeling. That in spite of the problems and issues we are facing now and the world in general, there are still miracles that happen. There are still a lot of good things and good people. That there are still a lot of good hearts that could be moved and kindness that is absolutely deadly. Deadly because it will kill all selfish and self-centered thoughts. You will feel so grateful and thankful that you can't help but pass on the deed. You can't help but be kind also. You can't help but do the same kindness to someone and seeing the surprise and delight in that person's eyes is the greatest high one could ever experience. A thousand ways more potent than any drugs ever invented or any herbs ever discovered. Believe me, I have been a recipient of kindness a dozen or more times and true enough, the saying "Kill them with kindness," is absolutely true. I think I have died a dozen times and more and this is probably my 20th, 50th or 100th life.
I give this book, 4/5 sets of cute baby clothes. A child is a gift, just as any amount of kindness is a gift to anyone. To the giver, what you give may not be much but to the receiver, who's desperate, you might just have saved him or saved his day. So, go on and spread the kindness. Any little thing done out of pure generosity, thoughtfulness and willingness to help will go a long way. It might just be what that person needs. Hope, even just a tiny spark is still hope. And in a dreary, desolate and desperate world, hope can light it up, even the darkest of corners.
UCO - Unidentified Crying Object
- Adam T. Hourlution, 3 Hour Dad -
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