Fungi … and the kindness of strangers

Like so many, I have had a tough year. My beloved husband Steve passed away in February. I was blessed to have shared over 43 years with him. It's a time of grief laced with bittersweet memories.

Also, like many, I find solace in nature. Walks on the beach and Egans Creek Greenway comfort me. I am in awe of the beauty of this amazing island.

Facebook is a place I turn to for delight and comfort as well. Yes, there are things I'd rather not see as I scroll — but there are also wonderful posts, and stories and photos of friends and family that I thoroughly enjoy. One of the Facebook pages that I particularly like is Lichens, Mosses, Ferns and Fungi (LMFF). I was introduced to this page by my friend Winifred. (She knew how much I loved LMFF when we visited the Jacksonville Arboretum in March and participated in a program called "Fungi Frolic"!) The LMFF Facebook page is filled with extraordinary photos of the four types of organisms. A few weeks ago, I decided to share my enthusiasm for the page by posting the following:

LMFF members responded to my post in ways I never expected. Here are a few comments:

"I hope next year is better for you. I've also been having a hard time, every nature sighting is what I call a glimmer."

"Take care. Going out into nature is great therapy when times get tough."

"I'm so sorry to hear you've had a hard time, and hope 2026 will be a better year for you. I'm so glad you enjoy the group, and that it helps a little."

"Wishing you a much better year in 2026. Nature never fails to inspire and amaze."

"Nature can heal you. I love this page!"

"I discovered this group during COVID. It really helped! I'm glad that you find comfort in nature. Me, too!"

Such empathy, compassion, and kindness from strangers! I was so touched and in awe of these responses. It renewed my faith in humanity and made me realize, as Mister Rogers said, "Sometimes all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person." How true.

So next time you have the chance, share a kind or empathetic word with a stranger. You never know how precious your words can be. And I'm guessing it'll make you feel good, too.

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Peggie Weeks is a 14-year resident of Fernandina Beach and a member of the non-profit organization Compassionate Fernandina. The organization's vision is "a community in which we treat each other and Earth with kindness, dignity, and respect," and the mission is "to widen the circle of compassion through practical, intentional actions." The city of Fernandina Beach issued a proclamation in 2017 and endorsed the principles of Compassionate Fernandina, joining forces with the organization "to promote compassionate actions throughout the city and to make compassion a clear and dynamic force in our world."

Peggie invites others in the community to share their stories of kindness and compassion. If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observe r— about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed you kindness — please contact her at pegweeks@gmail.com