DEAR ABBY: You asked your readers to add to your collection of random acts of kindness. Perhaps you will be interested in mine:
I have multiple sclerosis and am unable to feed myself. I have an aide on weekdays, and on the weekends the wonderful women from my swim group come to assist me.
I have never talked about my illness or my limitations, although they are progressively more apparent in the swimming pool, shower room and dressing room. One day, a member of my swimming group approached me and asked if I could use any help. When I answered yes, she organized other willing helpers from the group who have consistently signed their names to a schedule and show up to help.
Such generosity is not what one would expect from the many reports of violence, rudeness and disrespect that fill the media. When I thank these generous people, they thank me for "allowing" them to help me. I consider myself fortunate to have experienced so much that is wonderful about the human race. -- SUSAN CLAUER, ANN ARBOR, MICH.
DEAR SUSAN: The most precious gift we can give to others is the gift of ourselves. Your swimming group should call themselves the "floating angels."