Imagine my surprise. Recently while visiting my mother’s memorial tree, which has been in the ground along a popular walking trail for 11 years, I spotted from a distance something colorful at the tree’s base.

Closer inspection revealed a pleasant mystery. Someone had placed a large river rock, probably from the nearby stream, in front of her name plaque, and on the rock was a hot pink bracelet.

My mom loved that bright color.

I photographed the scene and texted it to my siblings. No one knew a thing about the bracelet, but all commented that the gesture was thoughtful or kind.

Was this a belated gift from a secret admirer? Was it notice from a friend that Mom has not been forgotten? Or was it, as one of my sisters speculated, a nice deed from a stranger passing by?

Perhaps we will never know, and that’s OK with me. Anonymous acts of kindness make me happy.

While many people seek recognition or glory for doing good, I am inspired and impressed by folks who secretly do positive acts and choose to remain far from the spotlight.

These gestures can be as simple as quietly cleaning up litter at a public park or neighborhood cemetery to paying for a stranger’s meal or coffee to secretly paying off someone’s medical or utility debt.

The opportunities are endless. We can give clothing and food to the needy or donate school supplies for children from low-income families.

We can pay the toll for a car behind us or leave extra change at a vending machine for the next person.

I have had the lovely experience of someone anonymously shoveling the snow off my sidewalk before I was able to get to it.

We can mow a neighbor’s lawn while they are away or rake leaves from their sidewalk.

Or how about pleasantly surprising someone with a pretty floral bouquet left at their front door. I have been the recipient of such a kind gesture, and I can attest it is a wonderful exercise for the imagination.

Anonymous cards, notes and letters expressing encouragement, appreciation or support are always welcome and uplifting and can boost anyone’s mood.

If we know a person’s favorite foods, we can arrange a secret surprise delivery of a pizza or groceries. Or we can supply treats for the break room or lounge at work or church without saying who brought the goodies.

We can buy a toy and put it in a collection box at stores or other facilities that donate these toys to needy children during the holiday season.

I have heard that some folks anonymously leave small-value gift cards for people.

Another kind act that can be done anonymously is sending a magazine subscription to someone who you think would enjoy reading that publication.

Often the recipients of such anonymous surprises will be inspired to do something similar for others. Doing good feels good, and it becomes contagious.

Who knows, some small act of kindness for which we seek no acclaim might change somebody’s life.

Or in the case of my mother’s mysterious bracelet, it might inspire a newspaper column!