The Side of Kindness: Recovering the Lost Art of Being Kind

All too often, the complex society in which we live forces us to take sides—between political parties, religious denominations, sports teams, and more. But how can we be sure we’ve chosen the right side? And is there a way to overcome the divisiveness and hostility that often accompanies choosing one side over another? This book offers a unique look at choosing the side that really matters: the side of kindness.

In a series of sometimes humorous, always thought-provoking reflections, author Sandra Makowski reminds us that we can always choose the side of kindness, even in the smallest decisions of daily life. Our conversation, tone of voice, and even the way we dress can be shaped by kindness. And together, those many small decisions can make a great difference in our broken and fragile world.

Sister Sandra was born Sandra Ann Makowski in 1947 in Binghamton, NY. On the same day, just six minutes earlier, her twin sister, Carole Jean was born. They shared the same bedroom, clothes, thoughts, and ultimately the same vocation. They graduated from high school and entered The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in Buffalo, NY. They knew the Sisters since grade school, and witnessed the love and kindness that the Sisters had for one another – and they wanted that for themselves.

Her sister, Carole, who took the religious name of Sister Jean, was killed in a car accident in 1981 while on her way to serve in the missions. The tragedy changed Sandra’s life and she learned the courage of survival and the kindness of friends.

After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Religious Education, she went on to receive a licentiate degree in Canon law from The Catholic University of America. She worked as a canonist in the Buffalo NY and Charleston, SC dioceses. In 2010 she was appointed Chancellor of the diocese of Charleston.