Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Silent Witnessing of a Heroic Action


--by soniankush22, posted Oct 26, 2017
Today, I felt terrible. My head was full of problems and confusion. I decided to take a walk even though I didn't know where I would go. The most extraordinary thing happened when I was out on this walk. I saw an old man sitting on a chair. He was a seller of second-hand shoes. I thought he looked at least 70 years old. He seemed so tired and nobody was buying his shoes.

I wanted to give him something but I had not brought anything with me. Then, a little girl came toward him. I heard the child say, "Grandfather, may I polish your shoes?" That old man took pity on her, smiled and he gave her a shoe to polish. The girl said, "I polish the shoe because I need money to buy my brother a new school uniform." I heard this and tears came to my eyes. The old man answered, "Oh, little girl. Just stop doing this. Come with me and I will buy you a uniform."

Then they walked to a market (I followed behind) and he bought her a uniform. The girl was so happy. She said, "Thank you so much for doing this. May God bless you." Then she left, leaving the old man smiling. He walked away from the market, but I stopped him.

I whispered in his ear, "You are a hero! Thank you for your kindness!" As I walked away, I glanced back and I could see him still smiling. I was blown away by the kindness I had just seen. Someone who had so little himself was able to show such incredible generosity! Amazing!

My own sadness had completely disappeared, chased away by the light of this kind act. I began realizing that I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope, someday, I can show my appreciation of what I have by following the example of the old man who only had a little, but shared it so beautifully with someone who had nothing.
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Readers Comments

healingtree wrote: What a moving story! Has brightened this gray drizzly day. May we all show kindness as freely as this. xx
Annc wrote: Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
ms_joy wrote: Your story brought near tears to my own eyes, full of gratefulness with all 3 of your kind acts! :) Thank you!
mindyjourney wrote: A lovely kindness story, my friend! Thank you for being aware and open to the many gifts around us, every day :)
lt33 wrote: Wow what a beautiful kindness you got to witness this story could be a movie 😃👡👠
Mish wrote: Love heals us ❤️❤️❤️
Rajni wrote: God sent you at the right time at the right place to witness this beautiful kind act by that old man so that you can emulate in future . Thanks for this inspiring story.
leoladyc728 wrote: gorgeous story
Kixx wrote: Such a lovely reminder. Thank you for sharing!

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