A Double Dose of Kindness at the Grocery Store
I was at the grocery store one evening. I had finished shopping and was looking for a line to get in to. I chose a line that had one woman who just about through and ready to pay, and another woman behind her who didn’t have very much. As I was standing there waiting for my turn, I noticed the woman directly in front of me. She looked as if she had just had some kind of medical treatment. She was wearing a bandana along with a hat. Her face looked as if she had known a lot of pain and was tired of everything. She had a back pack to carry her groceries in and she had bought everything that one would need to care for one’s self at home. She kept glancing at her groceries and kept counting the money in her hand. I kept thinking to myself, I wish I had money to pay for ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by indiegirl
- Sep 25, 2010
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My Best Smile Card Response Yet!
This weekend I went grocery shopping. The cashier I chose was talking to the ladies in front of me and then something they were talking about reminded her about sending relief for a co-worker. She quickly took care of that and called the person to tell them help was on the way. When it was my turn to checkout she chatted with me too. I had prepared a little Smile Card package that I normally use in drive-throughs before coming inside the store just in case I found someone to share it with. Well I knew she was the one. I could tell she really cared about people. When we were all done with my transaction I said, "This is for you," and handed her the items. She looked at it and said, "Thank you! I really needed this today!" Then her eyes filled with tears and she gave me a hug! I told her, "Now, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by iferlamb
- Nov 16, 2010
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Giving Flowers That Give In Return
My husband and I were at a discount grocery store waiting in line. We were behind a mother and her boy who was probably about seven years old. She had a beautiful purple bouquet in her basket. The flowers brought a smile to my face. I remarked to the lady how lovely her flowers were and she said her son picked them out. He just beamed at the compliment so I asked if he would like to pick some out for me. He was off like a shot down the aisle to pick out a bouquet for me. When he returned he was so obviously pleased at having done a two-fold good job: picking out nice flowers and helping an "old lady." When I thanked him, he said a very loud and clear "You're welcome." So, by then Mama is beaming at her helpful polite son who feels great about doing a good deed. ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by MaryJersey
- Nov 23, 2010
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There is Always an Opportunity for Kindness
As I was leaving the grocery store yesterday, I noticed an old man hobbling along struggling with 2 sacks of food. It was bitterly cold (10 F). There isn't much near the store, so I guess he must have a fair walk ahead of him. I pulled up near him, rolled the car near him and put the window down to ask if he needed a ride. I think he was a bit skeptical since few people go out of their way to do these sorts of things, but he did accept. After he got settled in the car, my husband and I introduced ourselves, but he was very quiet and reluctant to give his name. During the drive, we tried to make him more comfortable with some small talk. We chatted on about the weather, this new store opening and the like. His home was more than 2 miles away on unplowed streets, it would have ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by momov3
- Jan 29, 2011
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The Kindness I See In The World
Kindness is a simple answer in a sometimes difficult and challenging world. I know that to be true. For a long time now it has been my mission to acknowledge and appreciate all people and to encourage others to do the same. When my 7 year old grand-daughter, Skylar, and I go out, we have a contest called “Who can make the most people smile. “ It makes for a wonderful glorious day. We will be walking in the supermarket and someone will be walking down the aisle with her head down. Skylar walks up to her and gives her a big smile. I watch her walk down the aisle, turn around and smile at Skylar again or perhaps smile at someone else. Kindness is a chain that pulls us all together. Anything that lifts another person is kindness. Every single act of kindness has a ripple effect. In 2002, my dad had a series of strokes and other illness. At that ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by LindaBurhans
- Feb 15, 2011
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A Double Dose of Compassion at the Grocery Store
I was getting out of my car at my local supermarket one night and a woman with a backpack approached me asking for money. I offered to buy her a sandwhich and she told me that she had a partner as well. I said I would buy him a sandwich too. On the way into the store she told me she was an alcoholic and I offered a suggestion about an nearby AA meeting. She said she had been clean and sober for years but then had an injury in which she she was put on pain relievers and then turned back to alcohol. I was compassionate and told her to return to AA if she could - she would find support there. She thanked me and seemed very grateful then looked straight at me and said she didn't need anything to eat, she just needed a dollar for a beer and understood that I ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by drlpasquinelli
- Feb 22, 2011
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Helping One Person At A Time
I live in Singapore where there are thousands of migrant workers from countries like India, Bangladesh and China. They work very hard, usually in construction sites, and are often away from their families for years in order to save money.
- Posted by ramyanags
- May 14, 2011
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True Beauty In A Supermarket Queue
The following story is not my own, however I was so amazed at such kindness between two strangers I just felt I had to share it. A POSITIVE TALE. COPIED FROM A LETTER IN “TABLE TALK” OUR LOCAL NEWS PAPER. "I have a happy tale to tell. "I joined the throng of frenetic shoppers at a Bayside supermarket on Thursday December 9. Sadly most were so intent on “stocking up” that friendly smiles were far and few between. I eventually arrived at the till point behind a handsome young man. His warm greeting was a real tonic! "We exchanged a few words and just before paying his bill he excused himself, rushed off down one of the aisles, and came back with a box of chocolates which he presented to me. I must add that I am not a “drop-dead-gorgeous” young woman but a 75 year old pensioner - and this totally spontaneous gesture just ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by cabbagepatch
- Apr 26, 2011
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A Kindness Chain Made of Roses
I love this forum but I'm hesitant to post about my own "good works" as it sounds like I'm blowing my own horn. I think that helping others should be a true gift from the heart rather than something that you receive applause for in a public forum. This said, I would like to share my story, not because I want to be thought well of by others but rather because I have discovered a recipe for happiness that I'm sure someone can benefit from. So here it is. It is hard for me to keep a smile on my face during certain times of the year and this is one of them. With the impending arrival of Valentine's Day I found myself thinking that if I didn't make a concerted effort to put myself in a good humor I would very quickly find myself sliding into depression. You see, I haven't received chocolates, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by duchess
- May 12, 2011
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Be Open. Be Ready. Look for Opportunities to be Kind.
Today I prayed for ideas on ways to be kind. My first opportunity came at a restaurant. A little girl dropped a dollar and walked off. I picked up the dollar and ran after her, giving it to her mother. "She dropped this," I said. Then at the store, there was an elderly man looking at firewood. He had a cane, and I couldn't see him carrying the firewood by himself, so I approached him and asked if he needed help. He said that he was just looking, but he seemed grateful that I asked. Inside the store, I found a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Uncertain who to give them to, I got into the check-out line. I only had two items, but a man came behind me with one, so I let him go first. I bought my mother her favorite candy bar, and I had the flowers but no one to give ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Gilgenbach
- Jan 28, 2012
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Top 10 Stories of 2012 Countdown - Story #9 - A Spontaneous Opportunity to Truly Teach My Children About Generosity
My kids and I were heading into the superstore over the weekend. On the way, we spotted a man wrapped in a blanket and holding a sign that said, "Lost my job. Family to Feed". At this store, a sight like this is not a normal occurrence. It was obvious the man was embarrassed, but desperate. My 10-year-old noticed him commented on how bad it must be to have to stand outside in the cold wind. While we were in the store, I asked each of the kids (I have seven :) to pick something they thought our 'friend' outside would appreciate. They picked a couple apples, a package of shrimp cocktail, a sandwich, some cheese and a bottle of juice. Then my 17-year-old asked, "Can we get him a gift card?" I thought about it. We were low on cash ourselves, but... well, sometimes giving from our 'need' instead of our 'abundance' is ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Earthymom33
- Dec 23, 2012
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A Reason To Celebrate
Numbly, I left my husband, Marty, at the hospital where I had been visiting two of my children and headed for the grocery store. Since it was eleven p.m., I drove to the only store I knew was open twenty-four hours a day. I turned my car motor off and rested my head against the seat. What a day, I thought to myself. With two of my young children in the hospital, and a third waiting at Grandma’s, I was truly spread thin. Today I had actually passed the infant CPR exam required before I could take eight-week-old Joel home from the hospital. Would I remember how to perform CPR in a moment of crisis? A cold chill ran down my spine as I debated my answer. Exhausted, I reached for my grocery list that resembled more of a scientific equation than the food for the week. For the past several days, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Dodo
- Jul 7, 2012
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A Human Connection With A Cashier
The cashier was tall, slender, and dark-skinned. His name tag identified him as "Mataye." After he rang up my purchase, I asked, "Is that pronounced Muh-TAH-yeh?" "Yes!" he exclaimed with apparent delight. "You pronounced it right!" I gathered most people don't. His accent sounded African, though I couldn't be sure. "That's what it looks like," I replied. "Where are you from?" I asked, smiling. (The smile was important. My question might be interpreted as a challenge or even a threat. I wanted to be sure he understood that my intention was friendly.) "Ethiopia," he answered. "How long have you been here?" I asked, still smiling. "A year," he answered. "Your English is excellent," I said. He smiled. "Do you miss Ethiopia?" Between his accent and the noise in the store, I couldn't make out his answer. Another customer was waiting, so I just smiled again, looked him in the eye, and said, "Thanks, Mataye." It wasn't a big deal, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by fsmall52
- Mar 2, 2015
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Off to See the Wizard...
The cashier rang up the "Life" magazine issue celebrating the 75th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz.." She remarked, "Oh, how I love the "Wizard of Oz!" I wish I had a copy of the movie."
We exchanged pleasantries on how we both enjoyed the classic film. "Have a blessed day!" the cashier said, handing me my packages. I thought, "Yes, I will give this kind woman my copy of the Wizard of Oz."
When I returned home and checked my DVD library, I was surprised to find that I had two copies! The cashier was delighted with my gift of the movie. I was doubly blessed in realizing the generosity of the Universe, for I was truly willing to give away my only copy.
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Mar 9, 2015
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Spontaneous kindness brought me happiness
In the parking lot yesterday, a man asked me for money to buy some food. Since I didn't have any cash on me, I made a spontaneous decision. I asked him to come into the supermarket with me so that I could buy him some food.
We walked through the store together and even though I offered him to buy whatever he wanted, he only took what he needed for an evening meal. As it was around lunch time, I also bought him a meal and something to drink.
It was a humbling experience and when we left the store, he was so grateful - warmed my heart as I myself had been having a very off weekend and this had made me feel better :)
- Posted by Naazie
- Mar 13, 2015
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Stopped in my tracks!
I was about to pay for some items at the store today but was told by the cashier that the person in front of me had paid for my purchase as a random act of kindness. I had to try my hardest not to cry!
- Posted by comfashion
- Mar 20, 2015
- 5 Comments
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Help When We Can...
I was at the grocery store today and the lady in front of me could not find her money. I saw her face, she had this panicked look, and said "I can't pay for my groceries".
I then told the cashier, "I'll pay for it." It was $7 and change, so I swiped my charge card. The lady looked at me and said "oh no I can't." I told her not to worry. She finally took bags still looking worried, and says to me "God Bless you and may your receive ten fold ." She left and I paid for my groceries.
As I walk out of the store, she is on the side with everything out of her purse. And tells me "I found my money, oh my God please forgive me, I thought someone stole my money from my locker at work." Then tells me that she needs to repay me, and I told her that she already had by blessing me.
As I walked out I realized that she was so worried, because it was 2 $50.00 bills. I wonder if she was so worried because that was all she had, and thought it was lost.
- Posted by PinkPrincess
- Mar 5, 2015
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Grumpy Turned Smiley
You know what? I think that working on gratitude and my spiritual practice is TRULY helping me to be more patient, to smile, and to appreciate those who support me. Here's my example: My wife was upset with me this morning and I was already sped up and trying to get to work. I managed to acknowledge that she had good reason to be upset, and rather than pout like I sometimes do, I smiled and thought "this is an opportunity to be patient and enjoy my morning with her anyway." Although, I didn't want to get groceries, I decided we should go together and make the best of it. When I got to the store 2 separate employees were cheerful and friendly to me. I gave them my full attention and smiled back, even though I was having a challenging morning and needed to get to work. I'm grateful that I took ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by buglips
- Mar 25, 2015
- 3 Comments
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Grocery store kindess
Today, I was at the grocery store buying a few items when the lady in front of me couldn't find the change to complete her bill and was short 78 cents. She was all frazzled trying to find change to finish paying.
I then gave her a dollar to finish paying her bill. She was so grateful she kind of just stared at me surprised. She thanked me over and over again and apologized for not having the extra 78 cents. I told her not to worry about it and really it was only a dollar.
She kept smiling and thanking me for the littlest act of kindness and it felt really nice to help her out in a little way to keep her day running smoothly
- Posted by cemacnab
- Dec 18, 2015
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Kindess ripples in a grocery store line, in Ireland
A year ago while I was living in Dublin, I was in a supermarket waiting in the line to pay for my items after a long and tiresome day at work.
Since the line was long my eyes were wandering everywhere. When I was getting nearer until I noticed an elderly lady around in her late 80's just joined the last line of the another line opposite to where I was standing. Without any thought I went to her and told her that she can take my spot.
First she didn't accept saying that, "Oh! dear. It's a long line. I don't want to trouble you." I said, "No worries mam. It is not a problem for me." and I just smiled at her. Then she thanked me and I helped her to my spot then joined the line in the very last.
Within few seconds a couple of people standing in the line where I was standing started to offer me their spot and I ended up standing next to that elderly lady. For a moment it felt like that place was filled with kindness. Which was so beautiful to experience.
- Posted by ARwin
- Dec 20, 2015
- 12 Comments
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Cookies, anyone?
"How can you stand that display of Girl Scout cookies facing you all day?" I asked the cashier, motioning to the table of temptation a few feet away.
"Oh, that's why I have my back to them!" she laughed, as she rang up our purchases.
"What's your favorite?"
"Mmmm...probably the shortbread cookies," cashier sighed.
With that I gifted the cashier a box of her favorites along with a SMILE card!!!
Got a few extra boxes of cookies as well....I wonder where they will be gifted? :)))
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Mar 10, 2016
- 10 Comments
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