Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I'd like to share a story from over 25 years ago because I haven't forgotten the single act of kindness that changed my life. During a vacation trip to Fremont, California, the partner I had been traveling with proved to be a very difficult person and well, let's just say I had enough wherewithal to leave that toxic relationship in the middle of our stay. I managed to arrange to stay with family friends in northern and southern California but that meant I needed to find my way to the Greyhound bus station, some 30 miles away and being a poor student, had little financial means to get there. I had clearly not thought it through.

I managed to call various taxis and shuttle services but they were all too expensive or too far away to pick me up. Then, I got one person on the phone who managed to make out (between sobs) that I needed a ride to the Greyhound station near the airport but only had limited funds and he agreed to transport me! He came to pick me up about 45 minutes later. The driver was older and I remember wondering why the shuttle didn't have a meter but his ID was visible and I could see this was his business. The driver was so kind. He knew I was upset so he distracted me with stories and good conversation. He said I looked like his granddaughter.

At one point, I asked him why he charged so little compared to the others. Then, he sheepishly explained that he was actually retired and hadn't removed his number from the phone book but when I called, clearly upset, he felt compelled to help. This man drove an hour out of his way to help a person he didn't know for a fee that barely covered his gas, if that! Because of his kindness, I knew things were going to be okay. This man's kindness warms my heart every time I think of him. Regretfully, I didn’t get his name and his face has since faded from my memory but he is on my mind often and I wish I could thank him in person. ”Thank you Mr. Angel Shuttle-Man! I hope your granddaughter knows what a wonderful grandfather she has!"