A Chain of Unexpected Acts of Kindness

--by maniacalmax, posted Aug 23, 2009

When I was twenty-two years old, my eight year old son and I moved to Pennsylvania so that I could attend graduate school. I had a graduate assistantship but we were still incredibly poor.

During the holiday season, our elderly neighbor gave my son $20 with the suggestion that he take me to dinner. He was so very proud that he could do that! She had always been a pretty crotchety neighbor so I was particularly surprised by her kindness and thoughtfulness.

We went to a small restaurant nearby, and he proceeded to charm everyone with his manners. Previously, before we were so poor, we'd practiced restaurant protocol at an IHOP so he knew exactly what to do.

When he asked for the bill at the end of meal, the waitress told us that another customer had paid for our meal. The customer had already left, so there was no way to know who they were, leave alone thank him or her for their incredible kindness.

Even at the age of eight, my son realized what a gift that was. And me? That kindness still makes me weep.

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Posted by maniacalmax
Aug 23, 2009
Comments (6)

Readers Comments

cabbage wrote: What an amazing story--thank you for sharing it and i bet it sure made an impression on your son too. Hugs to you both :-)

JuneBug wrote: You brought tears to my eyes with your story...I am sure your son will, if not already, pass it on! BE PROUD!! :)

grammagussie wrote: What a special memory you have shared with us. Funny how acts of kindness stay within our memories forever. (((hugs)) and smiles grammagussie

FairyBubbles wrote: Some people are so beautiful.
Lots of hugs.

StarBrite wrote: Beautiful memories. Your son was so proud to do this for you ... I bet he grew up to be a kind considerate young man. ~StarBrite

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