This year had been very difficult financially for my family due to budget cuts, layoffs, and unforeseen circumstances and with the holiday season around the corner, I didn’t know how I was going to buy Christmas presents for my children until my very own Santa showed up.
One day while window shopping with my 4 month old son, a stranger walked up to me and began a conversation asking the usual baby questions like how old is he, will Santa be coming to see him, was he my only child, etc. After a few minutes of talking, he introduced himself as Ralph, and asked for help with shopping for for his grandkids since he didn't know what to buy. I agreed since I was only window shopping and didn’t have anywhere to be at the time, and because I had children close to the same age that he was looking for, I figured I’d be of some help.
We went through the entire store picking out this and that. The whole time he kept apologizing for taking up my time and was saying how it was hard to come across nice people these days. While shopping, he told me that he has been a widow for the past 2 years and his children and grandchildren were grown, and how the holidays weren’t the same without them. When the cart was full of clothes and toys, Ralph thanked me for all of my help but had one more request. He said that he also wanted to buy something for his grandchildren's mother, but he didn’t know what to buy. I made a few suggestions, and suggested a gift card would be nice so she could pick out what she wanted. He thanked me again for being helpful and so nice to him. We parted ways and I continued to window shop for a few items.
When I left the store about 20 minutes later I heard a woman calling out “Ma’am, ma’am with the baby, you left something”. At first I kept walking because I didn’t think she was speaking to me because I knew I didn’t leave anything. When she caught up to me, she said that she had something for me at customer service. I had no idea of what she was talking and thought there was some mistake, but I followed her to customer service and she pushed a shopping cart full of bags toward me and said that she was to make sure I didn’t forget them. I was still confused, and so I told her that she must have the wrong person because I only purchased two items and they were in my bag. She then handed me an envelope with a card which read:
“Thank you for helping an old man find joy again. You made me believe that Martha is looking down on me from above to send one of her angels when I needed one the most. The presents you helped me pick out are for you and your children. You are a kind person and this is my thanks to you. Never change. -- Ralph”
I looked around to see if I could find Ralph but he was gone. I asked the woman if this was some type of candid camera joke and if there were cameras. She said it wasn’t a joke, and that Ralph made her promise to make sure I received the gifts. I stood there for a few minutes as the tears rolled down my cheeks. I was speechless and very thankful. On Christmas day my 10 year old asked where the presents came from and I told him ... Santa.
16.9K Reads
- Posted by 2zdrbz
- Jul 27, 2010
- Comments (39)
Readers Comments
Bluebell wrote: You are vey much Blessed. Thank you for sharing your lovely story. Love and Light, Bluebell
unknown wrote: Inspiring and wonderful. Loved it. -Author Diana Neiderhiser.
railyn wrote: I have to say I love this story. I read it and then reread it to my husband who got all weepy eyed and said "hey that is kind of cool" I find that there is not that much kindness left in the world and when these acts are shared it refreshes my hope in humanity. Wonderful story, let me know if you ever see Ralph again and give him a big ole hug from me for being wonderful.
unknown wrote: I cried when I read this story. It is so beautiful. Makes me wonder if Ralph was really an Angel "himself." Could it be? Sure sounds like a Christmas miracle to me. I love beautiful stories like this. Makes the world a better place again. Proves that beautiful things really do happen and probably a lot more than we realize. Also proves that beautiful souls really do exist
within the chaos of this planet. IF we all focused entirely upon the good, perhaps the bad would diminish. -Author Diana Neiderhiser.
within the chaos of this planet. IF we all focused entirely upon the good, perhaps the bad would diminish. -Author Diana Neiderhiser.
2010intent wrote: What a wonderful tale of spreading joy. If only more people would take a moment to stop and help another. Very uplifting.
madeusmile wrote: What JOY! I wonder if Ralph knows how many spirits he lifted, and continues to lift, with his kindness! Amazing!
2zdrbz wrote: Thank you for all of your comments and smiles. I still look for Ralph every time I go to that store.
adds wrote: What a fantastic and inspiring story. Very reassuring to know that there are people like ralph out there.
Keep smiling!
Keep smiling!
yetty wrote: I just can't stop smiling. This story is so inspiring.
tcsgirl wrote: Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it.
