Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Many of the stories that I read on HelpOthers are all about helping other people, doing acts of kindness for someone else.  Often times it's easy to forget that no matter who you are, you're not always the giver - sometimes it's we who receive that random act of kindness.  When it happens, it almost feels odd to some extent that you are on the other end - receiving vs. giving. In some way, it can be quite a humbling experience.  

And so my story begins ....

My daughter and I had gone into Subway one evening to get sandwiches for the two of us, plus one for my wife.  Prior to going to Subway, I had checked my bank account to make sure that I had money on my debit card.  I had moved what I thought to be several hundred dollars to my card.  Come to find out in my haste, I never confirmed the transaction and so I virtually had no money in my account.

I step up to cash register to pay for our subs, my debit card get's rejected.  I'm standing there telling the cashier it has to be a mistake - so they run it again. REJECTED!!!  Well I'm sure most people have been in this sort of situation and how embarrassing it can be.  Of course, there's a long line of people waiting, hearing this whole thing transpire.  Behind me, I noticed there was a young man in his mid-20's.  I asked the cashier to hold the subs and that I would come back for them.  I went out to my car and called my son, asking him to check my account on line.  Well, I learned I never actually moved the money.

I was explaining to my son what he needed to do to put money into my account when all of a sudden there was a knock at my car window.  The young man (called himself Steve) who had been standing behind me in line was standing there holding our bag of subs.  I was surprised and wondered what was going on.  Opening the door he handed me the subs and told me not to worry, he paid for the subs - he wanted to do something good for someone.

I was stunned that this was happening - usually I'm on the giving end!  I asked Steve for his full name and address so I could send him the money - but he wouldn't hear of it.  He said that he wanted to do it and that he did not want to be reimbursed.  Still stunned - I thanked him several more times and I told him what a nice thing he had done, that we really appreciated it.

As Steve drove from the parking lot, my daughter and I just sat there in amazement how this whole thing unfolded.  Our order cost over $20 and this young man came to our rescue.  I've never seen Steve again, but I will always remember his act of kindness and how humble I felt after being on the receiving end of a random act of kindness.

Lets not forget, it's a wonderful feeling inside to give, it makes us appreciate those times even more when some gives that kindness back.  Humbling to say the least ...