Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Things Aren't Always What They Seem


--by missdre, posted Oct 5, 2010

Last week I was in the store getting my weekly groceries. As I shopped I noticed one couple in particular. Our paths seemed to cross in a few aisles. Once, my cart got in their way and the woman was surprisingly annoyed.

As I walked on through the store I couldn't help but wonder why she had been so upset with me.

That same couple ended up ahead of me in the check-out queue. I could tell they were adding up the price of their groceries very carefully. They kept checking to see if they had gone over their price limit, which was quite low for a couple with a small baby.

Once they had got to their limit and had to return some of the groceries I realized it probably wasn't me the woman was upset with. Buying groceries for her family on such a strict budget was probably stressing her out. 

I ran out to the parking lot after them and told them they forgot something. I handed them a grocery gift card and, as tears welled up in the woman's eyes, I was reminded that things aren't always what they seem, and how lucky I am for the things I do have in life.

I will never forget that moment.

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Readers Comments

Vivien wrote: Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~jesse jackson
Brad wrote: I love that you didn't get angry at the first impression she gave you, but rather you remained humble in your aproach to meet a need and not simply matching your response to hers. Things arn't always what they seem.
luv4all wrote: Such a sweet gesture, thank you for being who you were in the moment.
Evelina wrote: You brought tears to my eyes, this is so true and so wonderful!


Thank you very much
bookworm58 wrote: Your so sweet to help people in their time of need. If everyone helped just one person a day the world would be a better place. Thanks for sharing the story. It gives me the inspiration to help others too.
bobojani wrote: You are a great gift from god may your pocket be replenised a hundredfold
serveothers wrote: You must be very compassionate person. Your deep thoughts and thoughtfulness to help the couple is highly commendable.
smileamile wrote: Your story truly touched my heart and made me shed a tear. In a world were things are getting harder for everyone, how nice of you to be so kind and thoughtful and to help lighten someone elses burden. May god bless you for your kindness.
iferlamb wrote: How wonderful! You were so very kind to them. Thank you for sharing your story.

Smiles.
Ðí´«¿¡ wrote: This is often the case in life and we must have a considerable perspective aspect to others' feelings and behaviours to make easy others as well as ourselves. A vivid account for real life enounterment. Thank you indeed to have provided us such an unforgettable experience about life.

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