Stories of Kindness from Around the World

No matter how much money I don’t have, I always try to think positive. Sometimes, I hate it when I start thinking about money because it brings me down, makes me sad how others have more, and are doing more. When I was younger, I always wondered why money was so important, there wasn’t anything I needed. It’s good to be kid, not having to worry about responsibilities. But as everyone gets older, of course that changes. I work almost everyday, but it’s still not enough, that’s what is frustrating - it’s never enough.

Right now I have to sacrifice the money I make. I put my school on hold so that I can pay for my girlfriend's school, paying for tuition and everything else. I’m very supportive because in everything I do, she is also very supportive, we are each other’s number one fan. Helping her really puts everything in perspective, because we only have each other. I find that hope is my inspiration, that everything will work out no matter how hard it gets. Even though I find that life is hard, it never stops me from helping others, especially those less fortunate. While I might be going through hard times myself, there are those out there who could be going through even harder times.

Last night, on my way home I stopped by to grab some burgers at a fast food restaurant. On my way in, a homeless man approaches me and ask, “Do you have any bottles lying around?” I knew he would recycle it for a few cents, if I had any, but I didn’t so I said, “Sorry, I don’t.” And again he asked, “Can you spare some change?” I smiled, and said, “Sorry, I don’t.” He was very respectful, he smiled back and said, “Ok, thank you.”Even though he didn’t have anything, he was still in good spirit, I could sense he was articulate, and just from the way he spoke I could tell he was smart.

I went in and ate my meal, but in the back of my head I wondered if he was hungry. But I also thought if I should buy him something, or not. I wrestled back and forth with the idea, and only after I finished my meal did I decide to order another one for him. At this point I didn’t know if he was still around, but I tried anyways. At the counter I ordered a burger and also a hot chocolate, because it was cold outside, and I thought it would help warm him up. They handed me the hot chocolate first and as I waited for my burger, I noticed the homeless man standing beside me with a tray full of pennies all laid out. I looked at him and smiled, “This hot chocolate is for you.” He replies, “Oh, thank you.” I ask, “Are you hungry?” He replied, “Yes, yes I am.” I said, “Good, cause there’s a burger coming up for you too.” I could tell he was happy, he replied like a gentleman, “Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you.” Before I left, I introduced myself and asked his name, extended my hand and shook his hand. His name is Allan, and I hope that made his night, because it certainly made mine.

No matter how hard I have it, there are always those you have it harder. And it’s not always about money, it’s about love. If you love someone, you will give them what they deserve. The love you give today, someone might forget tomorrow, it doesn’t matter, love anyways, because the greatest thing you can give is love.