Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Flat Tire and an Unexpected Helper


--by hasifa, posted Aug 31, 2011

Yesterday after work I went to get into my car and to my surprise, I had a flat tire. I have always been the type of person who remains calm no matter what situation I’m in. This time, I was perturbed; this was the second flat tire I have had in one week. As I struggled to get the spare out of my trunk, a car pulled up next to me. It was my boss Marvin.

To give you a quick background, Marvin is seriously ill and receives chemotherapy three times a week which leaves him very tired and weak. He was in his car heading home to rest when he saw I was in need. He asked me for the tools and I almost said "no" because I did not think he was well enough for such a task. However, he wouldn’t take no for an answer so I handed them over.

He lay on the dirty ground, not at all worried about his clothes and when to work with the tire jack to get the car off the ground. It broke my heart to see him struggling with the tool but he was determined.  Because of his current condition, he doesn’t have much strength so the process took a lot of time and a lot of energy out of him.  After a while we solicited for the help of another man and he and Marvin together changed my tire and had me on my merry way!  
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Readers Comments

RMB333 wrote: It was really kind of marvin to help you, even with his serious condition. Wish him a speedy recovery! Thank you for sharing. And bless all 3 of you!
4everblooming wrote: "never deny a giver a gift! " i once heard that advise. He gifted you with help and you can bet he went to sleep with a smile on his face. "better to give than to receive! "
Steph wrote: I am so glad to see that you are recognizing the "small" gifts that people give one another. It is exactly what i hope to do on my site, as well. I would also like to add that "letting" people help you is a wonderful gift the the "helper". Often times (like in the case of a death in friend's family) all you really can do is take some food, fold some clothes, or in the case of my dear friends(although they did so much more) make sure i had extra pantyhose and a bottle of water in the limo heading to my son's grave. Little acts of kindness do matter and they really probably matter most of all.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Even though Marvin is going through some challenges with his cancer, it was great you let him help you. Sometimes the normal things or other kind things a person can do will help them as they try to heal. I am sure he loves all you have done for him and is happy to be able to repay your kindness in his own way! :)
Geethanjali wrote: Awesome :):):)
Bluebell wrote: It sounds like Marvin is truly special. Endless Blessings for the 3 of you. Bluebell

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