Stories of Kindness from Around the World

No Cart Needed


--by crosby2126, posted Jul 7, 2013
I ran into a local store today to pick up a few things.  It was a quick errand, so I didn't take a cart on my way inside.  

As I walked around the aisles, I passed by a young couple and their baby. I continued through the store, grabbed the few items I needed, and ended up standing behind this couple in the checkout line.
While waiting, I noticed that the young father was clutching his money and nervously watching each transaction on the register. The young mother was cradling the baby in her arms and asked the cashier for a job application. 

When the total was rung up, they had to pick items out of their cart because they didn't have enough money. But all their items were basic necessities. It just broke my heart to witness the couple attempt to figure out what they could do without. Somehow ,they managed to whittle down their items and paid the bill with the money that they had.

After they left, I quietly asked the cashier to please add those items to mine. The cashier rang everything up, and then got me a shopping cart. We put in their items and I hurried over to their car.
"This is for you," I told them.

The young father just looked at me with such gratitude and thanked me. I will never forget the expression in his eyes.  As I was getting into my car, they drove over. The young mother said, "Miss, thank you so much."

My eyes welled up with tears-- as they are again now, while I write this.  "You are so welcome. Pay it forward some day," I replied.
"We will."
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Readers Comments

MamaPajama wrote: Your story brought tears to my eyes. You are a beautiful human being. I'm sure they will pay it forward someday when they're able. Many blessings to you!
SmileSharer wrote: That was so kind of you! That brought tears to my eyes, knowing that there are people out there that suffer that much, and knowing that there are people out there like you that are willing to help. Thank you.
annjav wrote: It is heartbreaking to watch people trying to choose which necessities they will do without. Thanks for being such a good example and being aware of their struggle!
Wayfarer wrote: Beautiful! God's work, elegantly done :-)
josietn wrote: Thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of us...
cyrilsmom wrote: u r so wonderful.
Bluxess wrote: Fabulous ! I am sure you probably had twice their joy :-) Immense Blessings to you. Bluxess.
AURELIA wrote: You were meant to be there for them! God Bless you for following your heart ... Smiling because you are awesome :0) ~Aurelia
MichaelR wrote: What a wonderful person you are. Words cannot describe how i feel reading your story. Thank you so much.
Rash wrote: Awesome job! You make a world better place to live with your kindness! Love it.

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