Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Crumpled Dollar


--by Babygirl, posted Apr 8, 2007

When I was working as a waitress at a small resturant by the highway, an older gentlemen came in to purchase a cup of coffee. I recognized him because he was the gentleman who lived under the bridge that was just down the street.

When he came in, he placed a crumpled dollar on the counter and asked if that was enough.  I told him it was plenty, went to get his coffee and handed him a menu at the same time. He looked at me confused and I told him to order what he wanted.

After his meal and a to-go bag with a fresh cup of coffee, he smiled and left.  But as I was cleaning up his place, I noticed the crumpled dollar on the counter.

I stood there and cried because I knew this was probably all he had.

I placed the crumpled one in my apron and pulled out a ten; I asked a friend to catch up with him and give him something from me.  I never saw him again but his smile stays with me even today.

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Readers Comments

AURELIA wrote: Babygirl...what a quick thinker you are. That was a special thing to do for someone. A warm meal and extra cash for his needs. Very inspirational. Peace.
ADEMI wrote: That is huge babygirl and very very impressive I must say. You never know where that attitude will take you. Just keep being nice and kind you will be the most happiest being ever lived. WALE
silentdreamer wrote: beautiful. god bless u.
marcie wrote: WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY I ALMOST CRIED AS IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WHEN I WAS ABOUT 9 YEARS OF AGE I WAS COMMING HOME FROM SCHOOL TO BUY MY LUNCH AT THE SHOP AND SAW THIS VERY OLD POOR MAN THAT LIVED ALONE IN THE STREET I PUT DOWN MY LUNCH MONEY HOPING HE WOULD PICK IT UP AS HE WALKED PAST THINKING HE FOUND IT BUT TO MY DISMAY HE WALKED STRAIGHT OVER IT. HOW I WISH I HAD OF GIVEN IT STRAIGHT TO HIM BUT HE PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN IT FROM ME.
smilingtofu wrote: ^^
You have a compassionate heart ^^
It was a touching story.
lovebug wrote: You do have a compssinate heart, don't let anyone talk you out of it
sleepytomato wrote: This is a really touching story! :) I know that homeless people are not regarded very well in society and for you to step up and do something so kind, it really inspires and warms me. :) THANKS YOU for being so kind :)
omniscient wrote: :-)
Roxy79 wrote: Very kind and beautiful, brought tears to my eyes.
Jeniffer wrote: What a beautiful story!! It made me cry for sure!! My grandfather was a homeless man who died on the streets. I was a little girl when this took place but I remember feeling like I want to help the homeless however I can. I will always give homeless money or a bite to eat, hoping that other people years ago did the same for my grandfather. This story will stay with me!! Thank you

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