A Flashlight From An Old Man

--by gcampanella, posted Jun 26, 2007

I recently went to a restaurant to buy a pie for a party. As I walked up the steps and opened the door, I saw a hunched-over old man with a cane walking toward me carrying a handled bag full of things he had just purchased there.

I stepped back and opened the door widely so that he could pass through easily.

As he did so, he stopped and said to me, "Wait!" He set down the bag, reached into one of his pants pockets, and retrieved a tiny plastic keychain flashlight still in its original plastic wrapping. He handed it to me and said, "Take this. I like to give things to people who have done something for me."

I thanked him and told him he was very welcome. I was almost speechless as I watched this old man walk off to his car. I added his token to my keychain and now carry it with me through my days.

Who was the giver? Who was the receiver? What can one say about a person who eagerly gives something to others not from his physical ability but from his realization and acceptance of infirmity?

5731 Reads

Posted by gcampanella
Jun 26, 2007
Comments (21)

Readers Comments

lovebug wrote: What a beautiful story. I can't remember seeing your name before, I suspect that is because I have not taken enough time to read every comment or story. Yours touched my spirit and I Am greatful I took the time . God Bless

fatma wrote: That was nice of him :)

Avinash Takur wrote: this is really great

Sweetmeadowme wrote: Thank you so much for your story. I am physically challenged and sometimes feel useless and a burden....NOW I KNOW HOW TO LIGHT UP SOMEONES LIFE like the old gentleman did yours. Your story was inspiring and I have to quit writing because I need to go to the 99cent store now. Thank you again a billionjillion times!

bibirose wrote: the gentle ripples of kindness just keep on spreading across the sea of humanity.
Thank you for brightening my day, shalom shalom.

nihal kiriella wrote: inpiring lesson to us who seek pleasure without pain. Acceptance without labelling is way of redemption.Understand without grief or joy

irongrace wrote: you gave him light by opening the door and in return he gave you a light.

jan2008 wrote: Very nice story. You never know what kindness is in another person.

loveisall wrote: What a touching story.Every seed you sow comes back double fold

Georgia wrote: Thats an amazing story, I think that other people should follow in this old mans foot steps, I'm only 11 turning 12 on August the 7th but I think that this story has inspired me. Well done thats a great story to share to ppl to bring joy and hope to there life.

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