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?

5477 Reads

Posted by gcampanella
Jun 26, 2007
Comments (20)

Readers Comments

erinvictoria wrote: That's an awesome story. You did a random act of kindness that was recognized. I'm curious how many tokens of appreciation he gets to give away. I hope that by actually counting his blessings in kindness, he has many to count!

Thanks for sharing a great story. I loved it.

Deb wrote: Wonderful

Chef wrote: Like the man that gave the flashlight in appreciation of someone doing something for him, i give my baking. People so appreciate home-baked goodies. Also remembering their birthdays and giving them a cake is appreciated and just has them grinning from ear to ear.

Raksha Bharadia wrote: Hello gcampanella
I am compiling individual experiences for Chicken soup for the Indian soul. I would like to incorporate this piece. If okay with you please do send yr confirmation at bharadiaraksha@hotmail.com with your full name.

happyhomemom wrote: What a great way to remember your kindness is appreciated. Every time you look at your keys it must motivate you to continue to be kind:)

goodnessflipper wrote: So true ... giving and receiving gives me the same feeling! I get as much pleasure from giving as I do receiving!

JaysonsMom wrote: That was a very nice thing you did and that man surely remembers your kind act. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

OLUCHI wrote: THAT WAS VERY KIND OF U TO SHOW SOME LOVE TO AN OLD MAN. I WAS REALLY INSPIRED BY YOUR STORY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

cackland wrote: beautiful! this story shows the everday beauty in being kind!!!

i love it!

MJ wrote: Beautiful!

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