Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Ice Cream Versus The Beggar


--by zidlore, posted Jul 11, 2007
I started walking from school to our house when I was in 4th grade.  By that time, my allowance was just 10 pesos (about 2 dimes) -- just enough for a tricycle fare (which is 5 pesos).

After I crossed the highway one very hot noon, I saw a very thin man, with a can beside him for alms. Just ten steps after him was the stand where ice cream was sold for 5 pesos. 

My heart was struck but my mind wanted ice cream.

I stopped to think for a while. "If I buy an ice cream and give the man my fare, he won't be able to by anything that could satisfy his hunger. But if I let down my cravings and give him my ten pesos, he can buy rice and put some soy sauce to taste."

I don't know why but I didn't want anyone to see me do my kind act, so I dropped the coin silently and ran to my house with a smile.

I will not forget that moment forever, that feeling that lifted my heart. ^___^
3660 Reads

Readers Comments

brighteyes wrote: Zidlore....
YOU are my Kindness Hero of the Day!!!
I needed a lift and reading your story and comments especially this one has me smiling very wide.
Thank you for choosing kindness and compassion over satisfying a personal "want".
MegaSmiles from Brightyes ;)
monkeyinpajamas wrote: That was just amazing Zidlore!
it made me so happy to read that!
tenderheart wrote: you are amazing. :D I am glad that you were able to help that man. continue spreading act of kindness. what a sweet story. :) thanks for sharing.
janice wrote: Wow beautiful story,you must be very proud of yourself,and also amazed by little things that change many people lives,the best example you made it with that man at such a young age,I hope many others including myself follow you same steps to do good things for the ones we love,and also for the ones we are about to love also.
AURELIA wrote: Hey Zidlore, You did a great thing then. You gave a true gift because you really wanted that icecream but you knew that he needed the pesos more than you did. Good for you! ~Aurelia
venugopal wrote: HAVING THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE AT SUCH AGE IS AMAZING.U R A RARE KIND OF PERSONALITY.IM SURE U R A BORN LEADER.KEEP UP D GD WORK.GOD BLESS U.
denimpoet1951 wrote: I can relate to that little boy. I have seen people on the corners wanting work or money for food. I have gladly given them half of my lunch and a bottle of water and they really appreciate it so much. Sometimes I make sandwiches just to give them away to people i pass by from time to time. Its a blessing to them and to me. Everyone should help others even if its just a sandwich and something to drink.
May everyone do a kind act for others once a week at least.
RipplesGuy wrote: Truly great story, Zidlore, and thanks especially for the last sentence. I think we ALL need reminders that kindness toward others is more delicious than ice cream!!
JuneBug wrote: That was a great story! You have a big heart!
DEARI wrote: THANKS ZIDLORE. YOU REMINDED ME THAT KINDNESS IS SWEETER THAN ICE CREAM. MAY GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY. KEEP SPREADING THE KINDNESS IN YOUR HEART TO ALL.

Add A Comment