Swift Reaction At a Circus

--by afriendlysmile, posted Jul 25, 2007

Once when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus. Finally, there was only one family between us and the ticket counter. This family made a big impression on me. There were eight children, all probably under the age of 12. You could tell they didn't have a lot of money. Their clothes were not expensive, but they were clean. The children were well-behaved, all of them standing in line, two-by-two behind their parents, holding hands. They were excitedly jabbering about the clowns, elephants and other acts they would see that night. One could sense they had never been to the circus before. It promised to be a highlight of their young lives.

The father and mother were at the head of the pack standing proud as could be. The mother was holding her husband's hand, looking up at him as if to say, "You're my knight in shining armor." He was smiling and basking in pride, looking at her as if to reply, "You got that right."

The ticket lady asked the father how many tickets he wanted. He proudly responded, "Please let me buy eight children's tickets and two adult tickets so I can take my family to the circus."

The ticket lady quoted the price.

The man's wife let go of his hand, her head dropped. the man's lip began to quiver. The father leaned a little closer and asked, "How much did you say?"

The ticket lady again quoted the price.

The man didn't have enough money.

How was he supposed to turn and tell his eight kids that he didn't have enough money to take them to the circus?

Seeing what was going on, my dad put his hand into his pocket, pulled out a $20 bill and dropped it on the ground. (We were not wealthy in any sense of the word!) My father reached down, picked up the bill, tapped the man on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket."

The man knew what was going on. He wasn't begging for a handout but certainly appreciated the help in a desperate, heartbreaking, embarrassing situation. He looked straight into my dad's eyes, took my dad's hand in both of his, squeezed tightly onto the $20 bill, and with his lip quivering and a tear streaming down his cheek, he replied, "Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family."

My father and I went back to our car and drove home. We didn't go to the circus that night, but we didn't go without.

I think this story reminds us that we have to act fast and not to let the opportunity slip by us.

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Posted by afriendlysmile
Jul 25, 2007
Comments (22)

Readers Comments

AURELIA wrote: Very touching. The other man now had to explain to his children why they were NOT going to the circus. They may not have understand the lesson (doing without for the sake of strangers/others) at that early age, but see how it stuck with them until they were old enough to share it with us now. Super story. ~Aurelia

Alraisi wrote: You Really Made Me Cry. Such a onerful thing your dad did. I ould do the same is I was there in this position. I Love You...lol Tell Your Dad GOD won't forget what you did for that man. And May GOD sent you that day only to help that man and he didn't want you to watch the show. I Say It From My Heart : May GOD Make Your Dreams Become True...!!! Alraisi

brighteyes wrote: Thanks for sharing this lovely inspirational story and I agree wholehearted in your conclusions, that we need to get swiftly and not let kindness opportunities slip by....I also like that he acted anonymously....not looking for recognization for his act of kindness....but quietly acting none the less....wonderful....had me tearing up but also smiling!! Brighteyes ;)

tenderheart wrote: I truly agree with brighteyes. You are awesome. it was an amazing story and thanks for motivating me and others. thanks for sharing. and continue making a difference. :)

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great story afriendlysmile. Things like that make all the difference to people. Opportunities pop up to spread kindness every day if only we pay attention! Thanks for making me smile today!

adityap1984 wrote: The mans reaction to the act of ur father moved me....

Theema wrote: Such a wonderful story. Amazing the things that we learn from our parents - life lessons that stick with us through our lives

PamelaJo wrote: To give and receive in all the ways we are able, what a nice reminder of how we all have the chance to spread grace around. Thanks for sharing and thank your dad for being so fully in the moment:)

guin wrote: wow
lovely story,thanks for sharing.

moni73ka wrote: There need to be more men like your father in this world.

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