Proper Attire For A Stranger

--by Tigerlily, posted Dec 13, 2007

My friend Robert started a new job this week and he's been in training class for two days. The employer has a very strict dress code --- dark blue shirts and khaki pants.

On the first day, an older gentleman in his class did not have the proper attire and he was sternly told that he would be dismissed if he didn't have the right attire the next day. He explained, "Sir, I had not been told about this. Because of my larger size, it's sometimes difficult to find the right clothing for a price I can afford."

Last night, Robert and I decided that this old man shouldn't lose his job simply because he couldn't afford the clothes. I had some cash on hand at home and Robert took it with him this morning just in case it was needed.

When training started this morning, the trainer was ready to fire the older gentleman. "You have 10 minutes to be in proper attire," he was told. At this point, Robert spoke up and asked if he could have 10 minutes to get him the clothes. He then ran out to the store and purchased the proper size pants and a shirt; he returned with both and gave them to other man.

The older gentleman began to cry and told him that he couldn't accept such a gift from a stranger. Robert told him he had to because he had lost the receipt and couldn't return it. (A little white lie. :)) The pants were a perfect fit, the shirt was a bit tight but he was able to keep his job.

"My wife and I tried to scrape together some money last night, but we didn't have enough to buy the clothes," he told Robert. Still with tears in his eyes, he added, "It's unbelievable to me that anybody would do such a thing for barely knowing me a day!"

More unbelievable is how good it has made Robert and I feel to do this.

15.9K Reads

Posted by Tigerlily
Dec 13, 2007
Comments (41)

Readers Comments

AURELIA wrote: WOW, I'm so touch by both of you. I love it when we follow our hearts and not our pocketbooks/money/selfish ways. I'm so inspired and can keep plugging forward on the lookout for good deeds to do. :) ~Aurelia

JuneBug wrote: This story brought tears to my eyes! How loveing! How kind!!!!!

warmth wrote: THAT IS JUST GRT. U guys r kind in true sense who would help a stranger. AM inspired a lot by you. Thank u for sharing such a beautiful story. HUGS to u guys. :)

akbj wrote: OK! This is a great story. I have tried to do things like this in the past, & the feeling is impossible to explain. It's just an awesome thing to do something like that for another person. Thank you for sharing that story

kittymobitty wrote: This is just a wonderful story - it is so sad to see people, especially elderly people, struggle. And it is sad to hear of such a cold-hearted trainer - Robert made such a beautiful gesture & I hope the trainer took notice & maybe learned something about being a human being. You get so-o much back when you give of your self - it makes your heart swell & your spirits soar!

Fatso wrote: Hello Dear.

Remember this till the last day on this earth:"When I was being fired, you comforted me then,you gave me that pant and shirt to protect me and help me to hold on to that job, which helped me to provide all for my dear old wife and myself.I will always be praying for you to stay well." I am sure this is what will be in that old man's heart even when six feet deep.You have earned an extra blessing from the old lady too, no jokes, we on this site and many more who read what you write are going to be blessing you more and more,count your blessings name them one by one and see how much you have done!

God Bless.

Barbara

Nickgrand wrote: Thanks for shearing and God bless!!

tsholofelo wrote: wow wowo wow wow! That's sooooooo touchy, it brought joy in my heart. Stories like this bring joy and keeps me going in life. Thank you so much!

lmil1954 wrote: Thank you so much for your touching story. You are blessed!

lhatton wrote: That is a fantastic story!!!! I have tears in my eyes and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart.

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