Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Four Bags Of Ice


--by froggierintx, posted Dec 28, 2007

I stopped at a convenience store on the way home from my monthly trek to the surgeon for a medical procedure.  I usually stop and get myself some candy and a pop as  a treat for surviving the torture.

This time I noticed an elderly woman getting a bag of ice and went to walk around so as not to be in her way.  Right  then, she paused her work and gently asked, "I can move, if you'd like to pass through."  "No, I'm fine.  I'll just go this way.  But can I give you a hand?"  "No, that's alright."  And so, I went on inside the store.

As I got my candy, I turned around to see if there was anything else I needed and I saw the ice-lady again.  "How are you doing?" I asked her.  "Okay.  Just have to pay for my ice and get home."  "How many bags of ice?"  "Four."

I told the cashier to include the four bags of ice on my tab.  The ice-lady immediately responded, "Why would you do that?"  To which I said, "No reason.  I just feel like it."

She gave me a big hug and told me she was getting ice to take bag to her trailer and that in the morning she had to take her husband to the hospital for tests.  We then started talking about life and health and God.

Looking back, she did more for me than I did for her, since I was myself returning from my own health care (a five hour trip one way) and was getting down about having to do it for the rest of my life.  She really touched my heart and I am thankful for running into her.

As she left, she gave me a Smile Card too.  And I just wanted to say thank you to her, in the event she ever finds herself reading this -- thank you so much!

3661 Reads

Readers Comments

Thaata wrote: What is in store for us will be known only when we reach out with kindness. Connecting with people has tremondous potential to brighten up our lives as also others. Thanks for being such a kind soul.
Charlie48 wrote: How lovely that you paid her tab and then helped her load the ice. It turned what could have been a bad day into a memorable one. Reaching out in kindness is always a gift; even more so when we have our own troubles, but often when we reach out, the other person helps lift us as well.
katlampi wrote: Ohh how sweet! Crazy that she was on helpothers.org also! What a small and beautiful world! :)
miamaia wrote: I have cancer,and thru my treatments,i too have met wonderful people like you,and this lady.God knows what we need!
perseverance wrote: lovely!
EePee wrote: I thank you for sharing your experience; it meant a lot to me because I do have health issues & have learnt so much for them.
I wish you & yours the best.
E
lOVEBUG wrote: Their is nothing easy about life, there are no accidents in life, but God always sends us moments we can remember, it gives us hope. God bless you and the woman who gave you comfort.
JuneBug wrote: Such a wonderful story! God works in mysterious ways, huh? :}
irongrace wrote: this story is very powerful and to worte it i hope your health stays with you
gwboocat wrote: Awesome! Very moving. Thanks so much for sharing & have lots of fun passing on the smile card!!

Add A Comment