Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Paying With Conversation


--by hpotter, posted Feb 20, 2008
As I was waiting for the bus, I saw a shuttle rickshaw and decided to hope in.  Inside, I found a mother sitting with her daughter. The little girl was absolutely precious -- all dressed up in a new outfit, her hair done, new shoes and a purse on her lap.

I began talking to the little girl. They were headed to her aunt's house to celebrate the holiday.  She happily pointed out her school on route and told me about her shoes that squeak when she walks.  Her enthusiasm and smile were absolutely heartwarming.

While conversing, I noticed something unusual. The driver wasn't stopping at the bus stops en route to pick up more passengers. In my mind, I began to think if this trip was going to cost more than the bus fare.  "Maybe I should have asked how much it was going to be before I jumped in," I thought to myself.  But since I had enough money in my purse, I pushed aside the thought and carried on with the conversation.

When we arrived at my destination, I asked the driver how much it costs and he shook his head and said, "No cost."

I stood there dumbfounded. Then I looked to the woman in the back when it dawned on me -- the driver was her husband!  

All I did was talk to their daughter with love and that was worth more than the shuttle fare.
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Readers Comments

WENDY wrote: WOW, YOUR STORY BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE! I LOVE THIS GROUP!If I am having a bad day I just click my mouse and happiness I find.IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT THE MOST! people like you make the world a better place:)
cindy wrote: a little love goes a long way.
lOVEBUG wrote: I could wish to be you, but I can't. So my hope is to be me. God Bless
Barry wrote: I absolutely loved the part where the little girl speaks of her new shoes squeaking. Brought back memories of being a small boy and wearing something new. I bet that will be a ride you'll never forget.
JuneBug wrote: Oh how cute of a story is this!!! I love talking to children! They are sooo funny! :}
perseverance wrote: lovely that is the word
speedi wrote: Wonderful! Children are our future of tommorrow and we never know what pearls of wisdom may spill from the mouths...
and we should listen to them so as to help teach them.
butterfly wrote: thanks for your delightful story. you were truely blessed as you are an angel. children are co cute and great to chat to. loads love, butterfly xx
Rayann wrote: How nice of those people to offer you a ride without anything in return.

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