Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Small Dose of Hope, Thirty Years Ago


--by EsTeeBee, posted Mar 18, 2008
When I was in my first year of college, I hit a stretch where every area of my life was a disaster, I felt hopeless and alone, and more depressed than I knew was possible.

On one such day, I was walking from class across campus to catch my bus home, head down, fighting tears of total despair, when a guy came down the sidewalk toward me. I had never seen him before.  Embarrassed at being seen in such an emotional mess, I turned my head away and hoped to hurry past.  I figured he'd walk on by, but he moved until he was directly in front of me, waited until I looked up, then smiled. 

Looking into my eyes, this stranger spoke in a quiet voice: "Whatever is wrong will pass. You're going to be ok, just hang on."   He, then, smiled again and walked away.

I can't explain the impact of that moment, of that man's unexpected kindness and unconditional caring! He gave me the one thing I'd lost completely: hope.  I looked for him on campus, to thank him, but never saw him again.

That was thirty years ago.  And I've never forgotten that moment.  Over the years, whenever I see someone in distress, I think of that old man and try to give a glimmer of hope in the dark wherever I can -- carrying groceries for people, sitting with cranky babies in airport lounges while the mother got up and got herself food/restroom, talking to tired couples at the checkout line, it could be anything.

If you keep your head up, your heart will show you the place that need a small dose of hope.
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Readers Comments

warmth wrote: Very well said. I am proud of u the way u have handled urself after the situaton u went thru. U r passing the hope and positivity that the kind gentleman shared with u. Well done. Keep up the good work :)
JuneBug wrote: I believe God sent you a angel....How cool is that?
makesomeonesmile wrote: Words of encouragement can make the greatest difference for us all. Thanks for caring and sharing!
brighteyes wrote: Got to agree with JuneBug..my first thoughts after reading your story (by the way-grinning ear to ear) was oh, my gosh, esteebee had a visitation fron an angel, maybe guardian angel disguised as a human to deliver the message of HOPE!

HOW COOL IS THAT??? Brighteyes ;)
lovebug wrote: As I read your story, you reminded me of myself. I often find myself saying "keep your head up" none of us walk along. God Bless.
Phoenyx wrote: The fact that you paid it forward made all the difference in the world.. and still does. Keep up the great work!
Meredith wrote: You are awesome! Being a loved one to someone who gets seriously depressed I applaud you for caring! You save lives.
bae6 wrote: I had to write.Sometimes people will help when you least expect it.We dont know who they are ,but this persons sounds like an angel.Take care!
cabbage wrote: I loved your story, and I especially appreciated the last line "keep your head up so that your heart can show you the place that needs hope"--very true, thanks for the reminder
mitu915 wrote: cool! thanks for giving me your hope tonight! it helps!! :)

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