A Gas Station Gift I Couldn't Afford

--by bubbie, posted Jul 23, 2011

Just recently, there was a man standing near the islands in the gas station when I pulled in. I had recognized him from before, when I saw him trying to cross 4 lanes of traffic with crutches. He still had his crutches with him.

When I got out of the car he politely asked me if he could pump my gas. I said, no thank you and continued on. I started to notice he asked other people the same question, and I realized he was doing it for money, but he wasn't getting any. As I looked at him, he seemed genuinely worn out and running low on energy.

As I passed by him to go inside, he smiled and commented on how hot it was. I agreed, and asked him if he had walked here. He said yes, he is trying to get donations to be able to keep him and his sick wife in a hotel, because thats the only place left for them, besides the street. I went inside the gas station grabbed a couple of cold waters, and went back outside.

As I approached him and handed him the water, he looked at me with teary eyes, then I handed him the change from a twenty. He looked back at me and said, "God Bless You."

My heart felt so good!

I really couldn't afford to give him what I did, but by golly, at least I have the luxury of knowing where I'll be every night. Most people will call me a sucker and I gave into a bum.

I don't believe that. I did what I thought was right.

8019 Reads

Posted by bubbie
Jul 23, 2011
Comments (40)

Readers Comments

Grammagussie wrote: Kudos to you for helping...and Kudos to him for trying to "earn" his handout by offering a service.Thank You for sharing this story. In my humble but correct opinion you made the right choice.

Neise wrote: I think what you did was right also, it is so sad that people are forced to live like that, it breaks my heart. You are a wonderful person, you gave from the heart and there is not greater gift.

cabbage wrote: Doing what is right and following your generous heart is NOT "being a sucker". You did the right thing, and bless you for being there.

lynzall wrote: How kind of you,

karen wrote: That was good of you to do that for him, don't worry if you couldnt afford to give him that money, it will be given back to you in some way, trust me

lovebug wrote: You are not alone honey, there is not a day that goes by, that I do not have someone tell me what a sucker I am, marshmellow, soft touch, you name it, I have been accused of it. You did the right thing. Never be afraid to give your last penny, God will always lay His blessing right at your feet. All you have to do is pick them up. God Bless you. You did the right thing

Bluebell wrote: God Bless you! You acted with your heart. We would live in a better world if more people would be "suckers" like you. Peace and Love be with you.

Priscilla wrote: Wow, that is so nice of you. That really is an inspirational story, and I do believe that it's the little things that matter. How nice!

Azeret wrote: This story brings tears to my eyes! In June my ex-husband severly broke his leg. Because he couldn't work, he couldn't pay rent and was kicked out of where he was living. Were it not for us trying to remain friends and me letting him convalesce in my home, he'd be homeless on crutches. Just because someone is asking for money does not mean they are a bum. You never know what is going on in someone else's life. My ex has had to apply for assistance at the indigent hospital and tomorrow is finally seeing an orthopedic specialist more than a month after the accident! I think it's wonderful that you gave so selfishly.

cinnamonhead wrote: i try and share all the time even when i really need it for something else, but God always sees and provides, thank you for being kind

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