I left my wallet with debit and credit card at a friend’s house and found myself with no cash this morning and no access to get any for a few hours. Desperate for a Diet Coke, I scrounged up $1.26 in dimes and nickels and found a winning scratch off lottery ticket that I could redeem for $1. My plan was to trade the ticket for the dollar can of soda and look for a snack I could afford.
When I asked how much the Hostess Donettes cost the cashier said $2 so I put them back and said “nevermind.” He asked how much I had in the way that I understood I could buy them for the $1.26. I said “it’s ok” and grabbed my can of Diet Coke.
At the register I asked to trade the can for the ticket then realized this gas station didn’t sell tickets so they wouldn’t redeem them. He offered to take it anyway. I told him there was no need as I had a dollar. I nodded to the guy now waiting behind me to go ahead and began to count my change out. Suddenly the guy who went ahead held out a $5 bill for me to take. My eyes got watery at the unconditional generosity and compassion I was being shown by these men. I did refuse but thanked him and explained that I did have money, just not at that second.
I can now say for certain random acts of kindness do their job. The one aimed at me, though not needed, made my day a whole lot better and gave me some hope for us all. I will pay this one forward big time!
