R13, D18

[IslandGirl]

Today's was one of my favourite gifts ever. Bear with me as I give you the setup: I went up to an outdoors store to get the replacement lace I needed; the store is located in a shopping centre off a highway, amid a 'miracle mile' of auto dealers - not exactly downtown. I got the lace, then popped into a drugstore for some necessities. I went to put my headphones back on - I've been wearing my backup pair - and found that, while I was at the outdoors store, one of the rubber earpiece tips had come off and disappeared. A little annoying, but not a huge deal, as I had some extras at home. It just meant I couldn't listen to anything until I came home and replaced it. So - uncharacteristically - I was standing in line without some kind of talk or podcast in my ears. Which meant I heard what was happening at the register.

An elderly man - late 80s, I'd guess - had pulled out a change purse to pay for what looked like a tube of generic antibiotic ointment (I couldn't really tell, but it was that size and shape). He didn't have enough money. After checking his pockets, he realized he didn't have a debit or credit card with him either. "I guess I'll have to go back home and get my credit card," he told the cashier. Did I mention this place is kind of in the middle of nowhere? Even if he lived not too far away, that would still likely be at least a half-hour trip for him each way, factoring in parking, etc. So without even thinking about it, I said, "Here, let me get it." And I gave my debit card to the cashier (praying that it was, in fact, inexpensive generic antibiotic cream, and not something wildly expensive). At first, he protested, but I wouldn't hear of it, and I asked him simply to pass a kind act along to someone else in the future. He was floored. 

I was giddy with joy. I love when giving makes me feel this way, and I love when a perfect opportunity like this comes up. (Fortunately, it was only $5). I felt happy about it for several hours. Happy that I could do it, and happy that I did it. I think the cashier assumed I knew the man, but it also makes me happy that she witnessed an act of kindness. I thought of the study that shows kindness gives a seratonin boost not only to the recipient, but also to the giver (which I totally experienced!) and to people who witness it.

And... if my headphone earpiece hadn't gone missing, I wouldn't have overheard the conversation. 

I wish I could say that giving always makes me feel that way - that would be awesome. But I think there's something about being able to give in a way that totally surprises people that really makes me happy.

Earlier in the day, I'd paid ahead for a random stranger's coffee (I pay for an extra coffee, and the baristas give someone a free coffee at some point during the day). I did that because, over the past few days, not many spontaneous opportunities came up. So that was a bonus. 

I also finished the project I was working on and sent it off to the client this afternoon. I feel a bit nervous, because I gave her a lot of feedback, mostly about how to improve the material; I think she thought it was farther along than it actually was. So I have no idea how she'll react. I haven't heard anything from her, which is unusual - in our other correspondences, she's always replied almost immediately. 

Hope you all had wonderful Tuesdays. Cheers! 

[Lefty]

I think what makes those so special is we don't expect a stranger to help or give to us.  It is such an ultimate kindness because we don't have any reason to do it, it is just to be kind.  It reflects so beautifully on you and make the receiver feel really special.  Thanks for sharing that one!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

I can see this in my mind and I am smiling from ear to ear! xoxo

[Lois55 wwt]

Don't fret too much, she could have had other distractions, maybe you will hear from her tomorrow...I love your give to the man! That was truly awesome and so generous and kind....he won't forget you, i know it!