Random Act of Kindness

[marleysmama]

I did a random act of kindness tonight.  I was dropping my husband off at his car.  He had parked at Spangles in North T after work, when a co-worker of his who lives in Perry gave him a ride up to Perry to my parents' cabin where I was staying with my parents and the kids today.  I didn't want to drive back with nobody to tend to Charlie if he started crying in the backseat.  So Steve came to Perry after working late and I was dropping him back off at his car where he had parked it at Spangles, so we wouldn't have to drive clear back to his work to get his car.  Spangles was on the way.  There was a homeless man sitting directly in front of our cars, leaning up against a tree.  He didn't look drunk, just homeless.  He had some of his possessions with him.  I got out to switch places with Steve, so I could drive home, while Steve was getting in his car.  The homeless man spoke to us, he just said hello and I said hello back.  My husband pulled away and I had accidentally bumped the horn when I was turned around putting Charlie's pacifier in before I pulled away.  I felt bad because it probably startled the guy.  Anyway I turned to tell him sorry, with a little wave, like I didn't mean to do that.  That's when I looked into his eyes, my headlights shining in his direction.  He was pleasant looking, had a friendly look.  I decided I would see how many $1 bills I had in my wallet and give them to him.  He probably needed them more than I did.  I have a roof over my head at least.  Plus my husband said the man had been there when he had dropped off his car hours before, so I think he was probably staying there in the grassy area between Spangles and the K-Mart parking lot overnight.  I only had $2, but I got out of the car and walked up to the man.  Steve had already drove off, and I know that was risky, but it felt right.  I said "Could you use this?"  And he said, "I guess I probably could."  He took the money and said "Thank you young lady, you have a wonderful year."  I told him, "You too" and walked away.  I wanted him to know there was kindness in unexpected places, to not lose hope.  Who knows what he does with the money, but that's not really my concern.  It's his life, he can do with it as he chooses.  But for one brief moment, when he had little to call his own, he knew I cared.

My challenge to all who read this is to do one random act of kindness this weekend, and let me know what you did.  I'd like to hear your story.

[lilandy11]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 12:13 AM

I definitely will Megan......that was a wonderful thing you did!

[orionsmom1]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 1:02 AM

I will too! I was just thinking about this yesterday. I had to take the toll road to get where I was going, so when I stopped to pay my toll, I gave them enough money for the next two cars who came through. I like doing things like this... it is awesome that you are such a caring and thoughtful person!

[BandBsmom08]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 9:03 AM

Same here! I do stuff like this as often as I can! I pay tolls for people, pay for their food in the drive thru, stop and give them things when I see them on the street, mostly that has happened in KC. When they come into my office and haven't had anything to eat, etc. I will see what opportunity presents itself this weekend! Great story!

 

[BSeignemartin]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 9:31 AM

 I have yet to see a homeless person here in TOpeka. IN California I would keep bags of chips and snacks and stuff b/c where ever you got of the freeway there was bound to be at least one. Thanks for the challenge! I'll pray today for my opportunity!

[LindseyS]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 10:16 AM

I will be on the look out for an opportunity to help someone out this week.  Megan, thanks for the inspiration!

[Pieta0227]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 3:04 PM

great story!  i had an experience much like that a while back.  there was a woman sitting on a curb at the hospital parking lot crying, sobbing.  I felt like i had to do something so i got out of my car and asked her if she was okay or needed help.  she said her father was dying in the hospital and her husband just called to tell her he was leaving her.  i felt an overwhelming urge to give her a hug, so i did.  she sobbed into my shoulder.  when she caught her breath i had to go but i always wondered how she was doing.  i never even got her name.  

i live in lawrence, not far from you!  the mention of spangles caught my attention! ;) 

[veg4animals2006]

Feb. 7, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Good for you! It's always great to take the time out to do something for someone else..

[mom2Jillybean]

Feb. 9, 2009 at 10:25 AM

You will be blessed for that..... I too have done this on many occasions and will continue to do so as long as I am able....  Thank you for sharing your generosity!

[goodpairofshoes]

Feb. 10, 2009 at 11:11 AM

I put a note under someone's windshield wiper.  It said "someone loves you"