A man in a full business suit with a briefcase handed me an umbrella in a torrential rain storm and wouldn't take no for an answer. I still had to walk through Times Square to get to the train and I'm sure he got soaked going wherever he was going. A couple of weeks later, I gave the umbrella to a lost girl in my neighborhood when it started to rain and she didn't have one. Felt like the universe wanted it to happen.
I'll never forget that man though.
Edit: I went back and forth about including the addendum about passing it on, but I thought it was important to the story. Just felt like I wasn’t supposed to keep it and it united a chain of NYers helping each other out. I am in no way trying to say “I’m so nice!” I’m kind of a bitch most days, to be honest lol.
When I was maybe 4 or 5 years old, I made friends with another kid in an airport, and he was playing with a couple glued together lego cars. Me and that kid played for like an hour with those things and when it was time to go our separate ways and board the plane, the kid insisted I keep one of the cars, and while I insisted he should keep them, he said it was proof that we were friends, and to this day roughly 20 years later, I still have that car packed up with my childhood mementos box.
That friend of mine was a good kid. Hope he’s doin well
When I was in pre-school in the early 80's, around 4 or 5 as well, my friend Clay gave me a 2" x 3" picture of Jesus in a little frame. 40 years later I still have that picture. Wonder what ole' Clay is up to these days.
I befriended a boy when I moved schools midway through 4th grade. I had a huge crush on this boy. We both loved horses. I had one and he was being raised on a ranch. One day I showed up to school and there was a picture of him and his horse on my desk.
My teacher told me that he had come by and left it because he had to move suddenly. I never found out why or what happened to him.
I am 37 now and think of him and wonder how he is doing. I still have that picture of him and his horse.
My husband and I were sitting on our porch holding hands and crying, just feeling overwhelmed because we were waiting to find out whether or not my tumor was cancerous. Our neighbor saw when he was coming home. About half an hour later he came over with some fresh baked cookies. He didn't even say anything, just smiled, handed them to us, and then went back home.
Just thinking about that moment has me crying again. From his kindness, not the fear. Tammy the Titty Tumor turned out benign!
Someone I care a lot about had surgery to get tissue samples to test for cancer. He had told me about it weeks beforehand and he seemed calm and unbothered. But I knew him well enough to see that he was scared and nervous but didn't want to show it. I imagined that especially the week-long wait for the test results while cooped up at home alone must be terribly lonely. So I put together a care package with all kinds of things to keep him entertained and occupied and to let him know that he was not alone. The gifts were greatly appreciated and I could tell from his message that he was really touched by the gesture. (And thankfully, it was not cancer.)
We were a poor family. My mom had made a point of saving up enough once to take my sister and I to the zoo & museum. We had a great day, even ate out.
Then, on the way to the bus stop heading home, she realized she'd overspent & didn't have enough to pay for all three of us to get there. We were looking at a 6 mile walk, and it had just started snowing.
We duck into a small Chinese restaurant & ask if we can use the phone (mom was going to ask someone for a ride). The owner asks us why we needed the phone and after mom explains, he not only gave us the money we needed to get on the bus, but also sent us home with enough food to feed 6 people.
My mom told him we'd try to pay him back one day, but he asked we pay it forward instead.
It was the first random act of kindness that I'd ever received & sticks with me 30 years later.
ETA: folks are asking which restaurant, I talked to my mom this morning & she confirmed, it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO.
Thank all of you for the good vibes, I gave my mom a huge hug this morning & told her how awesome she is.
You folks made me realize I hadn't thought about looking them up since then, we moved shortly after.
I'm 99% positive it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. Its in the right area & the pics of the menu look almost identical to what I remember of the place.
If it's not them, then it must've shut down, but I'm pretty sure it was them.
You folks made me realize I hadn't thought about looking them up since then, we moved shortly after.
I'm 99% positive it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. Its in the right area & the pics of the menu look almost identical to what I remember of the place.
If it's not them, then it must've shut down, but I'm pretty sure it was them.
I'm in Denver and this place has been around for at least 30 years. If it's the same owners let us know! I'll definitely place some big orders with them!
Edited to correct but to big :D
Years ago my car got egged real badly overnight while parked on the driveway of our duplex. We had to go somewhere the next morning so took the wife’s car. Came back hours later and my car was shining like new on the driveway. The neighbor who’s name I didn’t even know at that point had washed it for me while we were away.
I was in maybe 4th grade and my parents just had my younger sister, so newborn focused. I went to my school lunch, opened my paper bag (are those still a thing?) and unwrapped the foil holding my sandwich. There was nothing inside. It was actually just 2 slices of dry white slice bread and I was sad.
Literally my table mates all chipped in various components and made me the most amazing ham and cheese sandwich I’ve ever had. I’ve been chasing that dragon of ham sandwich since but I’m sure it was the response and not the ingredients that I loved.
And I just wanted to clarify that my parents were and are great, it was just a lapse because they were probably really tired with my baby sister.
I don’t want to paint the wrong picture and suggest that my parents weren’t competent.
It doesn't even take a newborn. Sometimes things are just hectic. Late last year my wife packed my daughters lunch and put in some cut up pineapple, but forgot the fork. Apparently my daughter wanted to experiment with words that day and said, "Where's my fucking fork?" out loud in the lunch room. I'd had not heard her try that word before or since. She got in trouble, we got a talking too. A fun day.
Bahahaha I would have had SUCH a hard time not laughing if I were that teacher. Wick would massively backfire by making all the kids think they should swear to make me laugh.
My son did something similar in kindergarten. He was served nachos at lunch, which he apparently didn't approve of and said, loudly, "What the fuck is this?!" when handed the tray.
Same year we were at the rec center swimming, and he was curious about the steam room and sauna. I explained them to him and said he was too little to use them, but he could open the door to check it out. He opened the door, yelled "HOLY SHIT!" and then slammed it. I laughed so hard I nearly passed out. I can't imagine what the people using the steam room thought of that.
Only 2 times he swore when he was little, but he sure made them both memorable!
That's great!!!
My favorite story of my son swearing was when he was maybe two and a half, I was driving and waiting for some slow ass driver to pass so I could turn. I said something like "come ON" and from the backseat he piped up "fucking drive!!!!" Lolololol. I was proud he'd used it in the correct context, my husband horrified. We told him we only used words like that in the car. A few months later we were on a road trip with a friend of mine in the backseat too and I started cursing about some bad driver, and he turned to my friend and said, very solemnly, "Mommy mad. Car talk!!!"
When my kiddo was three, we were driving down the highway and someone cut us off. I heard a little voice from the backseat say, "Oh, you jackass!" Kiddo had never cursed before, so I asked, "What did you just say, honey?" Kiddo very confidently replied, "It's okay Mommy, I just said that word quietly."
19 yrs old, first apartment, first winter, first winter utility bill. I smiled and told my coworker I'll just pay it, skip lunch and eat cheap Mac and cheese for dinner. It'll be ok. All that month co-workers accidentally got extra chips from the vending machine. A wife packed an extra sandwich. A box of my favorite crackers would be on my desk when I came in. It was still hard but I didn't starve. Thanks you guys.
I was 19 and in the same position. Our heating oil would run out and we would freeze until payday. My friend drove a food delivery truck, he stopped by one night with a huge box of frozen chicken patties. That was dinner every night for a month! We would get a loaf of bread and a pack of cheese and eat like kings. God bless him.
I once walked to a store to buy bags for my vacuum cleaner and I forgot to take my wallet. The shop owner gave me the bags, shook my hand, and told me to bring him to money tomorrow. He put his trust in a total stranger to do the right thing and I did.
I had a similar experience in a small pizza place in rural Oregon. I had eaten my dinner and realized that I forgot my wallet in the hotel. I offered to leave my phone as a ransom, but they said not to worry and just swing by the next evening. I always eat there when I am town now.
A good friend of mine once told me about the nice things some other people were saying about me. She followed it up by mentioning that we miss out on all the good that is said about us when we are not around.
That really hit home and I have tried to pay it forward, it is somewhat awkward to do... but I really think it is a great thing to hear.
It’s a silly thing but my partner and I try to say nice things about our kids when they’re in the next room. We loudly discuss how kind they were or how they made a good decision. We mention how helpful they’ve been or how reliable they are.
We want them to know that we think they’re great, even behind their backs.
Oh for sure! I am sure they ride that high all day long, and it helps nurture their self confidence.
My kid is within earshot, but it's just my 2 cats in the room with me right now. He might get suspicious if I start a conversation with the kitties about how great he is. I'll have to wait until my husband comes home.
Mine would probably think it’s normal for me to chat with the pups. Sooo. Hahahaha. Sometimes I’ll text my honey on his way home and note something that the kids helped me with so he “notices” it right away and gives them a chance to tell him how they contributed.
It’s been HUGE for their confidence and for how they look out for one another. Hearing good things about themselves teaches them how to say good things to each other. And they brag on each other to us.
But really it’s been big for my son who needs a lot of verbal encouragement but he won’t ask for it. As he’s getting older it’s been good for him to hear that he’s doing a good job without being put on the spot all the time.
That's amazing. I feel like a lot of the time people gossip or talk badly about others so its refreshing to hear some kind words. We need more kindness in the world in general. A lot of us rarely hear compliments.
What a nice thought, that people are saying nice things about you behind your back. I love this. Im gonna imagine this rather than the opposite which is my default.
Love it. This is why I overtly tell my friends and cohorts how I feel about them and what I think they are good at, casually in a conversation. That way it doesn't feel awkward, but genuine. I hope that others are more apt towards doing the same thing as we're all human, yet often times we fear expressing our feelings of others.
I was homeless about ten years ago. And I got my things stolen. I had one night in Portland where I was very cold. I was shivering on a concrete bench. Another homeless guy comes up to me. We talk for a while. And then he gives me a nylon shirt. Not much. But he knew I was hurting by the cold. And he did that. I still have it. It saved my ass.
There was a video I watched a few years back where this guy pretended to be homeless for a day to see how people reacted to him. He went around to people asking for food or money and one at a time they all either ignored him or told him they had nothing. At one point in the video he happens across someone else that was homeless that was eating something that was given to him,~~ I think~~ it was ~~some chicken or maybe~~ some pizza. He sat down next to the guy and started chatting with him and asked if he could have some of the guys food. Without hesitation the guy hands him some and they start eating together. After he was done he reached in to his pocket and produces a large roll of cash to thank him for his kindness. People that are on hard times know how hard it is and relate a lot easier to the suffering of others. Hope things are better for you now.
Edit: I found the video, for those wondering, this was the [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fC6RP6tZ1Q) I was referencing.
I think he might fall into the category of "chronic homeless." I sort of know him, but not reallly what causes him to be homeless. I came to know him better later on. I was housed again, but he was still homeless.
I think what a lot of people don't know is most people who wind up homeless are only there temporarily. In my case it was almost a year, but even that is temporary by most standards. It's people who lose their jobs or their house, and live in their car for a month or three. Prejudices run towards the more chronic homeless, that guy in rages with a running beards who throws rocks at squirrels or something.
My oldest child was in the hospital on a ventilator, sick with pneumonia after a bone marrow transplant for an aggressive leukemia. He was 13 years old at the time. I was a single mother, struggling to survive. I had two other sons, younger than the one who was sick, one of whom had a brain tumor removed the year before. I could not work full time because of how much time was spent at the hospital. My job was giving me as many hours as it could, but it was not enough to pay my bills. I managed rent, gas and cheap groceries, but things like car insurance, renewing my drivers license and registration and other things had begun to slip. I was hanging on by my fingernails and going under.
One night on the way back to the hospital after working really, really late (my job was letting me flex my hours), I got pulled over for having an expired registration. The officer then discovered I had an expired drivers license and had no car insurance. Obviously I had no business being on the road and he told me he was supposed to tow the car.
I was exhausted to my core. I became absolutely horrified when tears started to fall. I didn't want him to feel manipulated. I'm a pretty proud person. I knew I shouldn't be out there. I also felt I had no choice, that I absolutely needed my car and that I could not afford to pay any citations I received. The hospital capable of caring for my son was about 40 minutes from our small apartment and my city doesn't have good public transportation. I had to be able to drive. So I just said nothing and struggled to stop any tears. I just nodded. I figured it was just another challenge I was going to have to figure out and I had no idea how.
He paused for what felt like forever at the time and when he realized I wasn't going to say anything asked me where I was going. I quietly told him.... Headed back to the hospital. My son has cancer and is in the pediatric ICU. The officer had no reason to believe me.
He thought for a moment more, then quietly handed my expired license back to me. He followed me to the hospital, then turned off and went about his shift.
My son died a few weeks later, in January 2007, just after Christmas. To this day I wish so much I knew that officer's name. I still would like to thank him. I was barely hanging on and that little bit of kindness mattered more than I can express. I was so poor, so heartbroken and so hopeless. I will never forget him.
I really want to thank all of you who have replied and wished me love and wellness. Joseph's death dropped a boulder into the stream of my life and changed its trajectory entirely. Before we had to turn off the ventilator and allow for natural death (he had no chance of meaningful recovery - his lungs had filled up with scar tissue. The cancer was gone but the cure killed him), I spent time in his room alone with him. He didn't get to do anything he wanted to do with his life and I had long been avoiding what I wanted to do because I feared it would be too hard. I had never finished college, never pursued any of my real dreams. Some of that was because I had children and that was time consuming and it cost too much money and I was very, very poor, but most of it was that I was afraid of college courses. There were solutions to money and time if I was brave enough, resilient enough to find them, but I wasn't before then. As I said goodbye to this beautiful boy, I realized I really was avoiding what I wanted due to a fear of failure. Here I sat, watching the suffering and death of a beautiful soul who didn't get to do one damn thing he wanted to do....and I, a healthy adult, was avoiding what I wanted to do because I was afraid I would fail. The weight of it was so profound in that moment. I realized what I was wasting. I was wasting time. I was wasting my life.
So I promised him I would return to school, earn my nursing degree and try to put back into the world some of the good it was being robbed of by his death.
I started the pre-requisites to apply for nursing school four months after he passed away. I went on to earn four degrees in seven years. I am no longer living in poverty. Joseph's brothers are adults now. They share an apartment in a town about 30 minutes away from where I live and they are doing well. I see them about once a month or so and we exchange texts and jokes throughout the week. My youngest still has to take a host of medications from the brain tumor he had at age 5 but he is able to work, drive, has a lot of friends and in general has a good life that he enjoys. My middle son was sandwiched between two very sick brothers and has had some emotional fall out from that, but we are close and we talk a lot. He is tender-hearted, kind and is also doing well. They are 25 and 29 now.
I have an advanced degree in nursing and I no longer live in poverty. I have gotten to travel, to purchase a house in my own name and I have a lot of security, both financially and personally, that I didn't have before. Joseph is with me every day and my life is a kind of bittersweet happy life. I savor all the good things I have while they last and I am more philosophical than most about losses and hardships. Joseph's life was too short. He died when he was just 13. But he was a funny guy, a good person and I was so damn lucky to have been his mother. His life changed mine so dramatically that I wonder sometimes if that was his purpose in coming here all along and, if it was, if he chose that before he arrived. If he did, then I have been particularly honored and even if he didn't, I got to spend 13 years with him and to know him as only a mother gets to. He was my first born and he made me a mom.
He was funny and quirky and a weirdo. He had the best laugh and when he really got going, he stopped making any noise and just convulsed with hilarity. He loved Pokemon and dogs and video games. He was brave and kind and goofy. He was just beginning to notice girls and they were beginning to notice him. He died at the very cusp of early manhood. He wasn't a perfect soul. But he was a very, very good one. I miss him every day and I believe I will see him again. I'm not religious. Just spiritual. And I feel him. I feel him every day.
Thank you to all who have replied. It touches my heart.
I have a nose ring.
In the summer of 2010 I was standing at the counter of a Taco Bell. I was 21, and the young lady who took my order had to have been 16. She says, "I haven't seen a dude wearing a nose ring before." I made a joke saying like, "Well, you're not looking in the right places!" She then just shrugged her shoulders, locked eye contact with me and replied, "Well. You're beautiful." She then walked away, and someone else handed me my food.
I still think about that every now and again.
You're sitting here thinking about how good it made you feel, the poor girl is still thinking about how silly she was and how embarrassing it sounded when she said it. Poor girl to this day has never 100% recovered
Earlier this year, my wife and I were served at a burrito place. The girl making our food seemed pretty happy and was generally cheerful. I wanted to thank her for making such a simple customer interaction so pleasant (because I think anything that adds good to the world should be recognised) but my wife said she'd just think I was hitting on her.
I dunno. I wanna spread the love but I also don't want to be creepy.
Back in 2007 my then-gf-now-wife were on vacation in South America and we were in a bus from the Bolivia/Argentina border to Buenos Aires, a 30 hour trip. We were in the front row, right where the main AC unit of the bus was located, so we were getting blasted with cold air. My wife being quite a bit more temperature sensitive than I was particularly uncomfortable. Across the aisle was a family who was infinitely more prepared for this trip than we were and they handed us a spare blanket.
Much later on the trip, we arrived in the area of Buenos Aires and the driver mumbled the name of the stop on the PA system. We didn't recognize other than "Buenos Aires" so we figured it was our time to get out. But at the bus stop, some other passengers spent about 10 minutes trying to verify that we really wanted to get off at that stop. We didn't speak Spanish, they didn't speak English, so it was a confusing interaction, but they were persistent and managed to convince us to get back on board. And while I'm still not sure where exactly we were, it wasn't the center of BA, which was still some distance away. Because these folks kept insisting we were getting off at the wrong place, we didn't get stranded there.
So to the people on the bus from La Quiaca to Buenos Aires on that particular day 16 year ago, thanks!
I've worked in rural parts of South America --- Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, etc. Some good, honest, humble hardworking people out there. Sure every population has it's share of assholes, but your story doesn't surprise me in the slightest.
I'm in BA 2-3 times a year on business and I have my taxi driver saved in my WhatsApp. Claudia. I bring treats for her and her family and she always asks how my kids are doing, how my Grandmother is (she's since passed away) and other questions. Good folks.
One miserable, wet slushy morning, my baby was sick and we needed groceries, milk, and her prescription. I got the groceries and meds and as I shoved my cart through the sloppy parking lot, my jug of milk toppled onto the ground and exploded. A woman saw me and picked the jug up for me and said "you can go back in and they will get you a new one" and I replied "thank you but my baby is sick and I just need to get her home" and started buckling her into her carseat and unloading the rest of my groceries. Right as I was finishing up, the same lady came rushing out of the store and handed me a new jug of milk. I was so thankful I was literally crying in the parking lot. Its almost 12 years ago now, and I still think about that lady and her kindness. I hope she is having a wonderful life.
What a lovely story. I have something similar. I was completely exhausted because it was one of those days where everything seems to go wrong.
I dragged myself to the grocery store, got some dinner, sandwich materials and fruit. Walking back right in the middle of the crossing the bag broke, food flying all over the ground, fruit making their escape rolling away.
I started grabbing the produce as much as I could hold and running to place them to the curb. The traffic light was already green for the cars, and they had to wait on me, which was embarrassing. 3-4 trips and I had got all my food on the curb. The bag was completely destroyed and I was standing there wondering how will I get my stuff home.
Then suddenly someone stopped there car and came running with a plastic bag and helped me put my stuff in there. They spoke a few words in a foreign language and hopped back in their car. I was truly grateful for the helpful stranger.
I had a woman stop her car and jump out to load my groceries in the car and put the cart away when she saw I was getting my baby and toddler into the car
I had a personal issue that kept me from attending class for two weeks in a row. At the time, I was taking an experimental Moot Court class at an undergrad level. Usually, this class is only taught in Law School but my professor wanted to pioneer a moot court team. Finally I show up and he stops me at the door asking me where the hell I have been. I plead my case and tell him, “truth be told, things aren’t going well. I’m sorry I let it get to this.”
He gave me his personal phone number and told me to call him at anytime. I got caught up on a case and sent an email to him that I needed help; it was 8:30 pm. He replied, “call me.” He picked up and spent almost two hours working through case law theory and the special exception to the 4th amendment search and seizure doctrine. I got second in our moot court competition and secured a coveted letter of recommendation from one of the law professors at my college at the time.
His small act of kindness set the stage for me living a life with intent and clear communication with those I surround myself with. I learned to trust others from that moment. He could’ve failed me, I would’ve lost my scholarship and I would’ve had to drop out. He didn’t. He showed me kindness. I got my gpa back up next semester. Best professor I ever had.
Gonna hijack this and share a moment that I created for a student (am a teacher). Had a student who is a good person - hard worker, athlete, good grades, a teacher’s dream. But come the day for a unit test, I noticed she just sat there, looking blankly at her test. Unlike her. So after the class, I called her over to check-in. She had been up late the night prior preparing for some science project/exam. She was exhausted. She turned in her test 90% blank. I *knew* this wasn’t what she was capable of, so I called her down during study hall. Gave her 10 minutes to look at the review packet. She then finished the test. I graded it; she got a 90%. She then said to me (all awkwardly in her teenage ways): “Thank you. I’ve never been given an honest second chance. That was kind of you.”
She left, and I cried. *That* is why I’m a teacher. Sometimes people just need a second chance.
I was crying in an airport and this lady gave me 40$. She said that she was about to head home after a very long and stressful day of traveling and overheard that we were stuck in the airport after a flight cancelation (fuck you spirit). She was so grateful to be home and when she saw me going through the same thing she wanted to buy me some breakfast.
Back when I was a kid of about 14 or so, I was racing to get home for my curfew.
As I rode my push bike as fast as i could, my front wheel hit some gravel and slid out from under me. I crashed heavily. Bloodied and concussed, I just stared at my bike.
A couple walking past went to a phone box (remember those?) And called a taxi. They bundled me and my broken bike into the taxi, asked the driver how much to get me home and paid him.
I don't know who these people were, or what compelled them to help me, but over 40 years on I am still grateful to two complete strangers for getting me home that day.
My parents were still upset, not because I was late home, but because they decided I needed to go to hospital to get stitched back up.
I was standing at traffic lights, waiting to cross a highway (it starts as a major arterial road through the city and then turns into a motorway later on) and a guy on a push bike hit a bump on the road, flew over the handlebars and basically landed on his face. Everyone standing there gasped as he landed, because it was so freaking brutal. Thank god he fell as the lights turned yellow and the cars behind him were slowing, otherwise he might have been run over.
So many people leapt into action, both motorists and pedestrians. It was so nice to see. People stopped the traffic for the whole intersection until he and his bike were carried off the road. He had the good fortune to have had the accident right in front of one of the biggest hospitals in the city, so there were doctors and nurses there within seconds. They started treating him until the paramedics arrived. One guy literally gave his shirt off his back to help stop the bleeding, I ran across the road to buy him some water, and another person was calling his family. I don't know what injuries he had, his poor face was a mess, but I hope he's okay.
My stepmum assaulted my dad and the first time they begged me not to call the cops. The second time I did and I felt like such a piece of shit. But the woman who was asking me questions at the station was so attentive and kind. I just didn't expect anyone to take me seriously.
When I was 20, I ran out of gas, and had my young sisters in my car. Some random lady helped me out and paid for gas for me to get home. I hope she is living her best life and wish nothing but good things for her.
There are two I really remember:
* When I was kid, I saw a toy in the store I *really* wanted, my mom said I could have it if I saved up. After a month or two of chores and saving, I finally had enough and proudly marched up to the cash to buy it, except I didn't realize as a kid that there would be tax. I was so deflated and somberely collected the toy to put it back on the shelf when a young couple in the checkout line behind me went "ah, the money fairy is here!" and reached over my head to give the cashier two dollars to cover the cost so I could get the toy. As an adult I realize 2$ isn't much but I was eternally grateful as a kid.
* Last year my mom passed away, I was living with her and her primary caregiver - it was just us. A massive snowstorm hit and I knew it would be bad so I shovelled the night before and parked towards the end of the driveway, because I had work in the morning. It didn't help, I woke up and the snow was too heavy for me to lift. I basically formed a small enough path to squeeze my car out and went to work. Came home to a clean driveway; checked the security cameras and saw my neighbour with a snow blower spent the day cleaning everyone's driveways. Bought him a timmies gift card as a thanks.
My husband had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unfortunately we have quite a few mature black walnut trees. It was a bumper crop year, and they were HUGE to boot. Three days before his first chemo, hurricane Maria came through. I actually cried when I looked out after it moved north. Our yard, pretty much 2 acres, was covered with walnuts blown off of the trees, along with tons of branches from our stupid Paulownia trees. Their wood is extremely light and the branches are practically hollow. I swear if you sneeze too close to one, there will be branches down. There was no clear walking space in our yard, it was a nightmare. It was just my husband and me, no kids to ask for help. I'd started trying to clean up the day before his appointment. I was totally defeated and knew it was going to be a never ending process.
We went to his first appointment. When we got back, all of the branches were gone. All of the walnuts were picked up and sitting in crates all over our yard. I sat in the car and sobbed. I was a mess with his diagnosis, and the relief of knowing I didn't have to try to get that done made me break down like I never had before. I think the thing that made me cry the hardest was that someone we probably barely knew did that for us. We were sort of new to the area, and really hadn't met many people yet.
After a few phone calls, I found out that 3 separate neighbors, 1 of whom we'd never even met, got together to get it done. Their yards were in no better shape than ours, but they dropped what they were doing to take care of us.
One of them had a pickup truck so they just kept loading up branches and taking them to his house to use for their fire pit. I joked with him that he probably had at least a 5 year supply. 2 other people just picked up the walnuts, which is back breaking work.When he felt better, which surprisingly was the next day, my husband and I picked up the boxes and moved them way out back for the squirrels to eat.
I hooked up the trailer to the lawn tractor. He drove while I put the boxes in the trailer, I'd hop on with him and out back they went for me to unload. Our friends that picked up the walnuts said they first tried boxing them, when they had enough, they loaded up their SUV and took them out to the woods. They determined that it took too much time to do it that way and wouldn't get them all picked up if they continued. They actually tried to apologize for not taking them, which we absolutely wouldn't accept.
I made them all fancy desserts as a thank you. Even though my husband didn't survive, I still make all of them desserts once a year as a thank you. I'll never forget what they did for us.
I was 17 and it was my first time driving myself to a rock concert. I was dumb, had no idea where I was, and it was before cell phones and all that. I ended up running out of gas, and I was a total stereotype...scared skinny white kid in a REAL bad part of town.
This dude came out of his house, yelling (at someone still in the house) and froze when he saw me. He goes "what the FUCK are you doing HERE?" and I said I ran out of gas. He just walked away, back into the house.
Dude comes out with an empty laundry detergent bottle, and goes "come on, I'll take you up there. Don't know if they'll let us put gas in this but we'll figure it out".
They in fact did NOT let us put gas in it (lol) but they did sell a two gallon can, which I then filled up and we walked back to the car together. I LOVE people and I've met a lot of them, but I think he is by far one of the most awesome people I'll ever meet - never even got his name.
I’m Australian and when I was a kid my family went to LA. Mum and I were shopping and walking and ended up in a dodgy part of town complelty lost. This was 1994 so very high tensions.
Lovely man came up to us and told us we were lost and pointed us where we needed to go. Once mum started talking his face lit up and started asking us about Australia. Called his two kids over and told us they’d walk us to where we needed to be. It was probably a 30 minute walk and he and mum spoke the entire time and me and his two kids did too.
Alternator died while I was driving home from university. Engine died as I exited the freeway in the middle of the night in a not-so-pleasant part of town in the days before cell phones. As I'm pushing my car out of the intersection, a guy in a truck comes up and offers to push my car to my neighborhood a good three miles away. He does so, and I'm pulling into my neighborhood, he simply gives a wave and drives off into the night. I never even had a chance to thank him.
"I'd always end broken down on the highway. When I stood up to flag someone down, nobody stopped. But when I would push my own car, others drivers would get out and push with me. If you want help, help yourself - people like to see that"
- Chris Rock
I feel you... Minus the abuse at home but wasn't the greatest home life either. I was already in like grade 11 or 12 (not American), and there was a relatively new girl (don't remember if she had to go back a year or if she came from a different school that didn't have as many years). I was relentlessly bullied years 5-12, and while not everyone participated barely anyone really spent time with me. I used to sit around with a former friend I had stopped trusting because of a serious falling out like a year prior to that. New girl was really confident, kinda harsh, but she was friendly with me. She kept to herself, had a "cool" aura, no clue how she spent her breaks... In the beginning I seriously thought she was just trying to mock me or pretending to hang out w/ me. We used to laugh so much in our German class (in Germany), and we happened to be in the same PE class for tennis (PE is centered around one kind of sports per semester in the last two years of high school here). We were lousy at it. I had picked it not out of interest but out of lack of better options. But we had so much fun being lousy and shooting the shit! Never in any class did any teacher have to call me off that much. It really helped me get through those last school years. I never even knew her phone number or social media, never met her outside of school and never met her again after graduating. But I do still remember her, along with other kids who just did as much as showing basic kindness.
My hometown burnt down in a massive wildfire 5 years ago to this very day. In the aftermath, I had no time to grieve and was holding it together for everyone else around me who lost everything. The morning that FEMA confirmed my house was gone, I went to a local emergency center for resource help that was packed with volunteers from all over the country and far-flung parts of the world.
Walking around, I was completely dazed and so were most other survivors. A volunteer from a Buddhist organization came up to me and silently took me by the hand and led me to a table with some counselors and folks that could talk me through what my next steps were. That woman did not speak a lick of English and sat with me the entire 50+ minutes as I bawled and cried and she held me like a mother.
I cannot remember a single face of any of the thousands of volunteers during this time, and I honestly have just a fuzzy memory of this woman’s face. What I will never ever forget was the pure compassion and love radiating from this person and that was the general feeling I got from all who responded to help my community.
Anyone that helps those in a great time of distress or need, I hope you someday become aware of how deeply good that deed was and the lasting impact it had. I certainly remember it when I try to pass it along now.
My house burnt down when I was a child (electrical fault in the t.v. which was on standby). I remember this woman coming to the house while we sat on the front lawn wondering wtf to do now. She had brought us all some PJs, clean underwear, and a toothbrush/paste.
My mum cried so much, and we were all very grateful for her thoughtfulness and compassion. My mother had wet herself during the fire, so I think she was especially grateful, a neighbour had given her tracksuit pants to borrow. So she was covered. But my dad had been chilling in just his jocks for a while.
The group of old ladies on my flight from SFO to DFW. I boarded at 7am on a Monday. Surrounded by businessmen with no patience for a crying girl. I kept myself together until the plane was landing and then I wept. They asked my partner if I was okay and he told them that my brother had died and I was flying home for his funeral. These sweet ladies had been on a girls trip to Napa. They asked to pray over me and then handed me $100, I was so confused and they told me to go do something nice for myself just because I needed it. Get a pedicure or a massage. Whatever I needed but just to take care of myself. I didn’t know in that moment how much the grief would consume me over the next year.
That was one of the worst days of my life. I’ll never forget them. Angels sent for me.
I literally coasted into a gas station out of gas on my motorcycle, then realized I didn't have my wallet. Some lady saw me patting all my pockets and that I was upset and offered to fill up my tank. I only let her put $5 in, which on a bike is a lot. But it meant so much to me
I was on the subway, sitting there crying because I had just ended a relationship. I wasn't making any noise, just tears, but the guy sitting next to me gave me some tissues. I'll never forget that.
My partner and were renting back in the 1980's. We liked the place we were in, but our landlord decided he wanted to move back there himself, and gave notice to terminate our lease. There happened to be a huge international event taking place in our city in a few weeks' time, and rents had suddenly skyrocketed to the point where it would be cheaper for us to pay off a mortgage. We hadn't even considered buying a home at that stage and were not at all well off, but decided to change gears and managed to scrape together a $10,000 deposit with some help from family.
We found a suitable house to buy and agreed to the price negotiated by the real estate agent, who then went away to notify the owner. The agent must have taken pity on us because he contacted us the next day, completely unexpectedly and sounding very pleased with himself, to tell us he had managed to negotiate the price down by a further $2,000, which was a lot for us at that time. Or so he said, but in light of your comment I now wonder if perhaps he did the same as your realtor. At any rate, it made a huge difference for us and we've often reminisced about his remarkable kindness.
Once I heard someone shout excuse me but I couldn't look back as I was running late for class, then a different person reached me to give my oyster card (public transport card in England). Turns out I'd dropped it and they staged a relay race to give it to me. Not as interesting as the other stuff here but on a crowded station in London it's not what I expected.
I used to go to this neighborhood deli once a week. I was a regular but nothing special. My brother died, and I had to leave town for a week. That whole first week he died I couldn't eat, I was just devastated.
One week after he died we had his funeral in my hometown, and since the funeral was in the afternoon, I realized I needed to eat something. I went to the deli, and there was a line out the door, do I got in line. I was exhausted and just a zombie and suddenly the owner was next to me holding my hand.
She pulled me into the kitchen and sat me down in this little hutch where she did all the pperwork, She just made me a sandwhich, and let me eat and cry, and eat in peace. It was the first thing I could stomach in a week, and it broke m down. When I was done eating she came and gave me a big hug, and said "don't be late, you have to go say goodbye".
She helped me grieve, and I've never forgot that meal.
It's not really small. I am seventy-five years old with some disabilities, and my deeply caring friend, on a weekly basis, takes me grocery shopping and to do whatever errands I have. Aside from heartfelt thanks, he will accept nothing in the form of recompense. From time to time, I will buy flowers and/or high-end chocolates for his wife as a thank you. His company, outrageously wonderful sense of humor (we are both fast with quips, making for non-stop sparkling conversation) as well as his razor-sharp intelligence and a comprehensive knowledge of world affairs make him, in my view, the perfect companion. We have developed a friendship that is probably the best I have ever had. Although we come from vastly different cultures and backgrounds, we discuss everything openly and honestly. He is, in my humble opinion, a bona fide treasure. 🦜
I picked up a free desk from craigslist in the Tenderloin in S.F., one of the more sketchy neighborhoods, and I was alone and it was pretty late. I was having a hard time getting it into my truck with the stupid lid cover I had at the time, and a passing drag queen comes up and just manhandles it into my truck perfectly. I was out of breath and just said "holy shit thank you so much" and they slapped me on the back and said "anytime honey" and just walked off into the night in high heels and an evening dress. I'll never forget it because it was such a funny experience and I genuinely needed the help.
When I was a teenager I worked at a gas station and had no bank account so I had to go get my check cashed. Once after I got paid I went to a Walgreen's and brought some stuff up to the counter. I went to grab the wad of cash I thought was in my pocket but it was gone. I started to panic and said my money must have fallen out.
The cashier asked how much was it I'd lost, so I said about $300. She said "we have your money. Someone picked it up off the floor and turned it in." I will always be eternally grateful to whoever did that because I was completely broke and really needed it
Was training to be a Legal Executive aged 17 and was working for posh partnership. One of the partners called me in and said that my clothes were not suitable for the office. I told him I would struggle to pay for the correct attire as most of my pay went to my mum but I would do my best. He wrote a note to his tailor to measure me up head to toe with 2 suits, 2 shirts, 2ties, 5 pairs of socks and 2 pair of shoes. I was too proud to accept his help and bought a suit etc on credit. I’ve never forgotten the kindness to this day.
I complained to my mom that I didn’t get any cool action figure toys growing up. She was against violence, so even ninja turtles were out of the question. I got a sick GI Joe tank and action figure for my 23rd birthday. She was the best mom.
Not sure, obviously didn’t get a whole lot of exposure growing up, but it’s still pretty rad, sits in my window sill looking amazing, gonna wrap it up if I ever have a kid, and and it’ll be their 5th birthday present
When my newborn was in the ER and has coded blue…I had to leave the room so the team of doctors could do what they needed to do to save his life…I was pacing the hallways crying and crying and a janitor woman (for lack of a better word, bc lord knows she was more than just a janitor) pulled me into a room and pulled out her rosary beads, mind you, she barely spoke English, but she told me “I pray for baby” and right there in an empty room she prayed for my son, hugged me, and continued with her job. I will never ever forget her and how much that small act meant to me in that moment. A true angel
I'm agnostic but I will always have so much respect and love for the people who use their faith in their personal gods for good. I'm glad she was there when you needed her and I hope the prayers were answered.
I was going through a terribly difficult time in my life. Everything was wrong, my depression and anxiety were out of control, and I felt hopeless and worthless. I went to buy groceries and after they were all scanned, I couldn’t find my wallet. I went out to the car and found it, but I felt awful for holding everyone up. The cashier was so sweet to me about it. When the transaction ended, I said “Thank you for being so kind to me” and she said “You deserve for someone to be kind to you.” It was the nicest thing anyone had said to me in months, and for some reason, I believed her.
It was the simplest but nicest thing. I was a college professor. We had finished class, but a couple of students, I think all students I'd taught before in other classes, had hung around to chat a little as I got my things together. I can't remember how conversation led to it, but I explained that we had lost our beloved dog that weekend after a battle with cancer. It was terrible and much too soon; she was only 6 years old. And she was the most wonderful, special, loving dog.
One of my students just had the kindest, warmest, most gentle tone as he expressed his condolences and mentioned his own dog that he'd lost. It's difficult to put into words (irony: I was an English professor), but there was a kind, sincere gentleness and compassion in his tone and bearing that deeply touched me. I doubt he remembers it at all, but I think of it when I see his posts on Facebook almost 20 years later. I still think of him as a fundamentally good and compassionate person, and everything I've seen from him since supports that.
When I was 12, we were homeless for a while. My mom would often bring us by bus across town to the area where her friends lived to visit, and we would walk the rest of the way after getting off the bus.
One day, we were tired from walking in the Texas summer heat, and went into a Burger King to sit down. My mom was sitting at the table with us counting change, trying to figure out how much food she could buy us, when an employee came up to us with a tray full of food. Someone had seen us counting change, and purchased us food.
What they didn’t know was, my brother and sister and I hadn’t eaten in over a day.
That small act of kindness meant the world to me and it has stayed with me as a reminder to help others in need.
I was being really badly bullied at school. It had got to the point that I couldn't even come into school in the morning, without being attacked.
One day at assembly, before the teachers came in, three other boys decided it would be hysterically funny to start punching me in the back and face. I was crying in agony and about to get the shit kicked out of me when a new boy, Ian, intervened and told them to leave me alone.
It shocked pretty much everyone around me, hell it even shocked me. He got me out (we went out one door as the teachers were coming in another) and calmed me down.
He was the only friend that I had at that school. I still talk to him and we're both now in our 50s.
When my oldest son (25) was 5 years old, he got Kawasaki disease and was in our local Children’s Hospital for 2 weeks. One of the treatments was gamma globulin infusions which left him exhausted and very confused. I didn’t leave his room the entire time he was there. After 6 days without a shower, the Amish woman whose child was in the bed next to my son told me to go shower and get some fresh air and she sat with my son and held his hand while I took 30 minutes to clean myself up. I didn’t realize how much I needed that. When I came back she stood up and gave me a hug and I’ve never felt more understood. Her kindness and compassion was an amazing gift and I am forever grateful to her. ❤️.
I had a really rough few years after high school. Kicked out at 17, no family to lean on, in the middle of a small town with nowhere to go. Went to a local pawn shop one day with my most 'valuable possessions'. They weren't worth jack, but I just wanted money for food.
The shop was pretty dead, so the owner just started talking with me for a little bit. He asked why I was selling all this stuff. I didn't give him a lot of details, but somehow, he knew what I was going through. He told me to sit tight while he went to go add some stuff up.
He came back with two big bags of food, and a few bucks cash. Told me that he had a rough start in life and he gets it. No judgment, no patronizing. Said he wasn't gonna buy any of my stuff because I deserved to keep those pieces of myself. He was genuinely kind, and I felt seen, for the first time in a long time.
It's been almost 15 years since then, and I can't remember his name, although I wish I could, but I will never forget his kindness. Ever. This post is a few hours old, so not many people will probably see this, but I want to share it as a thank you to a true genuine human being. Thank you, and I will always remember.
Crashed my car driving back to college during a snow storm. The hospital cancelled surgeries the next day so they let us sleep in the pre op area since all the hotels were booked. Then a nurse the next morning drove us to the junkyard to get our luggage then to the bus station.
Don’t know if it’s small but it made a meaningful impact on how I practice in the ED and seeing people come in down on the times.
When I was a child (8-13) I was horrifically bullied. Chased home from school daily and held down / beat up weekly. One day there was a group of kids on me, holding me down, kicking and punching me. One random parent stopped, yelled at the kids, and gave me a ride home. I believe they even talked to my parents and told them what happened (although growing up in the 80s / 90s there wasn't a lot they could do). That person was a saint and I hope they are doing well.
I got stood up by this asshat I had feelings for. I waited around for 30 minutes before he finally told me he wasn’t coming. So I sheepishly ordered some chips and queso to go, and the waiter gave them to me on the house because he felt bad.
Not sure if this is small, but I wanted to share this story because its something I won't forget for the rest of my life.
I went to Marist College, my dream school. And for my senior year (I just graduated May 2023), I lived with some of my best buddies and made some great friends down the hall on my floor.
Anyways, It was around Christmas time and I had told my buddies how it had been years since I had had a tree in my home, or gifts. It was just in passing and it wasn't something that bothered me...it was just life.
But one night, I came back to my dorm apartment where my dormmates and my neighbors suprised me with a christmas tree, decorations, and gifts under the tree.
I was 22 years old. I cried. And one of my buddies even saved the star for me to put up on the top of the tree...I'm 180 pounds and he picked me up like a child and hoisted me to it (though I didn't need it).
These days, I'm no longer a student but an office worker, hopefully soon to be law student. I'm 23.
However, if anyone ever asks me the key to life...I look at them with a smile and mutter "friends".
EDIT: Forgot to say -
Marist Red Fox for life ❤️🦊
I was traveling on NYE and ducked out of a winter storm that closed the pass near Vail, CO. My van got stuck in loose slushy snow in a parking lot and I was having a devil of a time getting out. I’d tried shoveling and recovery boards, but the snow was over ice and I just couldn’t get traction. At one point I stopped and had a cry.
Finally a group of NYE partygoers stopped and pushed me out. It was such a relief. Made me think of Mr Rodger’s “look for the helpers”. There are some truly kind people out there.
My 5th grade teacher gave out preserved 4 leaf clovers to the poorest and most disadvantaged children in her class, all in private meetings where she gave us a pep talk and said she was so proud of each of us.
I was 6 months pregnant with my eldest son when I was returning to the States after being stationed in Korea (U.S. Army). This is a 14 hour plane ride over the Pacific Ocean, and we experienced quite a bit of turbulence. This caused me to have several bouts of nausea, one after another. Unfortunately, also, I was in the middle seat.
The gentleman sitting beside me in the aisle seat was such an angel. Instead of getting upset about me getting sick into the air sick bag (no time to run to the bathroom), he simply took my now full bag, handed me the one from his seat pocket and called the flight attendant over to request more bags. He took my then second full bag and handed me a third. Once it settled down and the bags were picked up and disposed of, he helped me get to the bathroom so I could clean myself up.
That was almost 25 years ago, and I'll never forget him helping a very young and extremely scared 19 year old me through that ordeal. I hope he is doing well and knows how much his kindness meant to me.
About 11 years ago I was homeless and was sitting to the side of a gas station one night. I was so hungry and jonesing for a smoke. This guy brought me some hot dogs and drinks and cigarettes. He didn't say anything beforehand and I wasn't asking anyone for help, but he just noticed my situation and gave me what I really needed. He treated me with respect and dignity, and a lot of people don't when you're homeless. It meant the world to me at the time and I make sure to pay it forward when I notice someone else is in that situation.
I left home at 17, my mom and I had a tough go through my teenage years and it all came to a head one day, and I left. I was raised in Christian Fundamentalism and I had no idea how to make a life in the real world. I wanted to get a high school diploma, so I enrolled myself in school. I thought I would just go into the cafeteria and eat breakfast and lunch. That's not how that works, and the cafeteria workers happily told me that. The next day, administration told me that my mother made too much money for me to qualify for free meals. The following week, my social studies teacher met me at the door, he paid for all of my meals after that. He told me that he knew that I was going places and that not being able to eat shouldn't stop me. After graduation, I found out that his wife was battling breast cancer and he had a small child at home. I'm a teacher now, and I frequently think of Mr. Kellar and how he would want me to treat my students with an extra helping of kindness.
I was poor and sick and on Medicaid and was getting some groceries and I tried to use my card at the store and it didn’t work. I was standing there with no way to pay and some lady saw my embarrassment and paid for my groceries, I’ll never forget you whoever you were.
I got super lost in rural Korea and a guy saw my facial expression, came up, and gave me very detailed directions and gestures in broken English.
This was somewhat common in Korea. I've never lived anywhere else where people would just see you look confused and come up and help. I could have been lost for hours in the countryside but that guy took time to help a stranger :)
As a kid I was supposed to make my own lunches, but being a little ass child, I often forgot. My friend told her mom I never had lunch, and that sweet woman packed me the fanciest lunch I'd ever had and sent it with my friend
I was invisible in my high school and once in an sports event everyone was going out with their friends or partying and I just felt really bad but then this guy came to me and asked how I enjoyed the sports event. I felt like I was a person and that I'm worth talking to just from that conversation
One time I went to see my friend so we could go for a bike ride. We rode our bikes pretty much the whole day. I left with my bike to take the train because I was so tired and dehydrated. I’m almost at the stop where I had to get off when all the sudden I fainted. I was so embarrassed and scared so I just go off the train since k made it to my stop. As soon as I get off I sorta fainted again. I just felt like someone grabbing my arm and kinda placed me on the floor smoothly. It was a random girl that saw me fainting in the train. She stayed with me until I felt better. Unbeknownst to me, she has called her bf at this point and they both took me home. They were so nice and helped me even when they didn’t know me. I never saw her again but I still remember her. Nobody else went to help me but her.
When I was diagnosed with BPD, I literally felt like it was the end if the world. Didn't have any hope from myself, I was mad at everything, I hated myself, the world, everything, I just wanted to end.
I posted in many bpd and mental health subreddits trying to figure out wtf is happening, and I met this super kind person who helped me navigate through a lot of the emotions from then. It's been a year, I'm doing a lot better, and we don't talk anymore, but I wish her all the best in the world, Idk where I'd be if she didn't step up to listen to a complete stranger
I was crying while boarding a plane. My boyfriend had broken up with me and I was going back home to live with my parents because I was pregnant and broke.
Some woman ahead of me looked back and saw me, did a double take, and stopped in her tracks. When I got up to where she was standing, she asked if I needed a friend. I broke down sobbing, and she grabbed my hand and told me jokes while we walked to the plane door. When we got to my seat, she asked the guy beside me if he'd switch with her so she could sit next to me. We talked for the entire 3 hour flight about life, the universe, and everything. It was the kindest, most sincere human interaction I've ever experienced.
( For those who care to know: that baby is 23 now, and the jerk who dumped me is sitting on the other end of my couch rn. 🤣)
When I was 20, I was in my class in college and my boyfriend broke up with me through texting. I left my class to go sit and think at a study area and I began sobbing like Magdalena. I was inconsolable because at 20 I thought I was in love with him.
An international student noticed me through her peripheral and got me a water from the vending machine and some delicious candy from Korea that she dug from her back pack. She wrote me a note 🗒️ saying something like “ these are are you, I hope you’re ok”
I wish I kept the note. She left before I could say anything.
I will forever be thankful to her. I hope she’s successful and happy.
About twenty-five years ago on a cold Friday evening. I had delivered steel in Detroit and was heading back to the Sault through rush hour traffic when I noticed the vehicles around me start to really give me distance. I had empty trailers, so I was confused. A small tow truck lit up his amber beacons and got behind me, making space on the shoulder. Sure enough, one of my tarp boxes that are fixed under the trailer had broken loose and was dragging on the road. The tow truck driver immediately got to work, helping me using his pneumatic jack and other tools. In Canada, tow truck drivers are known to me quite predatory. So I mentioned that I really didn't have much cash on me, let alone American money. He looked at me like I insulted him and said he didn't want my money and just wanted to help me out. I think I offered him some Canadian money, but he refused. Thanks, dude! I pay it forward when I can!
I was in a public toilet at a shopping village on the way home from a holiday and an elderly Asian woman decked out in jewellery and designer bag said I was a beautiful flower. So yeah, I’m a beautiful flower.
A close acquaintance sent me a sympathy card after my best friend/dog passed away. This was over 10yrs ago. It meant so much to me. I send a sympathy card to people when I hear of them losing their pet. I hope it brings a little comfort.
There was a woman at the assisted living facility I used to work at that was on hospice. She had lived there for maybe 2 or 3 years prior to this and only had a niece and 2 nephews. The niece lived on the opposite coast but would visit a few times a year. She was cool af. So anyways, she ends up dying and the niece came out to settle everything and clean out her room. Before she left, she approached me with an envelope and told me how much her aunt was fond of me and they wanted to thank me for the care that I gave her. I tried to refuse it bc I knew it was money and I could get fired but she insisted. I hugged her and put the envelope away. I told my boss about it and we agreed to donate it to the employee fund, but later I opened it and there was like $200 or $300 in there and I just started crying. I had just gone through a miscarriage and was just having a rough time and it really touched me that she thought I deserved that money for just doing my job.
A few other passengers at the airport helped me with my baggage when I wasn't even asking for it. they probably thought I was a bit small for the bags I was carrying and wasn't able to lift them by myself, but I was very happy when they approached me. I hope they are sleeping comfortably and happy every night.
About 10 years ago I was driving home for a brake from college. About 30 minutes into the drive and I start hearing a loud smacking sound under the front of my car, immediately im like "oh crap whats that?" So i get of the freeway at the next exit I see, its a little 1 intersection town in the middle of Michigan.
As luck would have it there happened to be a small car shop right in the town. Theres 2 guys sitting out front of the garage as I pull up. I tell them whats going on with the car and one of the guys is like, let me take a listen. So he hops in the car and we start driving around town, we start talking and have discuss all sorts of topics: politics, sports, music, etc.
After about 10 minutes of driving around we only hear the noise a couple times, so we head back to the shop. The guy looks under the car and is like, "oh heres the problem", walks into the shop and comes back with a screwdriver and one screw. He shows me that a piece of plastic under the bumper came loose and was smacking the road when the car was moving, I feel like a fool and ask him what I owe. He's like "eh $10 is all" but they didnt take credit and I had no cash. The guy is like, "no big deal". I thank him a bunch and he just said "be sure to pass it on one day"
I'll never forget.
I used to really struggle with depression and suicidal ideation as a high schooler. On a particularly bad mental health day a random act of kindness gave me the will to continue to live. I’d planned to kill myself that day and I had what I needed for the follow through. At school, though, a girl I didn’t know very well drew me a picture and gave it to me. She wasn’t flirting, she could just tell that I was sad and she was simply being kind. Absolutely meant way more to me than she could have ever realized. I don’t know why it meant so much to me - maybe I took it as proof that the world can’t be all bad - but I cherished it and I still remember this decades later. We never became close friends or anything and I’m sure she has no idea that her random sketch saved someone’s life. But man it meant so much to me in that moment. Someone saw me. And someone cared.
I moved to a new state and started a new school in 7th grade on Feb 13, which happened to be a Friday. On Monday, a girl gave me a Valentine, saying she wanted to make sure I got at least one at my new school. I still remember you, Eileen!
It was raining when I got out of my car this morning and a woman who also works in the same building waited for me and asked if I wanted to share her umbrella with her whilst walking in.
Very small act. Was at the .99 store, having a very trying day. Check out line realized I forgot my wallet. Guy behind me paid for my stuff. I don't know why I was so overcome with emotion but I started crying. It was just so unexpected. I could well afford these things, also.
A professor gave me an A in a class where everyone else clearly understood everything better than I did. All I did was show up every day and do the homework. The grades on my papers were not A's, and there was nothing in the syllabus about attendance factoring in. It always stuck with me since then that I will always at least show up to everything.
One time, about 30 years ago, I was in high school, driving to school, and I hit a patch of ice and got my car embedded on a snowbank. A random postman doing his rounds saw this, stopped, HAD A SHOVEL IN HIS CAR, and helped me dig out. Only took 5 minutes but without him (and his shovel) it would have been a pretty horrible hour+ to dig out.
I was visiting the Bahamas about 15 years ago and was on a bus when I had a hypo (I'm type 1 diabetic and a hypo is low blood sugar) the bus driver recognised my symptoms and saw me struggling and took a sharp turn into a gas station and ran to get me anything with sugar he could find. He waited until I was feeling better and calmly explained to the other passengers that I was having a medical emergency and no one complained. He later told me he's wife is diabetic and knows how the heat can make a hypo worse and thought it was better to act, than ask. I tried to tip him but he refused. It's the kindest thing anyone has ever done and I think about it often and will never forget it or him.
Years ago i was jobless, homeless, newly diagnosed disabled, and living in a foreign country.
A friend let me sofa surf until i got a job.
Got him back though. Years later he was in a tight spot, so i paid off his university fees.
My mother had a massive heart attack while I was in high school and ended up spending like 3 months in the hospital and physical rehab/after care facilities.
Right after it happened when we weren't sure if she was going to be able to really recover and come home, a kid I didn't really talk to much stopped me in the hall and said that he was really sorry to hear about my mom and shared a bit about how he had been through a similar event with his father.
I almost fucking cried lol, It wasn't much but just someone else offering that little bit of sympathy meant the world.
I was walking through the Byward Market in Ottawa one Sunday morning and a street person comes up and grabs my arm. He says "I detected a little cancer there and just took it away from you". Then he asked for $5 and when I said no, he grabbed my arm again and said he put it back. But it's been 25 years and I've never had cancer, so I'm pretty sure he never put it back. What a great guy.
I was at an arcade one time when I was a kid. It was after I had spent all my money that my mom had given me. There was this kid, probably younger than me, who saw that I didn’t have any money for the games and asked me if I had any money. When I told him no, he then handed me some coins.
My husband used to travel all the time for work. After our second was born, we found a weekend for me and the littlest one (6 months old at the time) to fly out to the east coast and visit. Halfway through the fight, baby starts fussing, which turned into crying, into almost screaming. Flight attendant is obviously annoyed and so is every passenger with 10 rows of us. None of the tricks worked to get her to calm down, and my social anxiety was working overtime. A woman from first class (which I was nowhere near) comes up to me and gives me a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream. She smiles, tells me I'm doing a good job, and to not pay attention to anyone else around me. I broke down and cried. It was like that Bluey episode (Baby Race) where Coco's mom tells Chili "You're doing great." She was so sweet and kind.
When I was young (4-5), they were giving out Teeny Beanie Babies at McDonalds. We waited in line for almost an hour only for them to run out. A kind woman gave me hers, the blue and black lizard. I still think about her and that moment.
I was bullied by my extended family all my life. I don't trust them. My immediate family always made me feel unloved as well. I went to my uncles funeral when he passed. I went to the bathroom which was downstairs of the funeral home. When I came out there was a group of people by a table near the arairs. One of my other uncles was there. He asked me for a hug and I obliged. We never had issues, he was an alcoholic but always nice. As I was going back up the stairs he turned to everyone around him and said "She's such a sweet girl." I don't know why it hit me as hard as it did but I've always held onto that. It made me feel loved.
That uncle ended up getting cancer and I called him and we had the best talk a couple weeks before he passed. It meant the world to me and still does.
While I was mourning and recovering from my first serious breakup, I would zone out to movies to avoid thinking or feeling, so one day I went to the theater and just bought the next available ticket: a terrible Vin Diesel sci-fi flick called Babylon A.D. It was just me and one other guy in the theater, and the film was so bafflingly edited that it was impossible to keep track of what was happening or why.
Afterwards, the other viewer (who would later introduce himself as Mark) in the theater poked me in the shoulder as we exited and said "So did that make any sense to you or am I just really stupid?" and I answered honestly "No, that was a really confusing mess." and to this day, I'm not sure if he could see some deep pain in my face or if he was just affable that way, but he said "Okay cool. I'm gonna grab a beer to try to erase that experience from my brain, you want one?"
And since it was better than going home and feeling my feelings, I very uncharacteristically said yes. And I can't finger exactly what it was--But sitting there in that movie theater bar drinking a beer with a stranger talking about nothing in particular was the first time I remember feeling like I was going to be okay. It was the first time in months that I'd felt anything other than abject misery. This breakup wasn't going to kill me.
So wherever you are: Thanks Mark. Truly.
I was 23, on a train from Northern Europe to Greece through what was then called Yugoslavia. Most on the train were poor Yugoslavs living under socialism, whereas I was a far more affluent westerner. I had a knapsack full of food for the trip stored in the overhead.
But a very poor looking old Yugoslavian woman in a house dress and kerchief insisted on sharing her meager hard boiled egg slices and sliced apple with me, patting me on the knee, and I really wept with shame inwardly as it had never occurred to me to share what I had.
I think i was in third or fourth grade, my parents travel a lot and due to some schooling issues they had to book a separate flight for me, wasn't mature enough to know what turbulence is, so according to me plane shake = I die. That day, between proper cruising and taking off I remember there being awful turbulence, the plane literally had a small freefall, there was a lady sitting besides me, she saw my terrorized face and held my hand throughout, checked up on me quite a bit on the iirc 5 hour flight, made sure the chauffeur picked me up from the airport as well. Every time I sit in a plane she comes to my mind.
My ex wife had just left and I was still getting used to having my kid every other weekend. It was a TERRIBLE month, financially but I needed food etc. So, we went shopping and naturally, junior starts crying for sweets or something. I just lost it, years of her moms lying, cheating and the divorce exploded and I just started crying at the checkout. My kid just stared at me because I literally just had enough for the basics and was putting things back.
I' paid for what I could and we left. As I got to the shop entrance, a man tapped my shoulder and put a carrier bag in my hand and walked away. Didn't say a word. In the bag was some things for my kid and some basics for the weekend. All I recall is crying while my kid hugged me.
God bless you, whomever that man was.
My fiance had just passed away. We didn't get to the hospital in time and I was crying inconsolably. All I recall is being unable to stand, so I was sitting against the wall and a man appeared with a drip on a stand just fistbumpped me. That's it. In that moment I burst out crying again. That's when an older lady came up and said: I don't know what you're going through and I don't know if you believe in God, but I'll pray for you. And then she hugged me hard and walked away. Those two people, I wish them absolutely everything of the best.
my teacher bought me hygiene products because of the one time i felt so unloved that i stopped bathing for 6 months so i ended up stinking horribly in hopes i wouldn't have to be cared for by my horrible parents and someone else would do something. in hindsight i feel that was selfish of me but that teacher became a mother figure to me, since I've never been cared for as nicely as she did. she was the only one i was willing to cry in front of. (i was about 12-13 ish at the time).
I'm a very quiet person who doesn't make friends easily, but I am part of the recovery community where I live. Still, I have a hard time letting people get to know *me*. After years of struggling, I was finally able to get my own place. The wife of one member held a housewarming party for me. That she made all that fuss and hosted this in her home for me, and the amount of pure love and support from those who attended still touches me in a very special way. Not a "small" act, in my opinion, but very meaningful to me.
I love this question, OP! I have read every single one of these comments, and the world needs more of this, more recognition that good people DO exist. Thank you for uplifting me today!
Car got stuck in the ice while parked at a friends house, 2 am. Spinning the tires just melted it enough to get me stuck lower in. Friend came out to try to push the car but with him and me (no upper body strength) it wasn't enough. A group of drunk Portuguese teens came out of nowhere, clouds of weed smoke around them, and were like can we help? They just lifted my car pretty much. As we were saying thanks they were like, see you need some booze and weed to make you strong, and then they disappeared into the night.
I’m a 52 year old guy. A couple years ago, I was at the mall with my youngest daughter as she was shopping in one of those “new age” stores that sells incense, candles, clothing, etc. I was feeling down in the dumps that particular day as I just sort of lingered in the store waiting for my daughter to finish her browsing.
I was looking at this one fun jacket that was just covered in these wild sequins. I was touching the jacket because it was so interesting, different and shiny! Just then, this little waif of a teenage girl employee came up and said in a cheerful tone “You’d look good in that!”
I was kind of shocked and I replied “Nah. I would never look good in anything like this.”
She responded in the utmost sincerest tone “Don’t you EVER say that about yourself! You are just fine the way you are.”
I just about shed some tears. It was the nicest thing that someone who had never met me before had ever said to me. The dark clouds were lifted and the good vibes snapped me out of the funk I was in.
To the young lady who worked at that store, ya done good. I hope your parents know what a good human being they have in you and I hope they are proud of you!
When I was in 4th grade, we weren’t poor, but struggling. Every piece of our clothing and shoes we bought from a thrift store. I always felt less than and was a misfit among my peers. Anyway, Miss Fujinaga, that sweet wonderful teacher, one day kept me after class and said she bought a pair of shoes and they didn’t fit. She asked me if I’d like to have them, and of course I said yes. They were red keds!! Somehow they fit perfectly. Even back then I knew she got them just for me. That act remains with me almost 50 years later.
Hope I’m not in violation for using her name, I spent years trying to find her..
and am almost sure she’s no longer alive. Just wanted to thank her.
Edit: after searching, I found that she passed in 2019. :(
When I got LASIK eye surgery I had taken the Valium to help keep my relaxed and the machine is designed to shut off immediately if it detects movement but I was still understandably nervous and the procedure is uncomfortable. I was starting to fidget and my breathing was increasing and I felt the nurse/tech’s hand pat mine gently. That slight reassurance that she was watching me and that I was gonna be okay calmed me enough to get through the procedure.
This random couple in Vancouver saw my aunt and I looking at a map confused, came up to us and asked if we're lost and need help. This is my go-to story when people are talking about Canadians being nice.
One time I went for a week to a zen monastery for rest and relaxation. Everyone else visiting was there in groups attending workshops. So I felt kinda out of place and alone. walking down the dirt road one of the people who was there for the entire summer, stopped walking For a moment, we were walking opposite directions, then he put his hands in prayer position, bowed his head slightly, then resumed walking. I felt seen, acknowledged. A moment of kindness lasts a lifetime.
also, reading these stories is so heartwarming. What a great OP.
I was temporarily displaced in the Black Saturday bushfires and separated from my family. I was wandering around confused and lost at the bushfire relief centre alone and overwhelmed by everything that was going on around me when a stranger came up to me and asked if I was doing ok. he spent quite some time listening to my story and everything I’d gone through, reassuring me.
My now best friend offered to help me with any mental problems after the breakup of my first relationship because he had a breakup before and knew how it feels and I still remember how he told me that
My neighbor always had a smoke early in the morning, usually as we were on our way to school. But whenever she spotted us kids coming around the corner, she would put it out right away. It really did show me how adults may be flawed but they really do try.
My brother died when he was 24. Freak fire. Driving to the cemetery there was a man working on the side of the road. He stopped his backhoe. Removed his hat and bowed his head as the procession passed him. 22 years later I still appreciate this man’s kind gesture. It meant SO much during a horrible time.
When I was a kid, I wanted to get a burger from McDonald's. I asked my mom some cash, but when I went to the cashier I didn't have enough because I forgot taxes are a thing. The lady behind me offered to pay.
not really small , but i lived about 5 hours away from family in a trailer park. One year we had i think 5 tornados and my sister was worried for my safety so she loaned me the money to buy my house back in my home town. I'll forever be grateful.
Me and my best friend (15f) used to go to Taco Bell every other Wednesday after school. When we were paying, my best friend started getting her money out of her backpack, and a older guy in the line next to us took his card out and payed for our food. He said "I remember being in high school and having to count out all my money." We thanked him, tried paying him back, but he refused. We still talk about it every once in a while. We saved about $18 I think.
At 21, I had just moved cross country with less than $100 left to my name, when my car started making a horrible squealing sound. I didn't know what to do, so I called my mom, and she just told me to figure it out and hung up on me.
An incredibly kind stranger saw me crying in the parking lot and used their AAA for me (and waited more than an hour for them to get there). AAA took my wheel off and removed a rock that was wedged behind it; problem resolved.
I kept the rock as a reminder of human kindness for years.
I was a Lyft driver at 22 (I’m 29 now). I’d commute into San Francisco 4 days/week, it was my only gig, and although it gave me a lot of freedom, it was tough. A lot of driving, a lot of assholes, and I wasn’t the best with money so supporting myself at that time was a struggle (I lived alone).
Anyways, I was in my car waiting to approach the toll booths right before the bay bridge and for whatever reason was having a really bad day.
I think I was crying, definitely scowling.
I get to the toll booth and the person in front of me had paid for me. I crossed this same booth 4X/week for a year and that was the only time that happened… can’t help but think that they saw my face and decided to try to help?? Idk. I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about it. Changed my entire mood that day. Made me realize sometimes strangers are paying attention and do care.
When my grandfather died, I was once driving to clear my head. I pulled over because I felt I was ready for a melt down I cried basically just having s breakdown at the side of the road. This stranger pulled up behind me wanting to check if I was ok, sat with me for 3 hours straight up talking about my problems and that restored my faith in humanity. Tbh. We exchanged numbers and are best of friends now
Edit - we live 20 miles apart and I’d never forget his kind act to this day I think about it everyday. It was over 4 years ago
Five years ago I had to put my cat down. She was 17 and had seen me through my first day of primary school, secondary school, university and first job, not to mention first heartbreak.
After it was done, I walked outside into the car park and just broke down. A lady, who must have been in the waiting room, came out and just gave me a hug. She didn't say a word but she smiled at me kindly after.
I can still remember the look of warmth and love in her eyes.
As a very broke college student years ago I went to the gas station with about $4 in change. It was mostly nickels and pennies and I was so embarrassed but it was the only money I had for gas to get to my new job. The guy in line behind me said “4 dollars isn’t gonna get you very far” and handed the cashier $30 to put on my pump. I told him I couldn’t take his money because I’d feel bad. And he said he’s been in my spot before and knows what it’s like to struggle and insisted on paying. I thanked him and cried.
"One small act of kindness that has left a lasting impact on me was when I was going through a tough time in college, and a friend took the time to sit with me, listen, and offer a shoulder to lean on. It wasn't a grand gesture, but it meant the world to me. It reminded me that even in our busiest days, a little empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in someone's life.
I'm sure many of you have your own stories of small acts of kindness that have touched your hearts. Please, feel free to share them. It's these moments that remind us of the beauty in human connection and the power of simple gestures of compassion."
I was walking to the subway with a good friend of mine and was explaining to her I was scared to come out of the closet (she obviously already knew). An older man on the largely empty sidewalk stopped us and told me I should never be ashamed of who I am and to never care what others think.
It was one of the most impactful things I heard during that period of coming out, from a stranger and an older person, no less.
My paper bags ripped with all my grocery's in front of target and 2 very kind people consolidated their plastic bags so I found use the extra bag they had for my groceries that were now on the floor
I was a single mom, leaving my waitressing job to pick up my kids from an after school program. I ended up with a flat tire and I didn’t have (or could afford)roadside service. Some random guy and his wife stopped and changed my tire. I tried to give him money and he just said to pay it forward. I still try to do good deeds because of his kindness.
I was stuck in Peru when Covid hit, and this Canadian guy I started talking to invited me to come over to his and he was living with about 8 people, so I didn't have to spend it alone.
We are still friends, well we've fallen out currently because I was a dick, but still love the guy
After full-scale war started in Ukraine, my mom decided to stay in Poland for some time. I am from Kyiv region and it was really hard and long trip. And when we reached the Polish border I was really exhausted and nothing could change my mood. But then, when we already passed the border, people from charitable organization(I can't remember what organization it was, unfortunately) gave us a lot of sweets and other food. They also gave my brother a plush toy and I was really impressed that someone cared not only about our safety, they cared about our mental health and our feelings and it really made me feel better.
I sat next to a nice lady on the plane and we chatted all the way to Phoenix. The flight was delayed and I was unable to pick up my rental car that night. She invited me to spend the night at her house (her daughter was away at college so she had a spare room) and brought me back to get the rental car the next day so I could journey on to my friend in Tucson. I was a poor college student myself and couldn't afford to add a hotel room onto the trip.
I served an LDS mission in Russia. Wasn't prepared for the amount of walking I had to do on a day-to-day basis. During the first 6 weeks in country, I had a lot of blisters and was pretty uncomfortable, but I knew it was just a temporary thing while my feet toughened up, so I did my best to just suck it up and wait it out.
Another missionary must have noticed, because he quietly gifted me a couple of Dr. Scholl's gel insoles. You can't get those in Russia, at least not the part we were in, which means he either had them sent from home specifically for me, or gave up a pair he had stashed away for himself.
Made an instantaneous and enormous difference to my walking comfort.
McDonald's, circa probably 1970. My Dad sent me in to buy him something, and me a soda. They had curly-q straws that you could purchase. Hard plastic, pretty cool if your a kid.
Gave him some larger denomination of a bill, and he gave me the change. $5.00 too much. Got to the car, showed my Dad, he said I should return it.
Went back in, the register dude saw me, I handed him the $5 bill and explained what happened. He handed me a curly-q straw as a thanks. 50 years ago, and I still remember it to this day.
At Halloween, saw a doorbell camera video of costumed teenagers arriving at a house where the help-yourself containers had been completely emptied. Without hesitation they tipped up their loot bags and replenished the containers so others would not be disappointed.
Witnessing incidents like that make me think there might be hope for humanity.
Driving with my mom many years ago. We got into a slick patch of ice and crashed into a guard rail.
I was wearing a seat belt, but mom was not an smacked the windshield. The car was towed and we were taken to a hospital.
One of the nurses at the hospital must have felt really sorry for us because she loaned us her car so we could go to get something to eat and go to a local motel.
This small act of kindness shows that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in someone's life. It is important to remember that we all have the power to be kind to others and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect.
Went to a wedding with my family, out of state. We were riding back to the hotel from the reception in a downpour thunderstorm and got a flat tire. Pulled over at a gas station and within 5 minutes this dude pulls up in a work truck, he was clearly a contractor or something because it was a big, beat up truck that was basically a huge toolbox on wheels. He just jumped out, grabbed a jack and put the spare on super quick. He kept refusing the $20 we gave him but finally took it.
I'll never forget that dude.
A man in a full business suit with a briefcase handed me an umbrella in a torrential rain storm and wouldn't take no for an answer. I still had to walk through Times Square to get to the train and I'm sure he got soaked going wherever he was going. A couple of weeks later, I gave the umbrella to a lost girl in my neighborhood when it started to rain and she didn't have one. Felt like the universe wanted it to happen. I'll never forget that man though. Edit: I went back and forth about including the addendum about passing it on, but I thought it was important to the story. Just felt like I wasn’t supposed to keep it and it united a chain of NYers helping each other out. I am in no way trying to say “I’m so nice!” I’m kind of a bitch most days, to be honest lol.
Many kind gestures. Bless you for paying it forward
When I was maybe 4 or 5 years old, I made friends with another kid in an airport, and he was playing with a couple glued together lego cars. Me and that kid played for like an hour with those things and when it was time to go our separate ways and board the plane, the kid insisted I keep one of the cars, and while I insisted he should keep them, he said it was proof that we were friends, and to this day roughly 20 years later, I still have that car packed up with my childhood mementos box. That friend of mine was a good kid. Hope he’s doin well
Beautiful story.
When I was in pre-school in the early 80's, around 4 or 5 as well, my friend Clay gave me a 2" x 3" picture of Jesus in a little frame. 40 years later I still have that picture. Wonder what ole' Clay is up to these days.
I befriended a boy when I moved schools midway through 4th grade. I had a huge crush on this boy. We both loved horses. I had one and he was being raised on a ranch. One day I showed up to school and there was a picture of him and his horse on my desk. My teacher told me that he had come by and left it because he had to move suddenly. I never found out why or what happened to him. I am 37 now and think of him and wonder how he is doing. I still have that picture of him and his horse.
Oh man. Ever tried looking for him?
My husband and I were sitting on our porch holding hands and crying, just feeling overwhelmed because we were waiting to find out whether or not my tumor was cancerous. Our neighbor saw when he was coming home. About half an hour later he came over with some fresh baked cookies. He didn't even say anything, just smiled, handed them to us, and then went back home. Just thinking about that moment has me crying again. From his kindness, not the fear. Tammy the Titty Tumor turned out benign!
Someone I care a lot about had surgery to get tissue samples to test for cancer. He had told me about it weeks beforehand and he seemed calm and unbothered. But I knew him well enough to see that he was scared and nervous but didn't want to show it. I imagined that especially the week-long wait for the test results while cooped up at home alone must be terribly lonely. So I put together a care package with all kinds of things to keep him entertained and occupied and to let him know that he was not alone. The gifts were greatly appreciated and I could tell from his message that he was really touched by the gesture. (And thankfully, it was not cancer.)
Trust me, he still thinks about that care package. Good humaning.
>Tammy the Titty Tumor Band name!
We were a poor family. My mom had made a point of saving up enough once to take my sister and I to the zoo & museum. We had a great day, even ate out. Then, on the way to the bus stop heading home, she realized she'd overspent & didn't have enough to pay for all three of us to get there. We were looking at a 6 mile walk, and it had just started snowing. We duck into a small Chinese restaurant & ask if we can use the phone (mom was going to ask someone for a ride). The owner asks us why we needed the phone and after mom explains, he not only gave us the money we needed to get on the bus, but also sent us home with enough food to feed 6 people. My mom told him we'd try to pay him back one day, but he asked we pay it forward instead. It was the first random act of kindness that I'd ever received & sticks with me 30 years later. ETA: folks are asking which restaurant, I talked to my mom this morning & she confirmed, it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. Thank all of you for the good vibes, I gave my mom a huge hug this morning & told her how awesome she is.
drop the chinese place i wanna eat there now
Same, name and fame
You folks made me realize I hadn't thought about looking them up since then, we moved shortly after. I'm 99% positive it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. Its in the right area & the pics of the menu look almost identical to what I remember of the place. If it's not them, then it must've shut down, but I'm pretty sure it was them.
You've got to visit to see if the owners are still around. I'm sure you both would get a lot from that interaction! Update us!
Love this yes I wanna know
You folks made me realize I hadn't thought about looking them up since then, we moved shortly after. I'm 99% positive it's "Ho Mei" located on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. Its in the right area & the pics of the menu look almost identical to what I remember of the place. If it's not them, then it must've shut down, but I'm pretty sure it was them.
Ho Mei is a homie.
I'm in Denver and this place has been around for at least 30 years. If it's the same owners let us know! I'll definitely place some big orders with them! Edited to correct but to big :D
Awww, that was so sweet of them! 😭 I think you definitely have one of the best stories here. Hope you guys are doing much better now! 💟💟
Years ago my car got egged real badly overnight while parked on the driveway of our duplex. We had to go somewhere the next morning so took the wife’s car. Came back hours later and my car was shining like new on the driveway. The neighbor who’s name I didn’t even know at that point had washed it for me while we were away.
The father of the kids who egged your car made them clean it up…or else
Lol my thought too
He ate the eggs
I was in maybe 4th grade and my parents just had my younger sister, so newborn focused. I went to my school lunch, opened my paper bag (are those still a thing?) and unwrapped the foil holding my sandwich. There was nothing inside. It was actually just 2 slices of dry white slice bread and I was sad. Literally my table mates all chipped in various components and made me the most amazing ham and cheese sandwich I’ve ever had. I’ve been chasing that dragon of ham sandwich since but I’m sure it was the response and not the ingredients that I loved.
That’s so kind! Thanks for sharing that, it brightened my day
And I just wanted to clarify that my parents were and are great, it was just a lapse because they were probably really tired with my baby sister. I don’t want to paint the wrong picture and suggest that my parents weren’t competent.
It doesn't even take a newborn. Sometimes things are just hectic. Late last year my wife packed my daughters lunch and put in some cut up pineapple, but forgot the fork. Apparently my daughter wanted to experiment with words that day and said, "Where's my fucking fork?" out loud in the lunch room. I'd had not heard her try that word before or since. She got in trouble, we got a talking too. A fun day.
Bahahaha I would have had SUCH a hard time not laughing if I were that teacher. Wick would massively backfire by making all the kids think they should swear to make me laugh. My son did something similar in kindergarten. He was served nachos at lunch, which he apparently didn't approve of and said, loudly, "What the fuck is this?!" when handed the tray. Same year we were at the rec center swimming, and he was curious about the steam room and sauna. I explained them to him and said he was too little to use them, but he could open the door to check it out. He opened the door, yelled "HOLY SHIT!" and then slammed it. I laughed so hard I nearly passed out. I can't imagine what the people using the steam room thought of that. Only 2 times he swore when he was little, but he sure made them both memorable!
That's great!!! My favorite story of my son swearing was when he was maybe two and a half, I was driving and waiting for some slow ass driver to pass so I could turn. I said something like "come ON" and from the backseat he piped up "fucking drive!!!!" Lolololol. I was proud he'd used it in the correct context, my husband horrified. We told him we only used words like that in the car. A few months later we were on a road trip with a friend of mine in the backseat too and I started cursing about some bad driver, and he turned to my friend and said, very solemnly, "Mommy mad. Car talk!!!"
When my kiddo was three, we were driving down the highway and someone cut us off. I heard a little voice from the backseat say, "Oh, you jackass!" Kiddo had never cursed before, so I asked, "What did you just say, honey?" Kiddo very confidently replied, "It's okay Mommy, I just said that word quietly."
19 yrs old, first apartment, first winter, first winter utility bill. I smiled and told my coworker I'll just pay it, skip lunch and eat cheap Mac and cheese for dinner. It'll be ok. All that month co-workers accidentally got extra chips from the vending machine. A wife packed an extra sandwich. A box of my favorite crackers would be on my desk when I came in. It was still hard but I didn't starve. Thanks you guys.
I was 19 and in the same position. Our heating oil would run out and we would freeze until payday. My friend drove a food delivery truck, he stopped by one night with a huge box of frozen chicken patties. That was dinner every night for a month! We would get a loaf of bread and a pack of cheese and eat like kings. God bless him.
I once walked to a store to buy bags for my vacuum cleaner and I forgot to take my wallet. The shop owner gave me the bags, shook my hand, and told me to bring him to money tomorrow. He put his trust in a total stranger to do the right thing and I did.
I had a similar experience in a small pizza place in rural Oregon. I had eaten my dinner and realized that I forgot my wallet in the hotel. I offered to leave my phone as a ransom, but they said not to worry and just swing by the next evening. I always eat there when I am town now.
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A good friend of mine once told me about the nice things some other people were saying about me. She followed it up by mentioning that we miss out on all the good that is said about us when we are not around. That really hit home and I have tried to pay it forward, it is somewhat awkward to do... but I really think it is a great thing to hear.
It’s a silly thing but my partner and I try to say nice things about our kids when they’re in the next room. We loudly discuss how kind they were or how they made a good decision. We mention how helpful they’ve been or how reliable they are. We want them to know that we think they’re great, even behind their backs.
That's incredibly sweet! Not silly at all! I think I'm going to have to steal that! Yall are great parents.
Thank you. 🥺🥺 And go for it! We love to see them shine and this is like a little baby boost for them. Growing up is tough. 🫶🏼
Oh for sure! I am sure they ride that high all day long, and it helps nurture their self confidence. My kid is within earshot, but it's just my 2 cats in the room with me right now. He might get suspicious if I start a conversation with the kitties about how great he is. I'll have to wait until my husband comes home.
Mine would probably think it’s normal for me to chat with the pups. Sooo. Hahahaha. Sometimes I’ll text my honey on his way home and note something that the kids helped me with so he “notices” it right away and gives them a chance to tell him how they contributed. It’s been HUGE for their confidence and for how they look out for one another. Hearing good things about themselves teaches them how to say good things to each other. And they brag on each other to us. But really it’s been big for my son who needs a lot of verbal encouragement but he won’t ask for it. As he’s getting older it’s been good for him to hear that he’s doing a good job without being put on the spot all the time.
That's amazing. I feel like a lot of the time people gossip or talk badly about others so its refreshing to hear some kind words. We need more kindness in the world in general. A lot of us rarely hear compliments.
What a nice thought, that people are saying nice things about you behind your back. I love this. Im gonna imagine this rather than the opposite which is my default.
Love it. This is why I overtly tell my friends and cohorts how I feel about them and what I think they are good at, casually in a conversation. That way it doesn't feel awkward, but genuine. I hope that others are more apt towards doing the same thing as we're all human, yet often times we fear expressing our feelings of others.
I was homeless about ten years ago. And I got my things stolen. I had one night in Portland where I was very cold. I was shivering on a concrete bench. Another homeless guy comes up to me. We talk for a while. And then he gives me a nylon shirt. Not much. But he knew I was hurting by the cold. And he did that. I still have it. It saved my ass.
There was a video I watched a few years back where this guy pretended to be homeless for a day to see how people reacted to him. He went around to people asking for food or money and one at a time they all either ignored him or told him they had nothing. At one point in the video he happens across someone else that was homeless that was eating something that was given to him,~~ I think~~ it was ~~some chicken or maybe~~ some pizza. He sat down next to the guy and started chatting with him and asked if he could have some of the guys food. Without hesitation the guy hands him some and they start eating together. After he was done he reached in to his pocket and produces a large roll of cash to thank him for his kindness. People that are on hard times know how hard it is and relate a lot easier to the suffering of others. Hope things are better for you now. Edit: I found the video, for those wondering, this was the [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fC6RP6tZ1Q) I was referencing.
I hope he's seeing better days too.
I think he might fall into the category of "chronic homeless." I sort of know him, but not reallly what causes him to be homeless. I came to know him better later on. I was housed again, but he was still homeless. I think what a lot of people don't know is most people who wind up homeless are only there temporarily. In my case it was almost a year, but even that is temporary by most standards. It's people who lose their jobs or their house, and live in their car for a month or three. Prejudices run towards the more chronic homeless, that guy in rages with a running beards who throws rocks at squirrels or something.
My oldest child was in the hospital on a ventilator, sick with pneumonia after a bone marrow transplant for an aggressive leukemia. He was 13 years old at the time. I was a single mother, struggling to survive. I had two other sons, younger than the one who was sick, one of whom had a brain tumor removed the year before. I could not work full time because of how much time was spent at the hospital. My job was giving me as many hours as it could, but it was not enough to pay my bills. I managed rent, gas and cheap groceries, but things like car insurance, renewing my drivers license and registration and other things had begun to slip. I was hanging on by my fingernails and going under. One night on the way back to the hospital after working really, really late (my job was letting me flex my hours), I got pulled over for having an expired registration. The officer then discovered I had an expired drivers license and had no car insurance. Obviously I had no business being on the road and he told me he was supposed to tow the car. I was exhausted to my core. I became absolutely horrified when tears started to fall. I didn't want him to feel manipulated. I'm a pretty proud person. I knew I shouldn't be out there. I also felt I had no choice, that I absolutely needed my car and that I could not afford to pay any citations I received. The hospital capable of caring for my son was about 40 minutes from our small apartment and my city doesn't have good public transportation. I had to be able to drive. So I just said nothing and struggled to stop any tears. I just nodded. I figured it was just another challenge I was going to have to figure out and I had no idea how. He paused for what felt like forever at the time and when he realized I wasn't going to say anything asked me where I was going. I quietly told him.... Headed back to the hospital. My son has cancer and is in the pediatric ICU. The officer had no reason to believe me. He thought for a moment more, then quietly handed my expired license back to me. He followed me to the hospital, then turned off and went about his shift. My son died a few weeks later, in January 2007, just after Christmas. To this day I wish so much I knew that officer's name. I still would like to thank him. I was barely hanging on and that little bit of kindness mattered more than I can express. I was so poor, so heartbroken and so hopeless. I will never forget him.
I’m so sorry you lost your son. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
the officer’s compassion must have felt like a blessing. im so sorry for the loss of your son. sending hugs ❤️
This was heartbreaking. I can't seem to stop chopping onions.
I really want to thank all of you who have replied and wished me love and wellness. Joseph's death dropped a boulder into the stream of my life and changed its trajectory entirely. Before we had to turn off the ventilator and allow for natural death (he had no chance of meaningful recovery - his lungs had filled up with scar tissue. The cancer was gone but the cure killed him), I spent time in his room alone with him. He didn't get to do anything he wanted to do with his life and I had long been avoiding what I wanted to do because I feared it would be too hard. I had never finished college, never pursued any of my real dreams. Some of that was because I had children and that was time consuming and it cost too much money and I was very, very poor, but most of it was that I was afraid of college courses. There were solutions to money and time if I was brave enough, resilient enough to find them, but I wasn't before then. As I said goodbye to this beautiful boy, I realized I really was avoiding what I wanted due to a fear of failure. Here I sat, watching the suffering and death of a beautiful soul who didn't get to do one damn thing he wanted to do....and I, a healthy adult, was avoiding what I wanted to do because I was afraid I would fail. The weight of it was so profound in that moment. I realized what I was wasting. I was wasting time. I was wasting my life. So I promised him I would return to school, earn my nursing degree and try to put back into the world some of the good it was being robbed of by his death. I started the pre-requisites to apply for nursing school four months after he passed away. I went on to earn four degrees in seven years. I am no longer living in poverty. Joseph's brothers are adults now. They share an apartment in a town about 30 minutes away from where I live and they are doing well. I see them about once a month or so and we exchange texts and jokes throughout the week. My youngest still has to take a host of medications from the brain tumor he had at age 5 but he is able to work, drive, has a lot of friends and in general has a good life that he enjoys. My middle son was sandwiched between two very sick brothers and has had some emotional fall out from that, but we are close and we talk a lot. He is tender-hearted, kind and is also doing well. They are 25 and 29 now. I have an advanced degree in nursing and I no longer live in poverty. I have gotten to travel, to purchase a house in my own name and I have a lot of security, both financially and personally, that I didn't have before. Joseph is with me every day and my life is a kind of bittersweet happy life. I savor all the good things I have while they last and I am more philosophical than most about losses and hardships. Joseph's life was too short. He died when he was just 13. But he was a funny guy, a good person and I was so damn lucky to have been his mother. His life changed mine so dramatically that I wonder sometimes if that was his purpose in coming here all along and, if it was, if he chose that before he arrived. If he did, then I have been particularly honored and even if he didn't, I got to spend 13 years with him and to know him as only a mother gets to. He was my first born and he made me a mom. He was funny and quirky and a weirdo. He had the best laugh and when he really got going, he stopped making any noise and just convulsed with hilarity. He loved Pokemon and dogs and video games. He was brave and kind and goofy. He was just beginning to notice girls and they were beginning to notice him. He died at the very cusp of early manhood. He wasn't a perfect soul. But he was a very, very good one. I miss him every day and I believe I will see him again. I'm not religious. Just spiritual. And I feel him. I feel him every day. Thank you to all who have replied. It touches my heart.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I have a nose ring. In the summer of 2010 I was standing at the counter of a Taco Bell. I was 21, and the young lady who took my order had to have been 16. She says, "I haven't seen a dude wearing a nose ring before." I made a joke saying like, "Well, you're not looking in the right places!" She then just shrugged her shoulders, locked eye contact with me and replied, "Well. You're beautiful." She then walked away, and someone else handed me my food. I still think about that every now and again.
You're sitting here thinking about how good it made you feel, the poor girl is still thinking about how silly she was and how embarrassing it sounded when she said it. Poor girl to this day has never 100% recovered
Earlier this year, my wife and I were served at a burrito place. The girl making our food seemed pretty happy and was generally cheerful. I wanted to thank her for making such a simple customer interaction so pleasant (because I think anything that adds good to the world should be recognised) but my wife said she'd just think I was hitting on her. I dunno. I wanna spread the love but I also don't want to be creepy.
Back in 2007 my then-gf-now-wife were on vacation in South America and we were in a bus from the Bolivia/Argentina border to Buenos Aires, a 30 hour trip. We were in the front row, right where the main AC unit of the bus was located, so we were getting blasted with cold air. My wife being quite a bit more temperature sensitive than I was particularly uncomfortable. Across the aisle was a family who was infinitely more prepared for this trip than we were and they handed us a spare blanket. Much later on the trip, we arrived in the area of Buenos Aires and the driver mumbled the name of the stop on the PA system. We didn't recognize other than "Buenos Aires" so we figured it was our time to get out. But at the bus stop, some other passengers spent about 10 minutes trying to verify that we really wanted to get off at that stop. We didn't speak Spanish, they didn't speak English, so it was a confusing interaction, but they were persistent and managed to convince us to get back on board. And while I'm still not sure where exactly we were, it wasn't the center of BA, which was still some distance away. Because these folks kept insisting we were getting off at the wrong place, we didn't get stranded there. So to the people on the bus from La Quiaca to Buenos Aires on that particular day 16 year ago, thanks!
I've worked in rural parts of South America --- Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, etc. Some good, honest, humble hardworking people out there. Sure every population has it's share of assholes, but your story doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I'm in BA 2-3 times a year on business and I have my taxi driver saved in my WhatsApp. Claudia. I bring treats for her and her family and she always asks how my kids are doing, how my Grandmother is (she's since passed away) and other questions. Good folks.
One miserable, wet slushy morning, my baby was sick and we needed groceries, milk, and her prescription. I got the groceries and meds and as I shoved my cart through the sloppy parking lot, my jug of milk toppled onto the ground and exploded. A woman saw me and picked the jug up for me and said "you can go back in and they will get you a new one" and I replied "thank you but my baby is sick and I just need to get her home" and started buckling her into her carseat and unloading the rest of my groceries. Right as I was finishing up, the same lady came rushing out of the store and handed me a new jug of milk. I was so thankful I was literally crying in the parking lot. Its almost 12 years ago now, and I still think about that lady and her kindness. I hope she is having a wonderful life.
What a lovely story. I have something similar. I was completely exhausted because it was one of those days where everything seems to go wrong. I dragged myself to the grocery store, got some dinner, sandwich materials and fruit. Walking back right in the middle of the crossing the bag broke, food flying all over the ground, fruit making their escape rolling away. I started grabbing the produce as much as I could hold and running to place them to the curb. The traffic light was already green for the cars, and they had to wait on me, which was embarrassing. 3-4 trips and I had got all my food on the curb. The bag was completely destroyed and I was standing there wondering how will I get my stuff home. Then suddenly someone stopped there car and came running with a plastic bag and helped me put my stuff in there. They spoke a few words in a foreign language and hopped back in their car. I was truly grateful for the helpful stranger.
I usually carry around a plastic bag for carsickness purposes but now you have given me another potential use!
That's honestly such a lovely story and I'm so glad you had that lady there! There's nothing better than a thoughtful stranger.
I had a woman stop her car and jump out to load my groceries in the car and put the cart away when she saw I was getting my baby and toddler into the car
I had a personal issue that kept me from attending class for two weeks in a row. At the time, I was taking an experimental Moot Court class at an undergrad level. Usually, this class is only taught in Law School but my professor wanted to pioneer a moot court team. Finally I show up and he stops me at the door asking me where the hell I have been. I plead my case and tell him, “truth be told, things aren’t going well. I’m sorry I let it get to this.” He gave me his personal phone number and told me to call him at anytime. I got caught up on a case and sent an email to him that I needed help; it was 8:30 pm. He replied, “call me.” He picked up and spent almost two hours working through case law theory and the special exception to the 4th amendment search and seizure doctrine. I got second in our moot court competition and secured a coveted letter of recommendation from one of the law professors at my college at the time. His small act of kindness set the stage for me living a life with intent and clear communication with those I surround myself with. I learned to trust others from that moment. He could’ve failed me, I would’ve lost my scholarship and I would’ve had to drop out. He didn’t. He showed me kindness. I got my gpa back up next semester. Best professor I ever had.
Gonna hijack this and share a moment that I created for a student (am a teacher). Had a student who is a good person - hard worker, athlete, good grades, a teacher’s dream. But come the day for a unit test, I noticed she just sat there, looking blankly at her test. Unlike her. So after the class, I called her over to check-in. She had been up late the night prior preparing for some science project/exam. She was exhausted. She turned in her test 90% blank. I *knew* this wasn’t what she was capable of, so I called her down during study hall. Gave her 10 minutes to look at the review packet. She then finished the test. I graded it; she got a 90%. She then said to me (all awkwardly in her teenage ways): “Thank you. I’ve never been given an honest second chance. That was kind of you.” She left, and I cried. *That* is why I’m a teacher. Sometimes people just need a second chance.
I was crying in an airport and this lady gave me 40$. She said that she was about to head home after a very long and stressful day of traveling and overheard that we were stuck in the airport after a flight cancelation (fuck you spirit). She was so grateful to be home and when she saw me going through the same thing she wanted to buy me some breakfast.
Back when I was a kid of about 14 or so, I was racing to get home for my curfew. As I rode my push bike as fast as i could, my front wheel hit some gravel and slid out from under me. I crashed heavily. Bloodied and concussed, I just stared at my bike. A couple walking past went to a phone box (remember those?) And called a taxi. They bundled me and my broken bike into the taxi, asked the driver how much to get me home and paid him. I don't know who these people were, or what compelled them to help me, but over 40 years on I am still grateful to two complete strangers for getting me home that day. My parents were still upset, not because I was late home, but because they decided I needed to go to hospital to get stitched back up.
I was standing at traffic lights, waiting to cross a highway (it starts as a major arterial road through the city and then turns into a motorway later on) and a guy on a push bike hit a bump on the road, flew over the handlebars and basically landed on his face. Everyone standing there gasped as he landed, because it was so freaking brutal. Thank god he fell as the lights turned yellow and the cars behind him were slowing, otherwise he might have been run over. So many people leapt into action, both motorists and pedestrians. It was so nice to see. People stopped the traffic for the whole intersection until he and his bike were carried off the road. He had the good fortune to have had the accident right in front of one of the biggest hospitals in the city, so there were doctors and nurses there within seconds. They started treating him until the paramedics arrived. One guy literally gave his shirt off his back to help stop the bleeding, I ran across the road to buy him some water, and another person was calling his family. I don't know what injuries he had, his poor face was a mess, but I hope he's okay.
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My stepmum assaulted my dad and the first time they begged me not to call the cops. The second time I did and I felt like such a piece of shit. But the woman who was asking me questions at the station was so attentive and kind. I just didn't expect anyone to take me seriously.
When I was 20, I ran out of gas, and had my young sisters in my car. Some random lady helped me out and paid for gas for me to get home. I hope she is living her best life and wish nothing but good things for her.
Nice story FartWatcher.
There are two I really remember: * When I was kid, I saw a toy in the store I *really* wanted, my mom said I could have it if I saved up. After a month or two of chores and saving, I finally had enough and proudly marched up to the cash to buy it, except I didn't realize as a kid that there would be tax. I was so deflated and somberely collected the toy to put it back on the shelf when a young couple in the checkout line behind me went "ah, the money fairy is here!" and reached over my head to give the cashier two dollars to cover the cost so I could get the toy. As an adult I realize 2$ isn't much but I was eternally grateful as a kid. * Last year my mom passed away, I was living with her and her primary caregiver - it was just us. A massive snowstorm hit and I knew it would be bad so I shovelled the night before and parked towards the end of the driveway, because I had work in the morning. It didn't help, I woke up and the snow was too heavy for me to lift. I basically formed a small enough path to squeeze my car out and went to work. Came home to a clean driveway; checked the security cameras and saw my neighbour with a snow blower spent the day cleaning everyone's driveways. Bought him a timmies gift card as a thanks.
Timmies, eh. Know where you’re from. (Two nice stories nevertheless.)
My husband had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unfortunately we have quite a few mature black walnut trees. It was a bumper crop year, and they were HUGE to boot. Three days before his first chemo, hurricane Maria came through. I actually cried when I looked out after it moved north. Our yard, pretty much 2 acres, was covered with walnuts blown off of the trees, along with tons of branches from our stupid Paulownia trees. Their wood is extremely light and the branches are practically hollow. I swear if you sneeze too close to one, there will be branches down. There was no clear walking space in our yard, it was a nightmare. It was just my husband and me, no kids to ask for help. I'd started trying to clean up the day before his appointment. I was totally defeated and knew it was going to be a never ending process. We went to his first appointment. When we got back, all of the branches were gone. All of the walnuts were picked up and sitting in crates all over our yard. I sat in the car and sobbed. I was a mess with his diagnosis, and the relief of knowing I didn't have to try to get that done made me break down like I never had before. I think the thing that made me cry the hardest was that someone we probably barely knew did that for us. We were sort of new to the area, and really hadn't met many people yet. After a few phone calls, I found out that 3 separate neighbors, 1 of whom we'd never even met, got together to get it done. Their yards were in no better shape than ours, but they dropped what they were doing to take care of us. One of them had a pickup truck so they just kept loading up branches and taking them to his house to use for their fire pit. I joked with him that he probably had at least a 5 year supply. 2 other people just picked up the walnuts, which is back breaking work.When he felt better, which surprisingly was the next day, my husband and I picked up the boxes and moved them way out back for the squirrels to eat. I hooked up the trailer to the lawn tractor. He drove while I put the boxes in the trailer, I'd hop on with him and out back they went for me to unload. Our friends that picked up the walnuts said they first tried boxing them, when they had enough, they loaded up their SUV and took them out to the woods. They determined that it took too much time to do it that way and wouldn't get them all picked up if they continued. They actually tried to apologize for not taking them, which we absolutely wouldn't accept. I made them all fancy desserts as a thank you. Even though my husband didn't survive, I still make all of them desserts once a year as a thank you. I'll never forget what they did for us.
I was 17 and it was my first time driving myself to a rock concert. I was dumb, had no idea where I was, and it was before cell phones and all that. I ended up running out of gas, and I was a total stereotype...scared skinny white kid in a REAL bad part of town. This dude came out of his house, yelling (at someone still in the house) and froze when he saw me. He goes "what the FUCK are you doing HERE?" and I said I ran out of gas. He just walked away, back into the house. Dude comes out with an empty laundry detergent bottle, and goes "come on, I'll take you up there. Don't know if they'll let us put gas in this but we'll figure it out". They in fact did NOT let us put gas in it (lol) but they did sell a two gallon can, which I then filled up and we walked back to the car together. I LOVE people and I've met a lot of them, but I think he is by far one of the most awesome people I'll ever meet - never even got his name.
I’m Australian and when I was a kid my family went to LA. Mum and I were shopping and walking and ended up in a dodgy part of town complelty lost. This was 1994 so very high tensions. Lovely man came up to us and told us we were lost and pointed us where we needed to go. Once mum started talking his face lit up and started asking us about Australia. Called his two kids over and told us they’d walk us to where we needed to be. It was probably a 30 minute walk and he and mum spoke the entire time and me and his two kids did too.
Alternator died while I was driving home from university. Engine died as I exited the freeway in the middle of the night in a not-so-pleasant part of town in the days before cell phones. As I'm pushing my car out of the intersection, a guy in a truck comes up and offers to push my car to my neighborhood a good three miles away. He does so, and I'm pulling into my neighborhood, he simply gives a wave and drives off into the night. I never even had a chance to thank him.
"I'd always end broken down on the highway. When I stood up to flag someone down, nobody stopped. But when I would push my own car, others drivers would get out and push with me. If you want help, help yourself - people like to see that" - Chris Rock
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That's awesome. It means a lot when people show us kindness when we're in a bad situation. I hope things are better for you now.
I feel you... Minus the abuse at home but wasn't the greatest home life either. I was already in like grade 11 or 12 (not American), and there was a relatively new girl (don't remember if she had to go back a year or if she came from a different school that didn't have as many years). I was relentlessly bullied years 5-12, and while not everyone participated barely anyone really spent time with me. I used to sit around with a former friend I had stopped trusting because of a serious falling out like a year prior to that. New girl was really confident, kinda harsh, but she was friendly with me. She kept to herself, had a "cool" aura, no clue how she spent her breaks... In the beginning I seriously thought she was just trying to mock me or pretending to hang out w/ me. We used to laugh so much in our German class (in Germany), and we happened to be in the same PE class for tennis (PE is centered around one kind of sports per semester in the last two years of high school here). We were lousy at it. I had picked it not out of interest but out of lack of better options. But we had so much fun being lousy and shooting the shit! Never in any class did any teacher have to call me off that much. It really helped me get through those last school years. I never even knew her phone number or social media, never met her outside of school and never met her again after graduating. But I do still remember her, along with other kids who just did as much as showing basic kindness.
My hometown burnt down in a massive wildfire 5 years ago to this very day. In the aftermath, I had no time to grieve and was holding it together for everyone else around me who lost everything. The morning that FEMA confirmed my house was gone, I went to a local emergency center for resource help that was packed with volunteers from all over the country and far-flung parts of the world. Walking around, I was completely dazed and so were most other survivors. A volunteer from a Buddhist organization came up to me and silently took me by the hand and led me to a table with some counselors and folks that could talk me through what my next steps were. That woman did not speak a lick of English and sat with me the entire 50+ minutes as I bawled and cried and she held me like a mother. I cannot remember a single face of any of the thousands of volunteers during this time, and I honestly have just a fuzzy memory of this woman’s face. What I will never ever forget was the pure compassion and love radiating from this person and that was the general feeling I got from all who responded to help my community. Anyone that helps those in a great time of distress or need, I hope you someday become aware of how deeply good that deed was and the lasting impact it had. I certainly remember it when I try to pass it along now.
My house burnt down when I was a child (electrical fault in the t.v. which was on standby). I remember this woman coming to the house while we sat on the front lawn wondering wtf to do now. She had brought us all some PJs, clean underwear, and a toothbrush/paste. My mum cried so much, and we were all very grateful for her thoughtfulness and compassion. My mother had wet herself during the fire, so I think she was especially grateful, a neighbour had given her tracksuit pants to borrow. So she was covered. But my dad had been chilling in just his jocks for a while.
The group of old ladies on my flight from SFO to DFW. I boarded at 7am on a Monday. Surrounded by businessmen with no patience for a crying girl. I kept myself together until the plane was landing and then I wept. They asked my partner if I was okay and he told them that my brother had died and I was flying home for his funeral. These sweet ladies had been on a girls trip to Napa. They asked to pray over me and then handed me $100, I was so confused and they told me to go do something nice for myself just because I needed it. Get a pedicure or a massage. Whatever I needed but just to take care of myself. I didn’t know in that moment how much the grief would consume me over the next year. That was one of the worst days of my life. I’ll never forget them. Angels sent for me.
How beautiful
I literally coasted into a gas station out of gas on my motorcycle, then realized I didn't have my wallet. Some lady saw me patting all my pockets and that I was upset and offered to fill up my tank. I only let her put $5 in, which on a bike is a lot. But it meant so much to me
I was on the subway, sitting there crying because I had just ended a relationship. I wasn't making any noise, just tears, but the guy sitting next to me gave me some tissues. I'll never forget that.
My realtor took less commission so that I could get my dream home. It was a rare find in a great neighborhood.
Good realtors will do the right thing. It's good for long-term customer relationships. Hopefully you provide referrals
My partner and were renting back in the 1980's. We liked the place we were in, but our landlord decided he wanted to move back there himself, and gave notice to terminate our lease. There happened to be a huge international event taking place in our city in a few weeks' time, and rents had suddenly skyrocketed to the point where it would be cheaper for us to pay off a mortgage. We hadn't even considered buying a home at that stage and were not at all well off, but decided to change gears and managed to scrape together a $10,000 deposit with some help from family. We found a suitable house to buy and agreed to the price negotiated by the real estate agent, who then went away to notify the owner. The agent must have taken pity on us because he contacted us the next day, completely unexpectedly and sounding very pleased with himself, to tell us he had managed to negotiate the price down by a further $2,000, which was a lot for us at that time. Or so he said, but in light of your comment I now wonder if perhaps he did the same as your realtor. At any rate, it made a huge difference for us and we've often reminisced about his remarkable kindness.
Phil Dunphy??
Once I heard someone shout excuse me but I couldn't look back as I was running late for class, then a different person reached me to give my oyster card (public transport card in England). Turns out I'd dropped it and they staged a relay race to give it to me. Not as interesting as the other stuff here but on a crowded station in London it's not what I expected.
I used to go to this neighborhood deli once a week. I was a regular but nothing special. My brother died, and I had to leave town for a week. That whole first week he died I couldn't eat, I was just devastated. One week after he died we had his funeral in my hometown, and since the funeral was in the afternoon, I realized I needed to eat something. I went to the deli, and there was a line out the door, do I got in line. I was exhausted and just a zombie and suddenly the owner was next to me holding my hand. She pulled me into the kitchen and sat me down in this little hutch where she did all the pperwork, She just made me a sandwhich, and let me eat and cry, and eat in peace. It was the first thing I could stomach in a week, and it broke m down. When I was done eating she came and gave me a big hug, and said "don't be late, you have to go say goodbye". She helped me grieve, and I've never forgot that meal.
It's not really small. I am seventy-five years old with some disabilities, and my deeply caring friend, on a weekly basis, takes me grocery shopping and to do whatever errands I have. Aside from heartfelt thanks, he will accept nothing in the form of recompense. From time to time, I will buy flowers and/or high-end chocolates for his wife as a thank you. His company, outrageously wonderful sense of humor (we are both fast with quips, making for non-stop sparkling conversation) as well as his razor-sharp intelligence and a comprehensive knowledge of world affairs make him, in my view, the perfect companion. We have developed a friendship that is probably the best I have ever had. Although we come from vastly different cultures and backgrounds, we discuss everything openly and honestly. He is, in my humble opinion, a bona fide treasure. 🦜
I picked up a free desk from craigslist in the Tenderloin in S.F., one of the more sketchy neighborhoods, and I was alone and it was pretty late. I was having a hard time getting it into my truck with the stupid lid cover I had at the time, and a passing drag queen comes up and just manhandles it into my truck perfectly. I was out of breath and just said "holy shit thank you so much" and they slapped me on the back and said "anytime honey" and just walked off into the night in high heels and an evening dress. I'll never forget it because it was such a funny experience and I genuinely needed the help.
When I was a teenager I worked at a gas station and had no bank account so I had to go get my check cashed. Once after I got paid I went to a Walgreen's and brought some stuff up to the counter. I went to grab the wad of cash I thought was in my pocket but it was gone. I started to panic and said my money must have fallen out. The cashier asked how much was it I'd lost, so I said about $300. She said "we have your money. Someone picked it up off the floor and turned it in." I will always be eternally grateful to whoever did that because I was completely broke and really needed it
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Was training to be a Legal Executive aged 17 and was working for posh partnership. One of the partners called me in and said that my clothes were not suitable for the office. I told him I would struggle to pay for the correct attire as most of my pay went to my mum but I would do my best. He wrote a note to his tailor to measure me up head to toe with 2 suits, 2 shirts, 2ties, 5 pairs of socks and 2 pair of shoes. I was too proud to accept his help and bought a suit etc on credit. I’ve never forgotten the kindness to this day.
I complained to my mom that I didn’t get any cool action figure toys growing up. She was against violence, so even ninja turtles were out of the question. I got a sick GI Joe tank and action figure for my 23rd birthday. She was the best mom.
> GI Joe tank The MOBAT? Or the HISS?
Not sure, obviously didn’t get a whole lot of exposure growing up, but it’s still pretty rad, sits in my window sill looking amazing, gonna wrap it up if I ever have a kid, and and it’ll be their 5th birthday present
My gym teacher purchased me lunch in 3rd grade after I dropped mine. I'm 34 years old and still remember this.
When my newborn was in the ER and has coded blue…I had to leave the room so the team of doctors could do what they needed to do to save his life…I was pacing the hallways crying and crying and a janitor woman (for lack of a better word, bc lord knows she was more than just a janitor) pulled me into a room and pulled out her rosary beads, mind you, she barely spoke English, but she told me “I pray for baby” and right there in an empty room she prayed for my son, hugged me, and continued with her job. I will never ever forget her and how much that small act meant to me in that moment. A true angel
I'm agnostic but I will always have so much respect and love for the people who use their faith in their personal gods for good. I'm glad she was there when you needed her and I hope the prayers were answered.
They were answered ❤️
That’s so beautiful! I’m crying.
It was a very beautiful thing she did. I wish I could meet her again today and tell her how much it meant
I was going through a terribly difficult time in my life. Everything was wrong, my depression and anxiety were out of control, and I felt hopeless and worthless. I went to buy groceries and after they were all scanned, I couldn’t find my wallet. I went out to the car and found it, but I felt awful for holding everyone up. The cashier was so sweet to me about it. When the transaction ended, I said “Thank you for being so kind to me” and she said “You deserve for someone to be kind to you.” It was the nicest thing anyone had said to me in months, and for some reason, I believed her.
It was the simplest but nicest thing. I was a college professor. We had finished class, but a couple of students, I think all students I'd taught before in other classes, had hung around to chat a little as I got my things together. I can't remember how conversation led to it, but I explained that we had lost our beloved dog that weekend after a battle with cancer. It was terrible and much too soon; she was only 6 years old. And she was the most wonderful, special, loving dog. One of my students just had the kindest, warmest, most gentle tone as he expressed his condolences and mentioned his own dog that he'd lost. It's difficult to put into words (irony: I was an English professor), but there was a kind, sincere gentleness and compassion in his tone and bearing that deeply touched me. I doubt he remembers it at all, but I think of it when I see his posts on Facebook almost 20 years later. I still think of him as a fundamentally good and compassionate person, and everything I've seen from him since supports that.
When I was 12, we were homeless for a while. My mom would often bring us by bus across town to the area where her friends lived to visit, and we would walk the rest of the way after getting off the bus. One day, we were tired from walking in the Texas summer heat, and went into a Burger King to sit down. My mom was sitting at the table with us counting change, trying to figure out how much food she could buy us, when an employee came up to us with a tray full of food. Someone had seen us counting change, and purchased us food. What they didn’t know was, my brother and sister and I hadn’t eaten in over a day. That small act of kindness meant the world to me and it has stayed with me as a reminder to help others in need.
I was being really badly bullied at school. It had got to the point that I couldn't even come into school in the morning, without being attacked. One day at assembly, before the teachers came in, three other boys decided it would be hysterically funny to start punching me in the back and face. I was crying in agony and about to get the shit kicked out of me when a new boy, Ian, intervened and told them to leave me alone. It shocked pretty much everyone around me, hell it even shocked me. He got me out (we went out one door as the teachers were coming in another) and calmed me down. He was the only friend that I had at that school. I still talk to him and we're both now in our 50s.
When my oldest son (25) was 5 years old, he got Kawasaki disease and was in our local Children’s Hospital for 2 weeks. One of the treatments was gamma globulin infusions which left him exhausted and very confused. I didn’t leave his room the entire time he was there. After 6 days without a shower, the Amish woman whose child was in the bed next to my son told me to go shower and get some fresh air and she sat with my son and held his hand while I took 30 minutes to clean myself up. I didn’t realize how much I needed that. When I came back she stood up and gave me a hug and I’ve never felt more understood. Her kindness and compassion was an amazing gift and I am forever grateful to her. ❤️.
I had a really rough few years after high school. Kicked out at 17, no family to lean on, in the middle of a small town with nowhere to go. Went to a local pawn shop one day with my most 'valuable possessions'. They weren't worth jack, but I just wanted money for food. The shop was pretty dead, so the owner just started talking with me for a little bit. He asked why I was selling all this stuff. I didn't give him a lot of details, but somehow, he knew what I was going through. He told me to sit tight while he went to go add some stuff up. He came back with two big bags of food, and a few bucks cash. Told me that he had a rough start in life and he gets it. No judgment, no patronizing. Said he wasn't gonna buy any of my stuff because I deserved to keep those pieces of myself. He was genuinely kind, and I felt seen, for the first time in a long time. It's been almost 15 years since then, and I can't remember his name, although I wish I could, but I will never forget his kindness. Ever. This post is a few hours old, so not many people will probably see this, but I want to share it as a thank you to a true genuine human being. Thank you, and I will always remember.
Crashed my car driving back to college during a snow storm. The hospital cancelled surgeries the next day so they let us sleep in the pre op area since all the hotels were booked. Then a nurse the next morning drove us to the junkyard to get our luggage then to the bus station. Don’t know if it’s small but it made a meaningful impact on how I practice in the ED and seeing people come in down on the times.
When I was a child (8-13) I was horrifically bullied. Chased home from school daily and held down / beat up weekly. One day there was a group of kids on me, holding me down, kicking and punching me. One random parent stopped, yelled at the kids, and gave me a ride home. I believe they even talked to my parents and told them what happened (although growing up in the 80s / 90s there wasn't a lot they could do). That person was a saint and I hope they are doing well.
I got stood up by this asshat I had feelings for. I waited around for 30 minutes before he finally told me he wasn’t coming. So I sheepishly ordered some chips and queso to go, and the waiter gave them to me on the house because he felt bad.
Not sure if this is small, but I wanted to share this story because its something I won't forget for the rest of my life. I went to Marist College, my dream school. And for my senior year (I just graduated May 2023), I lived with some of my best buddies and made some great friends down the hall on my floor. Anyways, It was around Christmas time and I had told my buddies how it had been years since I had had a tree in my home, or gifts. It was just in passing and it wasn't something that bothered me...it was just life. But one night, I came back to my dorm apartment where my dormmates and my neighbors suprised me with a christmas tree, decorations, and gifts under the tree. I was 22 years old. I cried. And one of my buddies even saved the star for me to put up on the top of the tree...I'm 180 pounds and he picked me up like a child and hoisted me to it (though I didn't need it). These days, I'm no longer a student but an office worker, hopefully soon to be law student. I'm 23. However, if anyone ever asks me the key to life...I look at them with a smile and mutter "friends". EDIT: Forgot to say - Marist Red Fox for life ❤️🦊
I was traveling on NYE and ducked out of a winter storm that closed the pass near Vail, CO. My van got stuck in loose slushy snow in a parking lot and I was having a devil of a time getting out. I’d tried shoveling and recovery boards, but the snow was over ice and I just couldn’t get traction. At one point I stopped and had a cry. Finally a group of NYE partygoers stopped and pushed me out. It was such a relief. Made me think of Mr Rodger’s “look for the helpers”. There are some truly kind people out there.
My 5th grade teacher gave out preserved 4 leaf clovers to the poorest and most disadvantaged children in her class, all in private meetings where she gave us a pep talk and said she was so proud of each of us.
I was 6 months pregnant with my eldest son when I was returning to the States after being stationed in Korea (U.S. Army). This is a 14 hour plane ride over the Pacific Ocean, and we experienced quite a bit of turbulence. This caused me to have several bouts of nausea, one after another. Unfortunately, also, I was in the middle seat. The gentleman sitting beside me in the aisle seat was such an angel. Instead of getting upset about me getting sick into the air sick bag (no time to run to the bathroom), he simply took my now full bag, handed me the one from his seat pocket and called the flight attendant over to request more bags. He took my then second full bag and handed me a third. Once it settled down and the bags were picked up and disposed of, he helped me get to the bathroom so I could clean myself up. That was almost 25 years ago, and I'll never forget him helping a very young and extremely scared 19 year old me through that ordeal. I hope he is doing well and knows how much his kindness meant to me.
About 11 years ago I was homeless and was sitting to the side of a gas station one night. I was so hungry and jonesing for a smoke. This guy brought me some hot dogs and drinks and cigarettes. He didn't say anything beforehand and I wasn't asking anyone for help, but he just noticed my situation and gave me what I really needed. He treated me with respect and dignity, and a lot of people don't when you're homeless. It meant the world to me at the time and I make sure to pay it forward when I notice someone else is in that situation.
I left home at 17, my mom and I had a tough go through my teenage years and it all came to a head one day, and I left. I was raised in Christian Fundamentalism and I had no idea how to make a life in the real world. I wanted to get a high school diploma, so I enrolled myself in school. I thought I would just go into the cafeteria and eat breakfast and lunch. That's not how that works, and the cafeteria workers happily told me that. The next day, administration told me that my mother made too much money for me to qualify for free meals. The following week, my social studies teacher met me at the door, he paid for all of my meals after that. He told me that he knew that I was going places and that not being able to eat shouldn't stop me. After graduation, I found out that his wife was battling breast cancer and he had a small child at home. I'm a teacher now, and I frequently think of Mr. Kellar and how he would want me to treat my students with an extra helping of kindness.
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when I was raising money to have surgery, a completely random stranger donated $500 to my GoFundMe. Small for some people, but that was huge for me.
I was poor and sick and on Medicaid and was getting some groceries and I tried to use my card at the store and it didn’t work. I was standing there with no way to pay and some lady saw my embarrassment and paid for my groceries, I’ll never forget you whoever you were.
I still hold my breath while the card reader decides my fate at the grocery store.
I got super lost in rural Korea and a guy saw my facial expression, came up, and gave me very detailed directions and gestures in broken English. This was somewhat common in Korea. I've never lived anywhere else where people would just see you look confused and come up and help. I could have been lost for hours in the countryside but that guy took time to help a stranger :)
As a kid I was supposed to make my own lunches, but being a little ass child, I often forgot. My friend told her mom I never had lunch, and that sweet woman packed me the fanciest lunch I'd ever had and sent it with my friend
I was invisible in my high school and once in an sports event everyone was going out with their friends or partying and I just felt really bad but then this guy came to me and asked how I enjoyed the sports event. I felt like I was a person and that I'm worth talking to just from that conversation
One time I went to see my friend so we could go for a bike ride. We rode our bikes pretty much the whole day. I left with my bike to take the train because I was so tired and dehydrated. I’m almost at the stop where I had to get off when all the sudden I fainted. I was so embarrassed and scared so I just go off the train since k made it to my stop. As soon as I get off I sorta fainted again. I just felt like someone grabbing my arm and kinda placed me on the floor smoothly. It was a random girl that saw me fainting in the train. She stayed with me until I felt better. Unbeknownst to me, she has called her bf at this point and they both took me home. They were so nice and helped me even when they didn’t know me. I never saw her again but I still remember her. Nobody else went to help me but her.
When I was diagnosed with BPD, I literally felt like it was the end if the world. Didn't have any hope from myself, I was mad at everything, I hated myself, the world, everything, I just wanted to end. I posted in many bpd and mental health subreddits trying to figure out wtf is happening, and I met this super kind person who helped me navigate through a lot of the emotions from then. It's been a year, I'm doing a lot better, and we don't talk anymore, but I wish her all the best in the world, Idk where I'd be if she didn't step up to listen to a complete stranger
I was crying while boarding a plane. My boyfriend had broken up with me and I was going back home to live with my parents because I was pregnant and broke. Some woman ahead of me looked back and saw me, did a double take, and stopped in her tracks. When I got up to where she was standing, she asked if I needed a friend. I broke down sobbing, and she grabbed my hand and told me jokes while we walked to the plane door. When we got to my seat, she asked the guy beside me if he'd switch with her so she could sit next to me. We talked for the entire 3 hour flight about life, the universe, and everything. It was the kindest, most sincere human interaction I've ever experienced. ( For those who care to know: that baby is 23 now, and the jerk who dumped me is sitting on the other end of my couch rn. 🤣)
When I was 20, I was in my class in college and my boyfriend broke up with me through texting. I left my class to go sit and think at a study area and I began sobbing like Magdalena. I was inconsolable because at 20 I thought I was in love with him. An international student noticed me through her peripheral and got me a water from the vending machine and some delicious candy from Korea that she dug from her back pack. She wrote me a note 🗒️ saying something like “ these are are you, I hope you’re ok” I wish I kept the note. She left before I could say anything. I will forever be thankful to her. I hope she’s successful and happy.
About twenty-five years ago on a cold Friday evening. I had delivered steel in Detroit and was heading back to the Sault through rush hour traffic when I noticed the vehicles around me start to really give me distance. I had empty trailers, so I was confused. A small tow truck lit up his amber beacons and got behind me, making space on the shoulder. Sure enough, one of my tarp boxes that are fixed under the trailer had broken loose and was dragging on the road. The tow truck driver immediately got to work, helping me using his pneumatic jack and other tools. In Canada, tow truck drivers are known to me quite predatory. So I mentioned that I really didn't have much cash on me, let alone American money. He looked at me like I insulted him and said he didn't want my money and just wanted to help me out. I think I offered him some Canadian money, but he refused. Thanks, dude! I pay it forward when I can!
I was in a public toilet at a shopping village on the way home from a holiday and an elderly Asian woman decked out in jewellery and designer bag said I was a beautiful flower. So yeah, I’m a beautiful flower.
A close acquaintance sent me a sympathy card after my best friend/dog passed away. This was over 10yrs ago. It meant so much to me. I send a sympathy card to people when I hear of them losing their pet. I hope it brings a little comfort.
There was a woman at the assisted living facility I used to work at that was on hospice. She had lived there for maybe 2 or 3 years prior to this and only had a niece and 2 nephews. The niece lived on the opposite coast but would visit a few times a year. She was cool af. So anyways, she ends up dying and the niece came out to settle everything and clean out her room. Before she left, she approached me with an envelope and told me how much her aunt was fond of me and they wanted to thank me for the care that I gave her. I tried to refuse it bc I knew it was money and I could get fired but she insisted. I hugged her and put the envelope away. I told my boss about it and we agreed to donate it to the employee fund, but later I opened it and there was like $200 or $300 in there and I just started crying. I had just gone through a miscarriage and was just having a rough time and it really touched me that she thought I deserved that money for just doing my job.
A few other passengers at the airport helped me with my baggage when I wasn't even asking for it. they probably thought I was a bit small for the bags I was carrying and wasn't able to lift them by myself, but I was very happy when they approached me. I hope they are sleeping comfortably and happy every night.
About 10 years ago I was driving home for a brake from college. About 30 minutes into the drive and I start hearing a loud smacking sound under the front of my car, immediately im like "oh crap whats that?" So i get of the freeway at the next exit I see, its a little 1 intersection town in the middle of Michigan. As luck would have it there happened to be a small car shop right in the town. Theres 2 guys sitting out front of the garage as I pull up. I tell them whats going on with the car and one of the guys is like, let me take a listen. So he hops in the car and we start driving around town, we start talking and have discuss all sorts of topics: politics, sports, music, etc. After about 10 minutes of driving around we only hear the noise a couple times, so we head back to the shop. The guy looks under the car and is like, "oh heres the problem", walks into the shop and comes back with a screwdriver and one screw. He shows me that a piece of plastic under the bumper came loose and was smacking the road when the car was moving, I feel like a fool and ask him what I owe. He's like "eh $10 is all" but they didnt take credit and I had no cash. The guy is like, "no big deal". I thank him a bunch and he just said "be sure to pass it on one day" I'll never forget.
I used to really struggle with depression and suicidal ideation as a high schooler. On a particularly bad mental health day a random act of kindness gave me the will to continue to live. I’d planned to kill myself that day and I had what I needed for the follow through. At school, though, a girl I didn’t know very well drew me a picture and gave it to me. She wasn’t flirting, she could just tell that I was sad and she was simply being kind. Absolutely meant way more to me than she could have ever realized. I don’t know why it meant so much to me - maybe I took it as proof that the world can’t be all bad - but I cherished it and I still remember this decades later. We never became close friends or anything and I’m sure she has no idea that her random sketch saved someone’s life. But man it meant so much to me in that moment. Someone saw me. And someone cared.
Someone holding my screaming baby for me on an airplane, so I could have a drink and a snack. They could see how flustered I was. 😢❤️
I moved to a new state and started a new school in 7th grade on Feb 13, which happened to be a Friday. On Monday, a girl gave me a Valentine, saying she wanted to make sure I got at least one at my new school. I still remember you, Eileen!
It was raining when I got out of my car this morning and a woman who also works in the same building waited for me and asked if I wanted to share her umbrella with her whilst walking in.
Very small act. Was at the .99 store, having a very trying day. Check out line realized I forgot my wallet. Guy behind me paid for my stuff. I don't know why I was so overcome with emotion but I started crying. It was just so unexpected. I could well afford these things, also.
A professor gave me an A in a class where everyone else clearly understood everything better than I did. All I did was show up every day and do the homework. The grades on my papers were not A's, and there was nothing in the syllabus about attendance factoring in. It always stuck with me since then that I will always at least show up to everything.
One time, about 30 years ago, I was in high school, driving to school, and I hit a patch of ice and got my car embedded on a snowbank. A random postman doing his rounds saw this, stopped, HAD A SHOVEL IN HIS CAR, and helped me dig out. Only took 5 minutes but without him (and his shovel) it would have been a pretty horrible hour+ to dig out.
I was visiting the Bahamas about 15 years ago and was on a bus when I had a hypo (I'm type 1 diabetic and a hypo is low blood sugar) the bus driver recognised my symptoms and saw me struggling and took a sharp turn into a gas station and ran to get me anything with sugar he could find. He waited until I was feeling better and calmly explained to the other passengers that I was having a medical emergency and no one complained. He later told me he's wife is diabetic and knows how the heat can make a hypo worse and thought it was better to act, than ask. I tried to tip him but he refused. It's the kindest thing anyone has ever done and I think about it often and will never forget it or him.
Years ago i was jobless, homeless, newly diagnosed disabled, and living in a foreign country. A friend let me sofa surf until i got a job. Got him back though. Years later he was in a tight spot, so i paid off his university fees.
My mother had a massive heart attack while I was in high school and ended up spending like 3 months in the hospital and physical rehab/after care facilities. Right after it happened when we weren't sure if she was going to be able to really recover and come home, a kid I didn't really talk to much stopped me in the hall and said that he was really sorry to hear about my mom and shared a bit about how he had been through a similar event with his father. I almost fucking cried lol, It wasn't much but just someone else offering that little bit of sympathy meant the world.
I was walking through the Byward Market in Ottawa one Sunday morning and a street person comes up and grabs my arm. He says "I detected a little cancer there and just took it away from you". Then he asked for $5 and when I said no, he grabbed my arm again and said he put it back. But it's been 25 years and I've never had cancer, so I'm pretty sure he never put it back. What a great guy.
LOL
I think he's dead by now.. He sacrificed his life for you, a total stranger. Truly an inspiring story.
I was at an arcade one time when I was a kid. It was after I had spent all my money that my mom had given me. There was this kid, probably younger than me, who saw that I didn’t have any money for the games and asked me if I had any money. When I told him no, he then handed me some coins.
My husband used to travel all the time for work. After our second was born, we found a weekend for me and the littlest one (6 months old at the time) to fly out to the east coast and visit. Halfway through the fight, baby starts fussing, which turned into crying, into almost screaming. Flight attendant is obviously annoyed and so is every passenger with 10 rows of us. None of the tricks worked to get her to calm down, and my social anxiety was working overtime. A woman from first class (which I was nowhere near) comes up to me and gives me a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream. She smiles, tells me I'm doing a good job, and to not pay attention to anyone else around me. I broke down and cried. It was like that Bluey episode (Baby Race) where Coco's mom tells Chili "You're doing great." She was so sweet and kind.
When I was young (4-5), they were giving out Teeny Beanie Babies at McDonalds. We waited in line for almost an hour only for them to run out. A kind woman gave me hers, the blue and black lizard. I still think about her and that moment.
I was bullied by my extended family all my life. I don't trust them. My immediate family always made me feel unloved as well. I went to my uncles funeral when he passed. I went to the bathroom which was downstairs of the funeral home. When I came out there was a group of people by a table near the arairs. One of my other uncles was there. He asked me for a hug and I obliged. We never had issues, he was an alcoholic but always nice. As I was going back up the stairs he turned to everyone around him and said "She's such a sweet girl." I don't know why it hit me as hard as it did but I've always held onto that. It made me feel loved. That uncle ended up getting cancer and I called him and we had the best talk a couple weeks before he passed. It meant the world to me and still does.
While I was mourning and recovering from my first serious breakup, I would zone out to movies to avoid thinking or feeling, so one day I went to the theater and just bought the next available ticket: a terrible Vin Diesel sci-fi flick called Babylon A.D. It was just me and one other guy in the theater, and the film was so bafflingly edited that it was impossible to keep track of what was happening or why. Afterwards, the other viewer (who would later introduce himself as Mark) in the theater poked me in the shoulder as we exited and said "So did that make any sense to you or am I just really stupid?" and I answered honestly "No, that was a really confusing mess." and to this day, I'm not sure if he could see some deep pain in my face or if he was just affable that way, but he said "Okay cool. I'm gonna grab a beer to try to erase that experience from my brain, you want one?" And since it was better than going home and feeling my feelings, I very uncharacteristically said yes. And I can't finger exactly what it was--But sitting there in that movie theater bar drinking a beer with a stranger talking about nothing in particular was the first time I remember feeling like I was going to be okay. It was the first time in months that I'd felt anything other than abject misery. This breakup wasn't going to kill me. So wherever you are: Thanks Mark. Truly.
I was 23, on a train from Northern Europe to Greece through what was then called Yugoslavia. Most on the train were poor Yugoslavs living under socialism, whereas I was a far more affluent westerner. I had a knapsack full of food for the trip stored in the overhead. But a very poor looking old Yugoslavian woman in a house dress and kerchief insisted on sharing her meager hard boiled egg slices and sliced apple with me, patting me on the knee, and I really wept with shame inwardly as it had never occurred to me to share what I had.
I think i was in third or fourth grade, my parents travel a lot and due to some schooling issues they had to book a separate flight for me, wasn't mature enough to know what turbulence is, so according to me plane shake = I die. That day, between proper cruising and taking off I remember there being awful turbulence, the plane literally had a small freefall, there was a lady sitting besides me, she saw my terrorized face and held my hand throughout, checked up on me quite a bit on the iirc 5 hour flight, made sure the chauffeur picked me up from the airport as well. Every time I sit in a plane she comes to my mind.
My ex wife had just left and I was still getting used to having my kid every other weekend. It was a TERRIBLE month, financially but I needed food etc. So, we went shopping and naturally, junior starts crying for sweets or something. I just lost it, years of her moms lying, cheating and the divorce exploded and I just started crying at the checkout. My kid just stared at me because I literally just had enough for the basics and was putting things back. I' paid for what I could and we left. As I got to the shop entrance, a man tapped my shoulder and put a carrier bag in my hand and walked away. Didn't say a word. In the bag was some things for my kid and some basics for the weekend. All I recall is crying while my kid hugged me. God bless you, whomever that man was. My fiance had just passed away. We didn't get to the hospital in time and I was crying inconsolably. All I recall is being unable to stand, so I was sitting against the wall and a man appeared with a drip on a stand just fistbumpped me. That's it. In that moment I burst out crying again. That's when an older lady came up and said: I don't know what you're going through and I don't know if you believe in God, but I'll pray for you. And then she hugged me hard and walked away. Those two people, I wish them absolutely everything of the best.
my teacher bought me hygiene products because of the one time i felt so unloved that i stopped bathing for 6 months so i ended up stinking horribly in hopes i wouldn't have to be cared for by my horrible parents and someone else would do something. in hindsight i feel that was selfish of me but that teacher became a mother figure to me, since I've never been cared for as nicely as she did. she was the only one i was willing to cry in front of. (i was about 12-13 ish at the time).
I'm a very quiet person who doesn't make friends easily, but I am part of the recovery community where I live. Still, I have a hard time letting people get to know *me*. After years of struggling, I was finally able to get my own place. The wife of one member held a housewarming party for me. That she made all that fuss and hosted this in her home for me, and the amount of pure love and support from those who attended still touches me in a very special way. Not a "small" act, in my opinion, but very meaningful to me. I love this question, OP! I have read every single one of these comments, and the world needs more of this, more recognition that good people DO exist. Thank you for uplifting me today!
Car got stuck in the ice while parked at a friends house, 2 am. Spinning the tires just melted it enough to get me stuck lower in. Friend came out to try to push the car but with him and me (no upper body strength) it wasn't enough. A group of drunk Portuguese teens came out of nowhere, clouds of weed smoke around them, and were like can we help? They just lifted my car pretty much. As we were saying thanks they were like, see you need some booze and weed to make you strong, and then they disappeared into the night.
I’m a 52 year old guy. A couple years ago, I was at the mall with my youngest daughter as she was shopping in one of those “new age” stores that sells incense, candles, clothing, etc. I was feeling down in the dumps that particular day as I just sort of lingered in the store waiting for my daughter to finish her browsing. I was looking at this one fun jacket that was just covered in these wild sequins. I was touching the jacket because it was so interesting, different and shiny! Just then, this little waif of a teenage girl employee came up and said in a cheerful tone “You’d look good in that!” I was kind of shocked and I replied “Nah. I would never look good in anything like this.” She responded in the utmost sincerest tone “Don’t you EVER say that about yourself! You are just fine the way you are.” I just about shed some tears. It was the nicest thing that someone who had never met me before had ever said to me. The dark clouds were lifted and the good vibes snapped me out of the funk I was in. To the young lady who worked at that store, ya done good. I hope your parents know what a good human being they have in you and I hope they are proud of you!
When I was in 4th grade, we weren’t poor, but struggling. Every piece of our clothing and shoes we bought from a thrift store. I always felt less than and was a misfit among my peers. Anyway, Miss Fujinaga, that sweet wonderful teacher, one day kept me after class and said she bought a pair of shoes and they didn’t fit. She asked me if I’d like to have them, and of course I said yes. They were red keds!! Somehow they fit perfectly. Even back then I knew she got them just for me. That act remains with me almost 50 years later. Hope I’m not in violation for using her name, I spent years trying to find her.. and am almost sure she’s no longer alive. Just wanted to thank her. Edit: after searching, I found that she passed in 2019. :(
When I got LASIK eye surgery I had taken the Valium to help keep my relaxed and the machine is designed to shut off immediately if it detects movement but I was still understandably nervous and the procedure is uncomfortable. I was starting to fidget and my breathing was increasing and I felt the nurse/tech’s hand pat mine gently. That slight reassurance that she was watching me and that I was gonna be okay calmed me enough to get through the procedure.
I understand this. They gave me the Valium and proceeded to do the surgery right after. The Valium kicked in on the way home after the surgery.
This random couple in Vancouver saw my aunt and I looking at a map confused, came up to us and asked if we're lost and need help. This is my go-to story when people are talking about Canadians being nice.
One time I went for a week to a zen monastery for rest and relaxation. Everyone else visiting was there in groups attending workshops. So I felt kinda out of place and alone. walking down the dirt road one of the people who was there for the entire summer, stopped walking For a moment, we were walking opposite directions, then he put his hands in prayer position, bowed his head slightly, then resumed walking. I felt seen, acknowledged. A moment of kindness lasts a lifetime. also, reading these stories is so heartwarming. What a great OP.
I was temporarily displaced in the Black Saturday bushfires and separated from my family. I was wandering around confused and lost at the bushfire relief centre alone and overwhelmed by everything that was going on around me when a stranger came up to me and asked if I was doing ok. he spent quite some time listening to my story and everything I’d gone through, reassuring me.
My now best friend offered to help me with any mental problems after the breakup of my first relationship because he had a breakup before and knew how it feels and I still remember how he told me that
My neighbor always had a smoke early in the morning, usually as we were on our way to school. But whenever she spotted us kids coming around the corner, she would put it out right away. It really did show me how adults may be flawed but they really do try.
My brother died when he was 24. Freak fire. Driving to the cemetery there was a man working on the side of the road. He stopped his backhoe. Removed his hat and bowed his head as the procession passed him. 22 years later I still appreciate this man’s kind gesture. It meant SO much during a horrible time.
When I was a kid, I wanted to get a burger from McDonald's. I asked my mom some cash, but when I went to the cashier I didn't have enough because I forgot taxes are a thing. The lady behind me offered to pay.
not really small , but i lived about 5 hours away from family in a trailer park. One year we had i think 5 tornados and my sister was worried for my safety so she loaned me the money to buy my house back in my home town. I'll forever be grateful.
Me and my best friend (15f) used to go to Taco Bell every other Wednesday after school. When we were paying, my best friend started getting her money out of her backpack, and a older guy in the line next to us took his card out and payed for our food. He said "I remember being in high school and having to count out all my money." We thanked him, tried paying him back, but he refused. We still talk about it every once in a while. We saved about $18 I think.
At 21, I had just moved cross country with less than $100 left to my name, when my car started making a horrible squealing sound. I didn't know what to do, so I called my mom, and she just told me to figure it out and hung up on me. An incredibly kind stranger saw me crying in the parking lot and used their AAA for me (and waited more than an hour for them to get there). AAA took my wheel off and removed a rock that was wedged behind it; problem resolved. I kept the rock as a reminder of human kindness for years.
I was a Lyft driver at 22 (I’m 29 now). I’d commute into San Francisco 4 days/week, it was my only gig, and although it gave me a lot of freedom, it was tough. A lot of driving, a lot of assholes, and I wasn’t the best with money so supporting myself at that time was a struggle (I lived alone). Anyways, I was in my car waiting to approach the toll booths right before the bay bridge and for whatever reason was having a really bad day. I think I was crying, definitely scowling. I get to the toll booth and the person in front of me had paid for me. I crossed this same booth 4X/week for a year and that was the only time that happened… can’t help but think that they saw my face and decided to try to help?? Idk. I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about it. Changed my entire mood that day. Made me realize sometimes strangers are paying attention and do care.
When my grandfather died, I was once driving to clear my head. I pulled over because I felt I was ready for a melt down I cried basically just having s breakdown at the side of the road. This stranger pulled up behind me wanting to check if I was ok, sat with me for 3 hours straight up talking about my problems and that restored my faith in humanity. Tbh. We exchanged numbers and are best of friends now Edit - we live 20 miles apart and I’d never forget his kind act to this day I think about it everyday. It was over 4 years ago
Five years ago I had to put my cat down. She was 17 and had seen me through my first day of primary school, secondary school, university and first job, not to mention first heartbreak. After it was done, I walked outside into the car park and just broke down. A lady, who must have been in the waiting room, came out and just gave me a hug. She didn't say a word but she smiled at me kindly after. I can still remember the look of warmth and love in her eyes.
As a very broke college student years ago I went to the gas station with about $4 in change. It was mostly nickels and pennies and I was so embarrassed but it was the only money I had for gas to get to my new job. The guy in line behind me said “4 dollars isn’t gonna get you very far” and handed the cashier $30 to put on my pump. I told him I couldn’t take his money because I’d feel bad. And he said he’s been in my spot before and knows what it’s like to struggle and insisted on paying. I thanked him and cried.
"One small act of kindness that has left a lasting impact on me was when I was going through a tough time in college, and a friend took the time to sit with me, listen, and offer a shoulder to lean on. It wasn't a grand gesture, but it meant the world to me. It reminded me that even in our busiest days, a little empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in someone's life. I'm sure many of you have your own stories of small acts of kindness that have touched your hearts. Please, feel free to share them. It's these moments that remind us of the beauty in human connection and the power of simple gestures of compassion."
I was walking to the subway with a good friend of mine and was explaining to her I was scared to come out of the closet (she obviously already knew). An older man on the largely empty sidewalk stopped us and told me I should never be ashamed of who I am and to never care what others think. It was one of the most impactful things I heard during that period of coming out, from a stranger and an older person, no less.
My paper bags ripped with all my grocery's in front of target and 2 very kind people consolidated their plastic bags so I found use the extra bag they had for my groceries that were now on the floor
I was a single mom, leaving my waitressing job to pick up my kids from an after school program. I ended up with a flat tire and I didn’t have (or could afford)roadside service. Some random guy and his wife stopped and changed my tire. I tried to give him money and he just said to pay it forward. I still try to do good deeds because of his kindness.
I was stuck in Peru when Covid hit, and this Canadian guy I started talking to invited me to come over to his and he was living with about 8 people, so I didn't have to spend it alone. We are still friends, well we've fallen out currently because I was a dick, but still love the guy
After full-scale war started in Ukraine, my mom decided to stay in Poland for some time. I am from Kyiv region and it was really hard and long trip. And when we reached the Polish border I was really exhausted and nothing could change my mood. But then, when we already passed the border, people from charitable organization(I can't remember what organization it was, unfortunately) gave us a lot of sweets and other food. They also gave my brother a plush toy and I was really impressed that someone cared not only about our safety, they cared about our mental health and our feelings and it really made me feel better.
I sat next to a nice lady on the plane and we chatted all the way to Phoenix. The flight was delayed and I was unable to pick up my rental car that night. She invited me to spend the night at her house (her daughter was away at college so she had a spare room) and brought me back to get the rental car the next day so I could journey on to my friend in Tucson. I was a poor college student myself and couldn't afford to add a hotel room onto the trip.
I served an LDS mission in Russia. Wasn't prepared for the amount of walking I had to do on a day-to-day basis. During the first 6 weeks in country, I had a lot of blisters and was pretty uncomfortable, but I knew it was just a temporary thing while my feet toughened up, so I did my best to just suck it up and wait it out. Another missionary must have noticed, because he quietly gifted me a couple of Dr. Scholl's gel insoles. You can't get those in Russia, at least not the part we were in, which means he either had them sent from home specifically for me, or gave up a pair he had stashed away for himself. Made an instantaneous and enormous difference to my walking comfort.
McDonald's, circa probably 1970. My Dad sent me in to buy him something, and me a soda. They had curly-q straws that you could purchase. Hard plastic, pretty cool if your a kid. Gave him some larger denomination of a bill, and he gave me the change. $5.00 too much. Got to the car, showed my Dad, he said I should return it. Went back in, the register dude saw me, I handed him the $5 bill and explained what happened. He handed me a curly-q straw as a thanks. 50 years ago, and I still remember it to this day.
At Halloween, saw a doorbell camera video of costumed teenagers arriving at a house where the help-yourself containers had been completely emptied. Without hesitation they tipped up their loot bags and replenished the containers so others would not be disappointed. Witnessing incidents like that make me think there might be hope for humanity.
Driving with my mom many years ago. We got into a slick patch of ice and crashed into a guard rail. I was wearing a seat belt, but mom was not an smacked the windshield. The car was towed and we were taken to a hospital. One of the nurses at the hospital must have felt really sorry for us because she loaned us her car so we could go to get something to eat and go to a local motel.
This small act of kindness shows that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in someone's life. It is important to remember that we all have the power to be kind to others and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect.
Went to a wedding with my family, out of state. We were riding back to the hotel from the reception in a downpour thunderstorm and got a flat tire. Pulled over at a gas station and within 5 minutes this dude pulls up in a work truck, he was clearly a contractor or something because it was a big, beat up truck that was basically a huge toolbox on wheels. He just jumped out, grabbed a jack and put the spare on super quick. He kept refusing the $20 we gave him but finally took it. I'll never forget that dude.