Kindness repaid, 21 years later

We’ve asked for your stories regarding what you feel have been acts of kindness in your life. Here are some of those stories:

Back in the summer of 1994, I was hailed by a man on the side of the road. He got into my cab and through the conversation we had during the trip, I could tell that the man had been having an awful day. When he got to his destination, he realized that he had forgotten his wallet. So as not to add to the stress that had so obviously consumed his day, I told him he could pay me the next time and never gave it another thought.

This summer, I was driving my taxi in Victoria, answering calls just like any other day, and I picked up a passenger.

As we talked, he realized that I was the cab driver who had given him a break so many years ago. As he spoke, I remembered vividly the day in question and was happy to see that his life had gotten much better and things were going in a positive direction for this gentleman.

I dropped him off at the airport — and he paid not only for the day’s fare, but also for the fare from 21 years ago, complete with a tip and a smile. It goes to show that a little bit of kindness can go a long way, and a man of his word is a reality in today’s society.

I hope this story gives someone else out there hope and strengthens our ever dwindling belief that there is hope for mankind.