Random acts of kindness
Who helped with her auto repair bill?
If a close relative — such as my beloved sister — needs me, without a doubt I will help in a heartbeat. As we all would.
My sister in Florida was scheduled for cancer surgery in February, and I needed to be with her.
My two major concerns: one, not having a dead car battery at midnight upon my return flight, and, two, not getting COVID-19 before I arrived safely to remain in my sister’s house COVID-19-free after she was discharged from the hospital, weak and vulnerable.
For quite a while my sister and I debated whether I could fly safely. I’d pretty much only gone out to get gas, to a drive-thru for prescriptions, or to go for a walk, practicing safe behaviors. Plus I would have my second COVID-19 vaccine shot a few days before I would fly down. I decided to go.
But I wanted to have my car serviced first. Although I preferred that done by Bastone Auto Service, a family-owned repair shop in Shadyside, it was winter, and they do not have a large waiting space. In the warmer weather, I enjoyed wandering around the neighborhood, but it was too cold to wander outside now.
I was on my way to a large car repair shop when my check engine light began flashing. I was near Bastone’s so I pulled in the lot and entered the shop. Bob and Carl were there — knowledgeable, professional, kind and helpful people whom I had dealt with many times before. I preferred their service.
My car seems to always end up there, no matter the problem. But I still wanted a large waiting area because of COVID-19. Could I continue to drive to a bigger shop in Monroeville? When Carl said no, I was concerned.
I guess I’d have to leave my car there. Carl asked if I would like a ride home. I didn’t know that was an option.
But I live on the edge of Stanton Heights. Is that too far? Carl said no.
I requested several things: fix the engine, check and replace the battery if needed, and, since I was there, fix the horn.
These unexpected expenses came to more than $700. I gathered money from my checking, savings and charge card to pull together enough to pay for them. Imagine my surprise when Bob brought me my bill. He pointed out that someone, a mystery person, had paid $200 toward my total.
I asked if he knew who that person was. I don’t remember his exact words, but he was not free to tell.
I asked my sister and friends, and none of them was the gift giver. I have no idea who the person was, but this couldn’t have have come at a better time.
I also was paying for the plane ticket and for the neighbor to watch and play with my cat. If it weren’t for the trip, I would only have repaired the engine emergency.
I am so grateful for the kindness and generosity of a nameless person who contributed $200 toward my car repairs. It made my trip to visit my sister ever so much easier. Thank you.
ELLEN J. DEHOUSKE
Stanton Heights
A neighbor who goes above and beyond
We have a great neighbor who picks up the newspapers delivered on the street and places them at the front door for easy pickup.
Then each week after trash collection, Jimmy returns our can to the backyard. His kindness is so very much appreciated.
The Post-Gazette’s Kevin Flowers coordinates Random Acts of Kindness. If someone has done you or someone else right, please tell him about it at kflowers@post-gazette.com. You also can write Random Acts of Kindness at the PostGazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.