Stranger’s good deed will be paid forward random acts of kindness
I wish I had gotten his name. The man who went out of his way to escort me to the saddlery store.
Although he said he lived near the store, maybe he did, and then maybe he didn’t. I don’t know because I didn’t know him. But I wish I did because he is the kind of person that I want in my life. The kind of person who is thoughtful, unselfish and giving of himself. The kind who goes out of his way to help someone … even the someone he does not know.
The kind of person that I wish I was more like. I offered him money to reimburse him for the time it took to follow him from Squirrel Hill to Dorseyville Road. He would not take it. Just when I believed that the past two years have given people an opportunity to exhibit their worst behaviors, this gentleman appeared.
Just when the mean actions of others daily tested my gullibility, he emerged. Just when I got close to giving up on all mankind he showed his face.
Because of this gentleman, I am now convinced that there are still great people in this world, and I have committed myself to working harder at being more like them.
I will try every day to be kinder to people and to do more good deeds for them. I will pay the good deed that he paid me forward. I will help someone in need and will do so when that need surfaces at an inconvenient and inopportune time.
After all, it’s easy to be nice when there isn’t anything at stake. So, whoever you are, thank you. You not only rescued me when I was lost in Squirrel Hill, but also you gave me a gift that is priceless. You showed me a road to drive down that can lead me toward being more helpful to others.
You opened my eyes so that I could see the way I should live, even though the past two years have been cruel. You have given me a reason to change for the good.
CHARLOTTE ADAMS
McMurray
Act leaves animal lovers speechless
As my elderly mother and I were leaving Costco at The Waterfront last Sunday, she wanted to go to Petco to get something for her little dog, Luna.
I was behind her in line, waiting to purchase some cat food for my cat. When the clerkrang up the bone she had in her hand, it was more than shethought it was going to be.
She politely declined the purchase and apologized to the clerk, then walked outside and waited for me.
We walked to my car and got inside. As I started the car, I looked up to see a young man running to my side of the car with the bone
in his hand and a big smile on his face. I rolled down my window as he started to give it to me, and said, “I’m sorry. That’s not ours as we did not pay for it.”
His smile got bigger and said, “I did, and I want you to have it.” I turned to my mother in shock, and we both replied at the same time that no we could not accept it. He proceeded to put his hand over his heart, and said “Please, it would make me very happy.” We were speechless as he walked away.
I didn’t get his name, but I want him to know that my mother, in addition to her dog, recently rescued a stray kitten that we talked her into keeping. Also my husband, before we were married, neutered/spayed at least 20 cats and kittens in a span of three years in his neighborhood — using his own money — including adopting out most of them and paying for all adoption fees.
Good deeds do come around in circles. By the way, Luna was very happy with the bone. Thank you.
SANDRA PALMIERI Greenfield
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 Post-Gazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.