Kindness Starts With One^®

For as long as I can remember, I've celebrated Random Acts of Kindness, never once anticipating anything in return. So when this happened to us, I was in utter shock. In late 2015, my son and I had fled a situation where we felt unsafe and went into hiding. I had no money to buy food and lived off very little. The first payday I had where I could buy food and necessities I drove to the furthest part of our city to buy these items. My hat on, collar up, and staying to myself, I filled the cart. Standing in line, waiting to pay a woman started to chat with me. I didn't want anything to do with anyone but it seemed I had no choice. Asking me how to prepare an item that was on the belt, just trying her best to talk. I tried my best not to encourage. The cashier engaged me as well, I responded simply. Once the cashier was done, she told me the bill amount. Knowing I could finally provide, I presented them with my debit card. The woman beside me gently nudged me and said, "I've got this." I looked at her stunned and said, "No, I can do this." She told me that something was telling her that I needed help." I cried so hard, hugged her, and asked her what I could do in return. She told me, "Nothing, just pay it forward when you have the opportunity." She had no idea how badly I needed to see an act of kindness, nor how hard I was struggling and how much her simple act meant. I do not know who she was but she restored my faith in humanity at a moment when I least expected it and needed it most.