Paying it forward!
By chulce
@chulce (1537)
United States
December 31, 2010 6:57pm CST
Today while I was at the store, I was listening to a story that a cashier was telling the gentleman in front of me. Apparently, right before Christmas, there was a woman in line behind an older man. The older man looked at the cashier and told her to please add the woman behind him's tab to his bill. The woman in question was new to our town, she had her 4 children with her and 3 carts of groceries and other items in her baskets. The woman refused telling the man, that it was way to much and that he wanted to make her Christmas nice and bright. The man told her: "All I ask in return is that you pay forward my kindess to you." The woman nodded and proceeded to place her goods up to be rung. At the end the bill was over $400.00 the woman began to cry in gratitude. The man smiled at her and her children said "Merry Christmas" then left the store. The woman ran after him, but didn't see where he went.
It is amazing how wonderful people can be. If there is some small way you can make someone's day, I say go for it. Help them feel better about themselves. It doesn't always have to be financially, that is one thing that is so great about "Paying it forward."
2 people like this
9 responses
@34momma (13882)
• United States
1 Jan 11
I love this idea. I am planing on having a pay it forward project on my website. so each month my members can do something as simple as buying a stranger a cup of coffee to doing something as big as paying someone mortgage for the month. I think it's important to give without conditions. to give because it makes you feel great not because you will get something back. it's just amazing
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
That is wonderful. Just a simple act of kindness to brighten someone's day will help us grow and understand that it is okay to still interact with people around us.
I am happy that I could help by sharing this story with you and that it is helping you do something creative for and with others. Good luck with your project. You will have to keep us informed on how it goes.
1 person likes this
@katie0 (5203)
• Japan
1 Jan 11
how beautiful! i don't have much money right now but everytime i see someone stupid left some trash on the streets i grab it home, another day i went to help clean a lake, i adopt animals and trying to do the little things
the amazing thing is that everytime i needed help in my life it's like a miracle: it was ALWAYS there, even from a stranger!!
life is beautiful and there is really a God looking us from up there. what a beautiful gesture this guy did, he is her little angel!
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
1 Jan 11
this is a very touching story... i'm always feel touched whenever i read something like this... this also make me believe that there are still good people out there in this evil world... i had seen the movie "pay it forward" and it never ceases to touch my heart whenever i watch this movie... take care and have a nice day...
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
I know what you mean. To have this happen here in the community I live in just amazed me and to then hear about it from people that were involved, it really made me feel warm and more welcomed about the information being shared with me. It really made me see another side to people and what they can do.
@GardenGerty (160909)
• United States
1 Jan 11
The world would be a lot nicer place if we would all behave that way. It does not have to be in the way of money, it could be volunteering to help with children, or run an errand. It feels good to be the one giving, and it is always nice to receive a gift like this as well.
@dude31 (30)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Wow thats so amazing! I wish my town was like that! In my town most of the people just care about them selfs. It's every inspiring!
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
There are a lot of people that live here that are in some aspects like that. They give a lot to their community and try to help where they can. The town I live in is mostly a retirement community with a few of us younger folks mixed in to help them out. However, wages and things are quite small and many of us have to find ways of keeping ourselves in our homes.
@Blacksun310 (559)
• Philippines
1 Jan 11
That is a very inspiring and nice story. I'm a kind of person that help anyone who needs me. I often exceed to my limitation. I still share them what I almost lost. I can't just stand ignoring them because I know that they are part of my life.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
Good point. Even the smallest gesture you give is always remembered by of course the person that is sensitive to the help. I must admit I have come across some people who aren't grateful at all but rather expect someone to help them out no matter what. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but, it is true and it does happen.
@buggles64 (2709)
• United States
1 Jan 11
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing this with me. You just got caught "paying it forward" by sharing such a beautiful act of kindness and making my New Years Eve! :)
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
LOL, you are very welcome. I had not even looked at it that way. I was just so moved by hearing the story myself, I thought it was well worth sharing.
Today, we all have some how climbed into our plastic bubbles and pretty much began ignoring society. In many cases it is getting worse, I think that each of us should take a step to keep up with our humanity and remember that we can't make this world completely about hiding away. We need to be a part of our communities and be involved as much as we can.
@momof3kids (1894)
• Singapore
1 Jan 11
I went shopping last week and the girl at the counter seemed to be genuinely smiling at me. I know this is part of their job towards the customer but it still feels good. I wish this attitude though if it forced at first will stick to make everywhere a better place. Wishful thinking I know :(
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
1 Jan 11
Each time I hear of a story like this it continues to restore my faith in people. This is truly lovely and thoughtful of him to help the lady with the bill.
Some day the lady will recall and hopefully pass it forward to someone at the right time.
Thanks for sharing it truly is wonderful.
@chulce (1537)
• United States
2 Jan 11
I agree. It helped restore some of mine and has given me ideas and ways that I can help.
For 2010, one thing I did to help someone feel better, I made over 50 plus Christmas stockings and gave them to a youth organization that helps abandoned and abused children. I felt so blessed when I saw each of the children receive the stockings that I had made. It was a very happy moment for me.
