Have you done a good deed today?
By emilieespino
@emilieespino (963)
Philippines
February 6, 2007 7:18am CST
I've done one today, to an 11-year old kid. He was selling something and shouting by the gate. In my place poor people try to make money by going around vending whatever their wares like plants, fruits, ice cream, etc. Someone even comes around in his bicycle and his business is sharpening knives. Anyway, this little boy was selling bread. Although I was a bit apprehensive about sanitation, I bought a few pieces and made sure to give him a bigger bill, to test if he knows his math, then told him to keep the change. Then I interviewed him - where he lives, how old he is, why he is not schooling, etc. I found out his father is dead and his mother is a laundry woman. He goes to school in the morning and in the afternoon he sells bread. As he was about to leave, I saw he was wearing rubber slippers too big for his little feet. I told him it's cumbersome and dangerous for him to be going around with such big-sized slippers. It turned out his big brother borrowed his slippers to school. So I told him to wait, I will give him slippers his size. So I ran into the house and got one of my son's old but usable rubber slippers, plus a few pencils, ball pens and old books that belonged to my grandsons suitable for his age. I can't imagine my own child plying the streets every day to earn money when he should be enjoying his youth. Quite depressing, but the boy really touched my heart. I am glad I had the chance to make someone happy in my own small way today. I hope he will be passing by again. Maybe there's something more I can do for him and his family.
14 people like this
48 responses
@hmike_d (1529)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
It's so nice of knowing that inspite of the situation of being poor, we still keep on track inorder to live even in a smallest means. I am so touched of seeing them and I wish that if only i would be given a capacity to serve them fully, i would. I was one of the vendors almost 20 years ago. But you know what, even if i was just a vendor before, i was able to set target. I have to go around and sell my vegetables for me to buy pencil & paper. Sometimes, people makes fun of me and as a kid, i oftentimes go home sad and even cry after. But maybe because of my positive drive, i persisted on it. Then, I came into farming, working in ricefields and with father. Later on, I get as waiter in an average resto. And then, it was only then that I even hit my fingers with thoughts that i was just dreaming that I was wearing black and it was my graduation day! On that time, there was the so-called tears of joy. I have just shared and remembered this one because of the little you told here. Well, i think you were happy on that and i just want to tell everybody.. that, when you have something that you want to do, do it, if you know, that you know, you're supposed to be doing it.
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
You're in the right track, Mike. I can imagine how and what you've gone through as a little boy too. God bless you. Congratulations and good luck!
1 person likes this
@prakashrishu (147)
• India
7 Feb 07
Wow! Good job. Actually, i also bear the same type of attitude. And, to be frank, my 2007 resolution is to help poor and old people. Whenever i see street children, i feel sad and try to convince their parents to educate them.
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
6 Feb 07
You are truly a citizen. You have reached out to make a connection and both your families will become richer for it. He is schooling and therefore getting some education and it is grand that he is selling products. Children the begin at that age have an advantage later on. I am touched to find you in this day and age where we do not reach out to one another. Our world needs more of you. It is grand of you to share your thing with this boy. I do so hope that you make a connections to the mother and come back and keep us posted. We need good news like this and am hoping with all my might that you can see this through and become all the richer for it. Thanks for sharing this.
2 people like this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
You know, this is just one family out of a million or so living in poverty in this country. True, kids like this learn the ropes early in life and are most likely to survive and succeed. I have told him to ask his mother if she is interested to work/wash clothes for me when my regular laundry woman gives birth and won't be able to work next month. I am actually interested in getting to know her because the admirable traits of the little boy is a reflection of what kind of mother he has. Thanks too for your kind words.
2 people like this
@Alexandria37 (5717)
• Ireland
6 Feb 07
That was so nice of you, emilieespino and I am sure you will be well rewarded for your kindness. When we lived in Dublin we had lots of people like that calling around the doors and I used to bring them in and give them a snack or whatever was going. Out here in the country we get very few door callers, but if somebody calls selling something, I usually buy it whether I want it or not and I aways give them a few euros extra for themselves. I can't say that I do a good deed every day, but given the chance, I would never pass up an opportunity to help somebody.
2 people like this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Thank you. Of course it's not every day that we have an opportunity to help people, but I think every day we have varied opportunities, whether we go out to work or stay at home. Even a simple smile or a sincere thank you could be a good deed. The poverty in my country is quite depressing but there are countries where the situation is worse. So let's just do what we can wherever and whenever possible. Have a good day, and I hope my little story has touched you too.
2 people like this
@LindaLou (483)
• Canada
6 Feb 07
Good for you! I'm sure you've made a positive difference in that child's life. I haven't done any good deeds yet today (it's only 8:22am where I am and I just got home from the midnight shift at work) but later after I get out of bed for the day I'll try to do something nice. You've inspired me!
2 people like this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Thank you. I am glad I've given you inspiration. That's why I believe we all touch each other's lives for a reason.
1 person likes this
@Freespirit (593)
•
7 Feb 07
Well,it seems to me E.ES, that you did a lot more than one good deed today.
You certainly inspired a lot more people on MyLot, and touched their hearts with your kindness.
People from other countries probably don't realize how desperate the people in Manila can be, especially with no income.
I know very well if they cannot find work, they cannot afford to eat or get the bare essentials of life that most people take for granted.
So God Bless you Emilie, and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
P.S I will be in Manila in late February and will be glad to help in any way I can.
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
Thank you and God bless you too, Freespirit.
1 person likes this
@tigrashadow (1086)
• Australia
7 Feb 07
that was a beautiful thing you did for that boy. it was so heartwarming to read and i really wish there were more people like you in the world.
i always love hearing about how someone was helped out through the kindness of strangers and i myself would love to do it but dont often run into those in need or quite often i dont have anything to offer myself...though i will try and help people out (friends or otherwise) in any way i can even if its just my time, lending an ear etc..
i hope more people on here start to 'pay it forward' like you did (even though it wasnt as huge as stuff in the movie of the same name, it was probably huge for that little boy...
thank you so much for sharing with us:)
1 person likes this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
8 Feb 07
Thank you and I am happy to have touched other people's hearts with that simple incident. I'm sure there are many out there who do more, like the volunteer workers, the firefighters, underpaid teachers, nurses and doctors who make lots of sacrifices to help out their fellowmen. We all just have to do our share in our own little way.
1 person likes this
@trixyteddy (1070)
• India
7 Feb 07
I'm stuck at home for the time being. I do very much appreciate what you did. If more and more people realise this very fact, then the world would definitely become a better place. And we would thank our Lord for what we have.
1 person likes this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
That's why when we feel low or feel jealous of people who have more in life, we should always count our blessings.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
6 Feb 07
It is nice to know that there are still people around like you. So far today I have only done one thing and I'm not sure if it is a good deed. A friend called and was upset as she has been really having a bad tome at work due to a very hateful, spiteful supervisor. She asked my advise as she know I have been in the business world for many years. It took about 30 minutes for me to tell what she could do. At the end she was so grateful and said I have made it all so simple she felt much better better. She asked how much I charged by the hour and said three hugs and a kiss but that was the bottom line. LOL
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I suppose I could add that I volunteer at a nursing home to motivate patients to participate in their physical therapy by showing them how it made me walk again when I had been told there was no hope.
1 person likes this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
You're a good friend. As we all can see here, each one is given an chance to do good every day in countless ways and it's not about having wealth. A simple act of kindness is all it takes. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@blindedfox (3315)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Well, I haven't really gone out yet today. It's 10 minutes before 8 in the morning. I do hope that I get to do a good deed today. =) Wish me luck! =)
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
I'm sure you will have a chance today. It doesn't take much to do a simple good deed.
1 person likes this
@scottdynda (55)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I only do good deeds once a year, and I've already completed mine.
1 person likes this
@thingywhatsit (77)
• France
7 Feb 07
Yes, I did my good deed for today. I helped someone to translate something into French, and believe me it was important. They have been without water for a week, and I had to translate the document that came from the water board and explain to them what the water board were doing. They have been going to the toilet in a bucket and were desperate, and I felt good, being able to tell them that something was being done.
1 person likes this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
12 Feb 07
That was very kind of you. Of course you get a good feeling when you know you have sincerely helped someone. I believe in good karma and someday somehow you'll never know someone would be doing you a good deed too. Thank you for your sharing.
@padredamaso (63)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
Doing good deeds is one of the best practice we do. For me I always as much as possible practice that. I see to it that I and my family will not be a liability or a menace to our community, this maybe is an indirectly doing a good deed. We sometimes extend some help to lesser fortunate.
@chimex4real2k2 (1853)
• Nigeria
6 Feb 07
Not really, most people performing random acts of kindness are not doing it for any other reason besides personal satisfaction. Last summer while on a trip to Colorado thru western Nebraska. I saw a truck broke down on the side of the road. A little farther up the road I came across the driver & his friend walking. They still ahd about 3 miles to walk & the temp. Was 107°. I stopped & took them to not only the gas station but also th Walmart for a gas can then back to the truck. I did this because it was the right thing to do & not for any recognition. Nor do I write this for recognition just as an example.
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Good example, Chimex. See, we are all given opportunities every day and we are free to make a choice. Maybe the bottom line here is to do unto others what you would want others do unto you.
1 person likes this
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I try to do a couple good deeds a day but honestly, people seem apprehensive about accepting help. When I see older people carrying groceries I always offer to help. That's something that people just don't do in this day and age. They think, "She is going to steal my groceries" because I guess that happens a lot. Some don't have cash to pay for someone helping them. I don't do it for the money, I do it to be nice and that hopefully when I am older, someone will help me out if I need it.
I beleive that no good deed goes unnoticed - but that isn't why I do good things. Karma balances things out and if you live a good life (well, not all the time), your good luck will greatly outweight the bad.
Kudos to you for helping this little boy. As I said, no good deed goes unnoticed.
1 person likes this
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
7 Feb 07
Yes in this day and age, one cannot help doubting if a helping hand is just there for the money. Keep doing good, anyway. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@Poofs_that_r_cheesy (291)
• United States
6 Feb 07
Always try to do a good turn daily. Today I saw a lady at a Gas Station trying to open a thick plastic container with towels in it to clean off a spill inside her car. She did not ask I just saw your struggling so I went over and used my Leatherman (Multi-tool knife) and cut it open for her. She was surprised that I offered which in itself is a little sad but was happy that I did. The Scout Motto (Be Parepared) and the Scout Slogan (Do a good turn daily) at work. Everyone do their part and do at least one nice thing per day for no reward and the good feeling and kindness you spread is reward enough.
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Well said, Scout. Keep up the good work!
1 person likes this
@joey_matthews (8354)
•
6 Feb 07
Would you count posting responses to most people on your friend list daily. around 3+ each day a good deed?
Personally i would and i always try to do them in real life. I help my mother who has trouble walkinga and verious other problems, i support a community of artists and poets much like i support members here.
I help people i see who struggle. as a kid i'd help a old ladie who lives near me to bring her shopping back, which is a hard thing to do when most old people these days think your going to rob them.
Kudos!
~Joey
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Of course any little thing counts. As I said to one of our friends here, even a smile or a sincere thank you could make the world a happier place for everyone. Kudos to you too, Joey, and keep that kind heart of yours glowing.
1 person likes this
@puranjaysingh (16)
• United States
6 Feb 07
actually i did..
i was walking down to walgreens and there was this old lady on a wheelchair who was having a hard time pushing her chair....looking at her i just felt so bad...she couldnt really push it cz there was snow on the ground and the ground was very rough too
so i just helped her and pushed her wheelchair to subway across the street
she asked me if i could join her for a sandwich, but i refused...politely
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
You're another angel! Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@stefdav (2)
• Sweden
6 Feb 07
Yes, I went to a school today to educate 10 children in a language. I did it for free, I am not a paid teacher, in my time and even paid for the transportation back home from the school myself. But the kids had a good time and I also enjoyed myself. Its good to see them motivated and so why not.
@emilieespino (963)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
That's very nice. Doing something like that and seeing that you have given happiness to people can't be paid by money. Thank you for sharing.
