I had not shopped for almost two months, my basket was loaded and so was the floor of the cart I was driving. My heavily booted feet were tucked in, side by side, unable to move for fear of knocking some of the purchases onto the store floor.

I made my way to the checkout counter, steering with only one hand because of the large package of paper towels sitting on my lap.

While attempting to put groceries onto the counter from a sitting position, a lady came up behind me. Seeing me struggle, she kindly offered to help. My first thought was to decline, holding on to my stubborn independence, when I thought to myself, "you can't always be a giver, you must also be a receiver."

I accepted her offer with thanks. She placed things in a very orderly fashion, frozen items together, french fries, vegetables, etc. It was extra work for her but simple for the clerk to ring up.

When finished, she asked the clerk if someone was available to help me carry the groceries out. After the clerk assured her I would be taken care of, she was satisfied.

I started writing my check when she put her hand on my arm. She said that a check should not be written -- that might effect the Steelers chances of winning the Super Bowl the next day!

I thought she was joking and continued writing.

Once more she stopped me, declaring I would be jeopardizing the Steelers win if I wrote a check. My reply was Giant Eagle would not be paid if they didn't accept this check!

She reached right over my head, smiling, saying that "this is on me" as she swiped her credit card in the machine!

I was dumbfounded. I could not believe what had just happened! She paid for all my groceries, a significant amount, and would not let me at least write a check to her for repayment.

Pittsburgh Steelers have many fans, including me. But this lady was indeed a very extraordinary special rare one.

I tried to get her name but she did not think it was important -- "just root the Steelers on to a victory!" So to myself, I call her "Grace, Amazing Grace."

This letter was written by my mother, Betty Jean Williams. She had planned on sending it to Random Acts of Kindness. But she became ill a few days after this episode and died on Feb. 6 -- five days after the Steelers won the Super Bowl.

Thank you, "Grace," for showing kindness to a very kind and caring lady.

-- ANDREA WILLIAMS GRIFFIN and family, Penn Hills

On the evening of April 16, after exiting the bus at about 6 p.m., I was walking to retrieve my car which was parked at St. Sebastian's Church in Ross. While walking on the side of the road, I was struck in the upper left thigh by a vehicle. I landed on my right side on busy Siebert Road. I initially stayed down on the road, determining what and how much hurt as well as whether or not any of my bones were broken.

Immediately, many people, none of whom I knew, came running to my aid. Thank you very much for assisting me in my time of need. In particular, I appreciate:

• The woman who helped me to stand and got me to the side of the road.

• The use of a man's cell phone to talk to the 911 operator while waiting for the police and paramedics to arrive.

• The many people who worked to stop traffic in all directions so that my accident did not create any more chaos than what had already transpired.

• All persons who made sure my bags went with me to Allegheny General Hospital.

Miraculously, I did not bleed nor was I diagnosed with any broken bones from my fall. My body, in particular my right side, is just very sore. I realize my situation could have been much worse, but my guardian angels and the people listed above enabled me to escape this situation with relatively few issues.

For now, I am taking it easy and hope to resume my active life very soon. Thanks again.

-- MICHELLE COOPER, Shaler