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Pittsburgh's Random acts of kindness: 7/5/12
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I had to drop off an 86-year-old Christening gown recently at the Heinz History Center.
I parked at a meter on Penn Avenue and heard chirping. I looked down and there was a baby bird on the street by the curb.
My husband, who had three back surgeries in the last year, was in the car. I asked him to help me, as the history center staff had given me a small box to put the bird in.
The baby bird was terrified, and it was not easy to rescue. My husband fell when attempting to help, and I tried getting him up.
Just then a young man who was walking up Penn Avenue came over to help. He was dressed for work in his dress shirt and tie.
I was able to get John up and then asked if the young man would help me get the bird. I moved the car, with his assistance, as I did not want to run over the bird. He then had to work at it but got the bird safely in his hands.
I brought the bird home, gave it some water from an eye dropper and then took it to Verona to the wildlife center there.
I just wanted to say "thank you" again to the young man for helping.
We have taken away most of the habitat of our wild animals, so we need to do what we can to help them.
I am happy to report that I called and learned the bird is doing well and learning how to eat.
JANE HARVATH
West View
Recently, I finished my shopping at Aldi and got in line to check out. I had my debit card ready, as I always do, to avoid holding up the line behind me.
I swiped my card, put in my PIN number, and the machine declined it! The cashier suggested I try again. I did, with the same result.
By now the line behind me was getting longer, so I suggested to the cashier that she cancel my order while I moved out of line to search for a different bank card to use. She pleasantly agreed, and I moved to a nearby table for a search in a purse that could best be compared to Fibber McGee's closet.
Just a few minutes went by before the cashier came to me with a receipt and told me that a lady behind me had paid my bill. I was flabbergasted.
I hurriedly grabbed some money and attempted to repay my benefactor for her kindness. She absolutely refused to take my $20, telling me I reminded her of her mother.
I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. (I did both.) To quote that famous newspaper editorial: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"
KATHLEEN RUEFLE
Shaler
My husband and I were married on June 16, 1962, 12 days after graduating from college. We were both teachers, with a total of 63 years between us. We were blessed with three wonderful children, five grandchildren, and now, one great-granddaughter.
Sadly, my beloved husband went to heaven unexpectedly in October 2007, so I was facing my 50th wedding anniversary this year without George. Still, I got out our wedding album with the black-and-white wedding pictures on my own and reminisced.
The morning of the anniversary the doorbell rang, and there was a delivery man from the local florist with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. What a surprise that was! The card said that the sender did not wish to be identified.
I have asked many people if they sent the flowers, but nobody has admitted doing it. What a sweet way to lift a lonely widow's spirits! If you were the mystery sender, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
CARYL SCHMERSAL
Beaver
First Published July 5, 2012 12:00 am
