Chasing the garbage truck
I am homebound because of a balance problem that comes on every so often. I usually take my trash out the evening before pick up and did so several weeks ago, but was too unsteady to take last bag out and decided to wait until morning. I was up early and heard the garbage truck, but being slow because I must hold on to a fence to walk the driveway, the truck was already moving on down the street. It was about four houses past mine and I was ready to turn back as I was feeling dizzy and had nothing to hold on to. I still tried to make it to garage truck when I was surprised to see a very nice smile on a nicely dressed man sitting in his car holding out his hand and saying, “I’ll take that.” I smiled and thanked him, and off he went after the garbage truck as I slowly wobbled back to my house.
I can’t tell you how happy and relieved I was that someone helped me. I live alone with no family or friends living close by and it’s hard to get things done. I hope that helpful man knows what a kind service he did and how much I appreciate his smiling face and offer of help. Thanks!
M. LANE
Squirrel Hill
Small talk and generosity
My disabled son and I were dining at the Wheelhouse Bar and Grill in Rivers Casino. A gentleman was sitting at the next table and we made a little small talk. After we were done eating I asked the waiter for my check. He told me the gentleman in question had paid our bill and told him not to say anything until he’d left. Sir, I’m hoping you happen to see this because I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.
ELAINE BIXLER
West Mifflin
Faith and love in action
I had just parked at our church and was exiting the car when I slammed my hand in the car door. It was a significant cut and since I take Plavix, I was bleeding a lot. My husband, Bill, has memory problems and no longer drives, so I asked him to go into the church and get help. I had absolute assurance that he would find someone - our church always jumps in when help is needed. Two ushers came out and were deciding who would drive me to the emergency room for stitches when Kathy, who was parked next to our car and ready to leave after attending the earlier service, volunteered. She told us she was a retired nurse so would be the ideal person to take me. I was feeling dizzy by this time and still bleeding a lot so I sent Bill into church by himself, knowing that friends would help him, and Kathy then drove me to UPMC in Cranberry. She kept me talking so I wouldn’t get into more trouble, and stayed with me in the emergency room while they X-rayed my finger - no broken bones, hurray - put 7 stitches in the finger and sent me to our Walgreens for an antibiotic. After the drugstore she drove me home. What a big help she was for me, and I learned she is also a bridge player. Meanwhile, Bill attended church services and Donna drove him home and sent me a text so I would know where he was. This was a wonderful example of faith and love in action. I am very thankful to everyone, especially Kathy, who helped us that Sunday.
ROSEMARY SHIRLEY
Zelienople
Has someone done you right? Send your Random Act of Kindness to page2@post-gazette.com, or write to Portfolio, Post-Gazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh PA 15212.
First Published: May 18, 2017, 4:00 a.m.
