As retired folks, we often enjoy having breakfast at a local restaurant. It is our way of getting out and meeting people.
One morning a little boy of kindergarten age came up to our table and said in a quiet voice that he wanted our check. We were so surprised -- and we didn't want the child to take it -- that my husband said, "No."
We were stunned and started to look at each other and realized that we had disappointed the boy. Where did this young boy come from?
Then my husband saw the little boy's parents sitting nearby at another table. His father said to us, "It's OK -- we allow our son to pick someone to pay their check, and he chose you."
We then felt so honored by the young boy's act of kindness that it brought tears to my eyes. We were so amazed that this young family was teaching a young child how to be kind and caring to others.
From further discussion with the parents, I found out that this fine boy was attending kindergarten at the same school that I retired from as a first-grade teacher some seven years ago. Also, his father had attended the same school. What a wonderful connection!
We have not seen this family since, but we have told this precious story many times to our friends. I find it so heartwarming that this family is instilling in their little boy the importance of giving and reaching out.
We thank them so much, and may they be blessed as a family.
MARTHA FRENDBERG
Beaver Falls
The goodwill at a post office provided some holiday cheer
I'm quite elderly, and was on my way to the Cedarhurst Post Office on Bower Hill Road before Christmas when it was raining a bit and late in the afternoon (4 p.m., with the post office to close at 5).
I had two large garbage bags containing packages to mail. I knew parking would be difficult, so I pulled temporarily into the convenience spot by the mailbox, in order to take my heavy bags into the post office.
I took out my first bag, and a lovely young woman exiting the post office hurried over to take it in for me. I took the second bag from the van, and she was there to take that one in also, so with profuse thanks I left to move and park my van.
When I returned to the facility, what do I find but that same young woman in line, holding my spot for me -- that same line which I knew she had suffered through a short time earlier. I was amazed at her kindness and again thanked her -- too little for her amazing thoughtfulness.
A man in front of me then moved my bags for me as the need arose. He conversed during the long ordeal. A woman behind me, a mother with a son in the military in the Middle East, also conversed with us. The two of them were interesting and made the waiting a joy.
The whole activity was a pleasure from beginning to end, including the clerk who was patient and helpful and the postal employee who was stationed at the front door to unlock the door in order that we latecomers might leave.
Although I neglected to get any of their names, I hope they realize how much their very "being" made my post office experience the high point of my day.
AUDREY KACZMARSKI
Scott
Small gesture from cashier meant a lot to one customer
This acknowledgement is way overdue, but I still wanted to share a story of kindness.
In October 2011, my husband spent several days in the hospital. Upon his return home, he requested a Chick-fil-A sandwich for lunch. I drove to the Chick-fil-A on Route 228 in Cranberry, ordered the sandwich, paid, and -- before leaving -- called my husband to see if a milk shake would also taste good.
I got back in line to order the chocolate shake and told the cashier about my husband. As I opened my wallet to pay, she said there was no charge and sent along her best wishes for a speedy recovery. I was so surprised and touched by that act of kindness -- kudos to the friendly cashier at Chick-fil-A who made my day.
MARCH CREEKS
Zelienople
First Published: January 24, 2013, 10:00 a.m.
