Hosting a dinner for my mum and sisters and friends recently was quite a queenly event — special dishes, flatware, linens, the whole deal.
Of course, nothing is easy. A main water line break occurred two doors up. It looked like a tsunami to me.
My mother’s pending arrival was big news on our block, so a dear neighbor came over with wood and a drill and built a wooden plank on the spot so that my mum and guests could avoid muddied waters.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority personnel also arrived, and I expressed my concern about my mum getting to my front door. A dear gentleman suited up in his PWSA gear gently took my mum’s arm and brought her to our front door. He told me that his own mom, 82 years old, taught him respect and manners.
I am so deeply touched by these acts of kindness, and I call them huge acts of humanity. I am forever grateful.
BECKY PAIS
Point Breeze
A fall in street didn’t spoil her theater trip
My friend Joanne and I went by the T to see “Annie” at the Benedum Center.
I was healing from having broken my heel, and I stumbled crossing the street one-half block from the theater. Many lovely people helped me get up, but getting to the theater was no easy walk.
The wonderful people at the theater brought me a wheelchair and wheeled me to my seat. The ushers and staff people kept checking on me and helped by calling a cab after the show, and a wonderful young cab driver drove us to the South Hills T garage and helped me into the car.
I am thankful for all of the help I received. Luckily, I didn’t rebreak my heel, but only badly bruised it. Thank you, Pittsburgh — it is true about the wonderful people of this great city.
PATRICIA COLLIER
Peters
Friendly man insisted on paying for stranger
I heard a news item recently that Pittsburgh was listed as the second-smartest city in the country. If they did a further study, I think they would also find that it is one of the kindest.
I picked up a few items recently at the Walgreens in Oakmont. As I approached the cash register, I found a gentleman chatting with the cashier.
They then included me in their conversation, and before I knew it, the other customer was paying for my purchases. He even refused to accept my coupons, as he suggested that I save them for my next purchase.
This was a gift I immediately paid forward, as after I got home I wrote a check to help feed the hungry.
I did not get the gentleman’s name, but again, thank you and God bless you.
M. SCHMIDT
Verona
Plunge on icy steps revealed two angels
My wife didn’t realize how icy it was on Saturday, Nov. 22, and fell down the concrete steps outside our home.
Two men, Frank and Josh, were delivering rock salt to the office building behind our house and heard her scream. They came to her rescue. They called 911 and, realizing that she shouldn’t be moved, covered her up and stayed with her until the time the ambulance arrived.
As I write this on Thanksgiving Day, my wife is in the hospital, but I am thankful she is recovering and thankful for Frank and Josh.
JOSEPH EVANKO
McCandless
Has someone done you right? Send your Random Act of Kindness to page2@post-gazette.com, or write to Portfolio, Post-Gazette, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
First Published: December 18, 2014, 5:15 a.m.
