Being last has its own reward
A week before Thanksgiving I was shopping at ALDI on Route 8 in Hampton. I had a large order. My bill was over $80, so you know how many items I had. After putting my items on the conveyer belt, they extended from the cashier to the end of the belt.
Being in line behind someone else who had a large order, I knew the anxiety of waiting for that order to be rung up. There was a gentleman that had three items - I told him to go ahead of me. Next came a lady who had one item and I also told her to go ahead of me. Another gentleman had four items and he was pleased when I told him to go ahead. All three customers thanked me as they passed by.
I walked toward the cashier and stood there waiting for her to starting ringing up my purchases. She handed me two $10 bills. I asked her, “What is the reason for the money?” She said, “The lady with the one item told me to give the money to you and say thank you.” To say I was surprised is an understatement.
I have always tried to follow the Golden Rule. Thank you to the lady in ALDI who made my day. I shall pay it forward. I wish the lady and her family a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
DOLORES DERBIS
Allison Park
Sharing her birthday
Every year on my birthday, I celebrate by taking myself to IHOP (International House of Pancakes) for a stack of pancakes. Yes, I can afford a more gourmet eatery, but I enjoy their fruit-soaked pancakes. And the service is always wonderful.
When I visit, I let the waitstaff know it’s my birthday and that I traditionally celebrate it at IHOP. They usually think it’s pretty funny as I make such a hoopla about the menu choices. To further celebrate, I leave a very large tip, like $20 on a $7 bill. It’s my way of sharing my birthday.
On my last birthday, I was wrapping up my visit and asking for the check. The waitress told me that a patron sitting across from me, who’d already left, had taken care of my check and had even given her a large tip. I remember the young man. He was a good looking, probably in his late 20s. I noticed his very stylish leather jacket and that he was reading a book while eating breakfast. (I'm middle-aged woman with still fairly decent looks and I love reading books.) I had thought of secretly buying his meal but he left halfway through my meal. So when the waitress told me what he had done for me, I became so emotionally moved by his gesture. Here was a young man that surprised me. I thanked the waitress, the manager, God, and in my heart thanked the man.
I regularly participate in random acts of kindness. It’s easy. Notice the world around you. If someone is trying to unload a grocery cart while children are crying, offer to help. Say hello to person in line behind you. Compliment a girl on her earrings. Tell a young boy that you like his colored hair. Smile at someone. Ask them about their day and really listen.
Giving doesn’t cost.
TERRI RaFALIK
Raleigh, NC
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: December 21, 2017, 3:34 p.m.
Updated: December 21, 2017, 3:34 p.m.
