I have had the most bizarre morning. My water heater went out yesterday - I tracked it down to an electric ignition problem and began the phone calling this morning to find parts and information. Through this process I have literally talked to a half dozen strangers who have referred me to each other to help me problem solve. (Turns out I need a repair kit from the manufacturer, which is being over-nighted as I type).
Anyhoo, The supply store referred me to a maintenance woman, who doesn't work on gas heaters so much, but she referred me to another repair man who is coming out tomorrow at whatever time I need him after the repair kit comes in. Everyone I have talked to today, from small parts stores, to large parts warehouses, and the manufacturer's customer service has been just so amazingly nice and helpful, that even though we will not have hot water until late tomorrow, it has been an oddly pleasant experience.
But, here is the Random Act Kindness....this repair woman, who I have never met, and do not know, just called me back to see if I had gotten my water heater fixed and to "check on me".
So, my question for the day...
What is your favorite Random Act of Kindness story?
Is this related to the Bin Laden situation yesterday? Are Americans generally more up beat today? What do you think???
I'll never forget, a couple years ago right before Christmas, my husband and I were not having the best year- broke, having a hard time making ends meet... life was just wearing on us, big time.
We pulled up to a Racetrac to fill up our gas tank, and the person who pulled out before us had paid for our gas. An entire tank full of gas.
I cried because I wish I could tell that person how far that money would go with us, what a weight it lifted off of my chest. Every dollar in our house was precious at the time.
I'll never forget that, and I hope they know how much they helped someone they don't even know.
My recent acts of kindness are -
I baked all my neighbors cakes for Easter. I made a birthday cake for a co-worker. I put 2 tickets to a Rangers game under the doormat to suprise my yard maintenance guy. I bought Ranger Tickets for my husband, son, and brother so they could enjoy a guys day at the ballpark. I helped my ex-mother in law move Saturday. That's my April! Come On Good Karma!
What people have done for me randomly and unexpectedly-
My 18yr old daughter came and got my 4 yr old girl to stay the night with her. She took her to the movies and to the park and to get snowcones. What 18 yr old do you know that would just up and decide to do that. What a blessing that girl is. My boss gave me a $700 dinner table and chairs when he moved. My sil brought a half a bottle of Crown Royal to Easter dinner. Pretty kind if you ask me.
You can see in my questions that I asked this a few months ago (I think) and got a lot of responses. I said that I liked to buy the person's food behind me in the drive thru at the fast food places so when they drove up, it was already paid for. Then I got bagged on for not eating healthy and encouraging others to eat fast food...UGH!!! Ha! I don't care, I still think it makes their day and makes them think maybe they can do something nice to someone else that isn't expected. :o)
I witnessed this and it brought tears to my eyes ~ of course I was pregnant at the time and everything brought tears to my eyes. A car broke down on the interstate during rush hour on the way to work. The guy driving was in the fast lane (during rush hour this is not fast even on the interstate) and was trying to stear and push it out of the way at the same time. They guys from the construction crew that was building a new bridge left the construction site to go help him push his car across the lanes and to the side of the road. It is a site I will never forget.
I had someone do that in a starbucks drive threw for me. I had ordered three drinks and the gentlemen in front of me paid for all of it. He had a bigger order himself so I was really taken over by the act!!
Christine S. Yes. Everyone at my sons school seemed lighter today. I dont know if they really are related but it does seem to fit.
During the Holiday season I drove through a Starbucks drivethrough and paid for the folks behind me. Never met them and probably never will but just felt like doing somethiing nice. Sometimes the smallest things mean a great deal to people. In this economy, with as many challenges and stresses we face each day acting randomly can affect someone in ways we could not imagine. Smiling is my favorite, saying hello to those you don't know. You would be amazed as to the affect it has. Try it sometime . . .
I have so many put I can't think of any right now..I will keep thinking and return to this question. I love these type of questions.
OH MY!! !HOW WONDERFUL!!!
My random act of kindness was two years ago - I was grocery shopping with my boys - NONE of my debit cards were working and I didn't have my checkbook - I couldn't get a hold of my husband - the W. behind me paid for my groceries - $37.96.....I cried on the spot.
I've done stuff like that for others - didn't really think about it - just had the money and said - man - that sucks....but it to have it happen to me? TOTALLY blew me away!!!
I've NEVER seen her again....I've looked too!! :) God sent me an angel that day....I will NEVER forget her..
Its teacher app week here in AZ.... we are blessing the teachers with a HUGE week. Just excited to be a part of it all.
I do sometimes pay for the fast food meal for the car behind me.
It is fun to bless people.
At age three my daughter swallowed the battery out of a pen light and I had to call the 1-800 # on the Duracell package to see that to do. They called me several times a day to see if the battery had passed yet. I know this is probably company policy but it did make the "poop smashing" more bearable.
K.
