RE: Kindness of a Stranger & Paying it Forward!
Awww @thedarkhorse, you just made me smile and cry! I knew you were a good guy, but now I really know that you are!!
We never really know what's going on in someone's life, and Betty will never forget you for as long as she lives; I'm sure she's already told all kinds of people about the "lovely man who helped her with her groceries"! If I could, I'd hug you right now too, but internet hugs will have to suffice!!
This should be your contest!
I am always aware of what's going on around me, and continually watch to see if someone needs my help. I've always been like that because I just think it's common courtesy. Today, a cleaning lady was in our apartment building, and as I went to leave, I noticed a used mattress by the door. My Spanish is pretty useless, as was her English, but between some pointing and gesturing, I figured out that she had to drag it outside to the garbage. Of course I helped her, and she was very thankful. I also know that many would have walked right past her, because she certainly didn't ask for help.
It's those other people that I don't understand.
Thank you for a beautiful post and a gentle reminder to be kind to strangers, because you're right, you never know what people are going through, and you never know how your actions will affect them. But what we all know, is that everyone is happy when a complete stranger gives them a hand!
Not really sure how to turn it into a contest, but maybe down the road with a little thought.
To be honest helping out a cleaning person is probably the last thing most people would do. They are part of the invisible, the part of society that is there working hard that most don't notice unless they make a mistake.
My Father while an artist had to put all his dreams to the side to pay the bills as artists really had no outlet to make a living back in the late 70's when I was born. He did all sorts of jobs and then ended up with janitor and maintenance at a school. So I understand how people are treated by those that think they are better then someone.
My parents set a great example for me always willing to lend a hand. Now it's my job to set this example for my kids.
That is such a sad state of affairs then, isn't it. I see people as people, regardless of their occupation, race, gender etc. It's difficult for me to understand those who don't.
That's interesting about your father because I was one of the few teachers at my school who really "knew" all the custodians. One guy, I found out while talking to him, used to be a publisher for a major magazine and decided one day he'd had enough of the stress, quit, and ended up as custodian. People really do make a lot of assumptions don't they?
I'm glad your parents did such a good job with you ;)