Can I Help You?

A few Thursdays ago, my husband and I went to an event up at resort. When the event was over, we walked back to our car and opened the doors, then stopped and began chatting, instead of getting in the car and driving away. Apparently, we looked confused or distressed because an SUV with a couple of young guys in it stopped to ask us, "Are you two okay?"

I was impressed that two strangers would take the time to check on us, even though we were not giving off any obvious signs of distress. People are capable of such consideration and kindness! This is definitely not the first time that someone has stopped to check on my welfare when I have been pulled over at the side of the road or in some other way appeared to need help. I appreciate it every time.

I was in a clothing store yesterday, and two employees were checking clothes nearby me. I caught the tail end of their conversation, "Isn't it amazing? It's the smallest things that people do that can really make someone's day." 

A Helping Hand at Wal-Mart

A good friend of mine just posted this on Facebook.

Amber T.

I was just at the check out at Walmart and forgot my wallet in the car. So I ran out to get it and when I got back a lady had paid for all of my groceries. She told the cashier to have me pay it forward. Did I cry right there at check out 8, yes...yes I did.

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Surprised, He Laughed

The man behind the checkout counter was clearly exhausted. Either that or he hated his job.

 He was in his late twenties at the most, yet he moved with the slumped shoulders and the exhausted face of a much older man - of someone who was desperately ready to clock out for the day.

I didn't blame him. Who knows what was going on his personal life, or what kind of day he had experienced at work. He wasn't rude, just clearly ready to be anywhere but behind that counter.

After he took my order, prepared my food, and told me how much I owed - all in the same, exhausted voice, I said dryly, and without much forethought, "You look REALLY happy."

His face creaked into a surprised smile, and a startled chuckle escaped his lips. After that, his slump was gone, and he finished checking me out with a genuine smile on his face. The store closed in five minutes so I like to think I helped him end his workday on a slightly happier note.

With Doors Wide Open

I don't know why people say chivalry is dead. I see it all the time.

In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.

I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.

Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?

My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.

I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.

Rent-A-Dog

I like to mountain bike and run on local trails, which means, I sometimes run into dogs that are off leash, with no owners to be found.

I like dogs but I don't like running into one when I don't know if the dog is friendly or dangerous. Of course, most of the dogs I run into are friendly, but I met a few that were downright scary. I wish dogs on the lam would carry little signs.

"Yes, I'm friendly.

"No, I won't bite."

"I'll count to five before I start chasing you. On my bark - 1-2 ..."


A few weeks ago, I spotted a stray dog while running with my good friend and running partner, and joked that it would be nice to have a good rent-a-dog to take with me on runs; something trustworthy that would protect me, because I know I don't have the time or inclination to be a worthy "real" dog owner.

The dog, who I later learned was named "Rusty," heard me, and signed up for the duty. We ran two more miles after I made that comment, down a dirt path that is soon going to become a paved road. There were many opportunities to turn down other streets that the dirt path crossed, but the dog stayed with us the entire way. We occasionally passed other runners, walkers, and bikers, which Rusty would investigate, but he always returned to us.

We were worried that other runners would resent us for having a dog off leash, or that we were helping the dog become further lost, so my friend, a dog owner, would occasionally say, "Go home!" My free rent-a-dog was loyal though, and stayed by my side.

At the end of our run, she checked the number on the tag, read it aloud, and I dialed the number. Less than ten minutes later, the owner of rent-a-dog had picked him up.

I would love to do that again. I count that as my starfish for the day. The dog did something nice for us (my running partner noted that I picked up my pace to keep up with it better - it would run ahead and then wait for us). Then, we did something nice for owner of the dog (because he was happy to get Rusty back). The daughter who left the gate open that let the dog out was probably relieved, too.

A Man with a Cart

I am uplifted daily by the kindness I see around me, whether it is personally experienced, shared second-hand through stories by friends and acquaintances, or something that I read in the news.

The following experience happened over a year ago, but since this blog didn't exist over a year ago, I think it deserves a special mention to kick off a blog about the lovely and simple things that people do to uplift each other.

There used to be a grocery store down the road from my home. This was not the usual grocery store that I frequented, so I was unfamiliar with the layout and products in that store. I ran in, expecting to make a quick, small purchase (looking for the perfect batch of Golden Delicious apples, to be exact). However, while I was in the store, I found a couple of other items that I wanted to purchase. At that point, I regretted not bringing in my own shopping bag, but by then, I was on the opposite end of the store from the grocery carts and baskets.

Shortly after having this thought, a gentleman passed by with the newer style of half-sized grocery carts, which I had never seen in a local store. I glanced at the cart, and stopped for a moment, dazzled by the great little cart, and debating the pros and cons of taking the time to grab a cart vs. juggling the extra items in my arms.

At that point, this man noticed me, and with a smile, offered his cart to me.

I was surprised by the offer, as I was not giving emitting "give me your cart" vibes, nor did I look particularly distressed. I refused, but gratefully, and told him that it was my own fault that I did not have a cart, and that I would be fine.

This kind man immediately insisted, while pulling the items out of the cart.

"You look like you need it more than me," he said.