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Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowAs a teenager, I worked at a grocery store as a cashier in a local mall. There was a young man who walked around the mall and it didn't look like he had any friends or family. I learned from store owners that he suffered schizophrenia and was pretty much a loner. He was always very polite to me when he came through my register. It was around Christmas time and I saw him sitting in a coffee shop, looking very alone in the world as I bought a dozen doughnuts for a party I was attending. I walked up to him and I wished him a Merry Christmas and handed him $10.00. His entire face lit up as though I had given him gold. He was so grateful at what I thought was nothing and he thanked me profusely as though no one had ever shown him any kindness ever. I felt very sorry for him and happy that I added some joy to his day. I learned that it is the smallest acts of kindness are what matter most. I will never forget the look of pure joy on his face. Not ever. God bless you, John.
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Your Comments
I have become recently disabled. I was in an accident which left me paralyzed. Beyond giving money, just the time to say hello is sufficient. being disabled, there are stares & looks. Just take the time say hello is great. The only thing wrong with us is our ability to walk! Reach out!
Posted over 3 years ago by Jeff S. from Sacramento, CA
It really is taking joy in the smallest things in life that keep us from giving up.
This experience of yours along with some others I've read makes me want to go out of my way to make someone's day.
Posted over 3 years ago by Vatsal S from Noida, India
That was so sweet. I love this story you touched everyone with this beautiful story of your thanks for writing it. Thank you so much:)
Posted about 4 years ago by from Veitnam/Canada
As the mother of a disabled teen, I would want you to hand my son $10, but I would also wish that you would sit down and share 10 minutes with him. Human kindness and love is a wonderful gift. Just ten minutes of true acceptance and belonging for a disabled person is worth so much.
Posted over 4 years ago by Mame B. from Dallas, Texas USA
awesome....thanks for making someone happy...as you have made someone else happy you will be happy too!
Posted over 4 years ago by Kirthishri MV from Bangalore, India
wow this is so good. i love it! it is so good
Posted over 4 years ago by Samantha C. from California, USA
I'm really touched by this story. Hope to do more similar ones. May you be richly blessed.
Posted over 4 years ago by Erbyne E. from Ghana
What an amazing and heartfelt story. Well done and congratulations. Young people are put down for being selfish these days, but it is these little acts that make such a huge difference to one person. Thank you for making that one impact in my life from reading your story.
Posted over 4 years ago by Amy A. from Victoria, Australia
God bless you for being so kind and giving without expecting anything in return.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Tan S from Malaysia
Thank you for sharing that story. It made me feel sincere on sharing and offering with other people.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Princess A. from Philippines
It was a very simple act but it gave you a lot of pleasure which you can think of for a life time. Hope everybody gets that chance.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Shnaker K. from India
hey..that was really pleasant of you not to have ignored that lonely man on a Christmas eve at that..some people are so full of themselves that they barely notice someone who is so much worse off than them..a little act of kindness every now and then goes a long way..even changing one's life completely.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Jensilyne T. from Philippines
It's really very amazing and impressing story indeed but only for those how have heart with feelings. Today, we have hearts but seem to be either empty or turned out to be hardened like a stone. Hats off to this young kid who generously, friendly, humanly and lovingly gave gift that was of course a smaller one but it's weight was too heavy to describe here in words because feelings cannot be described in words but in deeds like what he did.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Barkatullah Marwat from Kuwait
It was very confusing at first but then I realized you have have to give to others to receive the joy we need
Posted almost 5 years ago by Morgan I from Florida, USA
Very powerful story. It changed my life. I lit up too.
Posted about 5 years ago by MO from
His gift was small, but the way he'd given it or the consideration he'd showed is the great thing. Don't you think so?
Posted about 5 years ago by dat le khac from hcmc-vietnam