Sunday, March 20, 2016
Generous Strangers
I used to believe that people did not just do things because it was the right thing to do, that there was always an ulterior motive. I had a very pessimistic view of the world and the people around me. I was so caught up with seeing the bad in the world to notice the good. I was like this until a year and a half ago when my best friend and I were left in Phoenix by a 'friend'. I was left with my friend Pat at the mall and el Pollo Loco for over seven hours, and after fruitless attempts at calling her we decided to find a bus route to one of Pat's friends house. When we arrived at the bus station it was just us, a family of five carrying groceries, and a couple of other travelers. Pat and I tried to figure out how to read the bus route but due to the fact that we are from a small town that doesn't have buses we didn't know how to read them. I asked the father of the family of five when the next train to where we were going would be and how much it would all cost. He informed us that it would be coming soon and that we would actually have to take two buses and the total cost of the trip would be fifteen dollars. I pulled Pat aside to discuss our financial situation and what we were going to do. We didn't have enough to make it and my 'friend' was not answering her phone. The bus that was headed to our destination pulled up and I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was the father of the family handing us ten dollars to pay for our bus fair. It was this action that gave me a little more faith in the world. It changed something in me that day to be a better more helpful and optimistic person. If this father could try and help me when it is also very clear he is struggling is well, what could I do for others? I would like to have a moment to thank this generous stranger for showing me that not every situation is all bad and restoring my faith in people.
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This is a truly beautiful story. It’s amazing how one person can change something in you. Thinking about this kind stranger to you makes me remember a quote that says something along the lines of “if you can’t find the good, be the good.” This man absolutely was the good in your life at that moment. In my life, I try to be the good as much as possible, sparing a few dollars or a meal to a homeless person, or even just holding doors open. Your story made me realize that these small acts can truly change a person’s life, and it made me remember small acts of kindness that were done for me. Thank you for sharing, Jena.
ReplyDeleteThis story is very moving and inspirational. It amazes me sometimes the kindness people can show to a complete stranger and it gives me hope in society. It makes me wonder how I would react in that sort of situation and how it would be a test of my morality. Money is not easily obtained recently, with all the graduation spending and all, but realizing that other people that have bigger problems would give you their money to make sure you and your friend get to a safer place just amazes me.
ReplyDeleteGood anecdote there Jena. I would have been freaking out if left in that kind of situation. And even more frustrated by the so called friend. It's great to see that the small gesture by the father helped push you to kind of rethink how you felt about bad situations and just people in general. It's a tough world out there and many many people are selfish and just flat out mean. Only a mature and wise person can view the world with an optimistic perspective when it seems there is only so much bad. Keep a positive outlook and things won't always seem so bad.
ReplyDeleteJust this last week I was at Dennys with a large group of friends. We all sat there for hours waiting for our food then slowly enjoying the food and being together. The waitress put all the food on one bill and we double checked to make sure we could split the bill up from. “Of course!” she replied. By the time we got up the register, a kind young man had already paid for our entire groups food. I didn’t know what to do. He was so kind and I couldn’t even express my gratitude toward him. This experience too instilled a hope in mankind for me too. There are good people out there and I would love to be counted as one!:) Great Blog post!:)
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