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Stranger gave me a gift


sheryl
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Last week through this past Sunday was busy for us.  Last Saturday was dd's birthday and the 3 of us along with one of dd's friends were going to a concert that night.  I decided to quick get my hair cut (trimmed) beforehand.  I borrowed dd's wristlet earlier in the week and I assumed I had everything I needed.

I parked the car and looked to make sure I did have everything and NOPE, NADA, ZIP; I had our checkbook but didn't have my credit card or driver's license, etc.  Just the wristlet which was rendered useless b/c there was nothing in it!  LOL! 

In to the salon I walked.  I waited for my stylist and knowing he is sloooooow :) I interjected if he could accept a check.  He said no.  I was about to call home to have dd or dh bring me a form of pay't.  My stylist's customer was talking using pronouns (she, her) inferring he was referring to me.  SURE ENOUGH!  He offered to pay for my hair cut.  I said I'd need his address to reimburse him.  He nodded and must have thought about it more because upon checkout he told my stylist to add my haircut to his bill! 

I was not expecting that!  How kind of him.  He did not expect to be reimbursed even after I strongly suggested it 2 times.  At that I dropped it so I wouldn't offend him.  He's a published author and he gave me a light/stylist pen to boot!

It was unusual being on the receiving in.  I'm not used to that and I found it awkward to "just" accept this man's generosity.  I've been the giver a few times and found extreme joy in helping others.  But, now I was on the receiving end.

Anyone else have a story of encouragement to share?!!!!!

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I am leaving my preschool this year--today was my last day. My parents have already given gifts of flowers, a lovely engraved bracelet, notes from their kids, a book of "what my kid says" stuff ("my favorite thing Mrs. B does is...  etc)--all for Teacher Appreciation Week two weeks ago. 

Today they all trooped in at the end of the morning, and gave me the most lovely wall hanging, hand-quilted by one of the moms, with handprints in a heart in the middle. I couldn't believe the work and time that must have taken. They have been so delightful, helpful, kind, and trusting. It was amazing and humbling. (I'll post a picture as an edit later when I find my phone.)

 

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At the bus stop today there was a man playing a ukulele which he had just purchased at a nearby music store.  He had with him a child's ukulele which he offered to me (and subsequently to others) for free.  At the time, I declined his offer because I couldn't think of anyone with young children; naturally, I thought of a friend's grandchildren after we parted company.  There are indeed generous strangers about!

Regards,
Kareni

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Many years ago, a friend and I gathered a bunch of cash and stood in a long line for a long time to purchase four concert tickets, cash only.  When we got up to the window, it turned out that with the taxes and fees, we were short and would only be able to buy three.  The man behind us in line heard everything and he gave us the cash we needed for the for the fourth ticket and gave me his address so I could send him a check. 

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These are such sweet stories! 

My most memorable time of being on the receiving end was when my youngest was in the NICU. We lived 1.5 hrs away, and I was pumping my milk for him. The routine was, when I needed more collection bottles, I'd call the hospital and they'd be waiting for me at the desk when we got there. Because of where we lived, I was never there during "office hours". So, one night, I had called, but when I arrived.....no bottles. 

I was kind of near tears, because pumping feels like all you can do for your baby at that time, and having to dump the milk just felt awful. 

A NICU dad, waiting on his wife, heard my predicament. They had a locker there because they were there so often (it was their first baby) and he had extras in the locker, which he generously gave me.

A tiny thing, really, but it felt huge at the time. Because of our older kids, and the poor facilities for older siblings at this hospital, we only came in every other day at most, so he gave me the full bag of bottles, enough to get me to the next time we'd be back. 

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When my five kids were littler - think 10 & under, we rarely went out to eat. But, there were times that we did. I can remember twice being at a Village Inn (eat in restaurant, breakfast all day, also known for their pies) with my DH and all the kids when we were told by our server that someone else had paid for our meal. That's no small undertaking! In both situations, the server said that the people told her to tell us they were impressed by how well behaved our kids were & to keep up the good work.

It was amazing because in both cases, DH and I thought our kids were not behaving well at ALL. It was also encouraging and uplifting.

I try to keep my eyes out for other families who might need that encouragement now. 

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I'm a single parent, still job-hunting for full-time work and in a rental in an expensive area of the country. We're living paycheck-to-paycheck because I'm reluctant to tap my retirement funds. That will improve next month when the family house settles, but I'm just hanging on right now.

My oldest graduates from his Army training next month, and an anonymous person is picking up the bill and more for me to go. I think I know who it is, but the intermediary isn't giving any clues. So amazing!

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Thanks for sharing your stories!  Indeed, we it would be great to focus on what's honorable in people - most people are good!  I haven't been on for a while after I sent the post up (not ignoring you)!  I hope I'm doing the "like" thing right.  I don't like it as well; the other one made more sense to me.

Wonderful stories! 

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