Random acts of kindness

jpaulson · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:24 PM

Wanted to share an experience I had the other week. Aside from my real job, I work a few nights a week as an overnight cashier at a 24 hour grocery store. I had went out into the parking lot and noticed a guy laying in the passanger seat of a car, and his girlfriend was leaning over him, obviously in distress. I let them be, and a short time later she comes up to the register with a package of gauze. She had been crying. As she digs for change from her purse, she tells me that her b/f had just rolled his car, and needed medical treatment but he did not have health insurance and would not let her go. After paying, she makes a comment about getting gas. Ends up she now has $2 left for gas. I pull out my last $4 in my pocket and give it to her, at which she begins crying, hugs me, and says that she will pay me back next time she sees me. I feel good, helping others that need help.

Well, they both come in last night, and I do not say a word. Mind you, only 4 days have passed. They approach the register, and place their purchases on the counter. They consist of a 2 liter bottle of Dr. Pepper, a frozen pizza, and a bag of chips. The bill comes to $4.45. They pay, then leave without saying a word. I was in shock!! 4 days earlier they were in desperate need, and I helped. Then, without even acknowledging me, (or saying thanks), they spend $$ on junk food? I was flabbergasted!!

I just wanted to share that with you guys.....bothers me. Now, I will still help out those that need help (random acts of kindness), and I urge everyone the same. Any stories out there?

Slithers · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:29 PM

i felt bad for this homeless guy I know, and gave him the taco i just bought. i was a lil hungry afterwards but im sure he was much hungrier.

no im not a saint. but i think about other people too

with that said. I NEVER give money to strangers unless its under 1.00. I would go buy food for a hungry person, pay for gas for a stranded person, but i will not hand cash to a beggar.

VoodooChile · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:29 PM

Well dont let that get you down.. For the most part ppl appreciate what you do for them, you never know, maybe that food was all they had and they didnt want to give you the $4 of the last of their money...
ER will take anyone with or without med insurance so I think it was hogwash..besides its a LAW to report the accident.
There are several reasons why they didnt return the favor..To be positive: they still intend to, but dont have the money..
To be honest: They are probably druggies and spent their money getting to the dopeman's house and he got into a fight because he ripped someone off on drugs..
lol

VoodooChile · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slithers

I would go buy food for a hungry person, pay for gas for a stranded person, but i will not hand cash to a beggar.

I agree..
I know a person that stands on the corner with her 3 kids and begs for money in different towns and areas...She lives on Housing assistance, gets food stamps and just last week bought another car *she has 2* and bought her b/f a new Fender electric guitar...hmmmmm...

gjmccag · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:34 PM

that is pretty crappy about that, it is almost like they didnt acknowledge what you did for them. Whatcha gonna do, you did the right thing and what goes around comes around.

jpaulson · #6 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:39 PM

Let me point out that she never asked, nor gave me the feeling that she was begging or hinting. By their dress and vehicle, they were not druggies, etc. I know that. And yes, it could of been the last money they had for food, but two things...1. I noticed that he had more money in his wallet, and 2. if that was all the money they had for food, they should not of spent it on junk food.

VoodooChile · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 08:41 PM

Yeah I know what you mean...People just dont care, but like gjmcagg said "what goes around..." its true.. Good things will come to you who gives and not so good of things will come to those who just take..

Brandon28 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 09:13 PM

I'l never forget this one:
I was coming home from a family get-together at one of the parks here in memphis. I just happened to have a few extra Subway sandwiches left over from our lunch. I notice a guy standing on the corner with a sign that reads,

[size="5"]"HUNGRY
DESPARATE
ANYTHING WILL HELP"/SIZE]

Being a decent guy, I roll down the window and and hand the guy a 6'' sub (don't remember what it was, exactly). He proceeds to unwrap the sandwich, lift the bread, and hand the sub back to me stating "I'm sorry...I'm a vegetarian". I was astounded! I say, "I thought your sign said hungry, desparate, and anything would help!". He replys "Yea, but I try to eat right". Enraged, I throw the sandwich back at him and stomp on the gas. It's rare to see me THAT ticked off!

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