Saturday, February 24, 2018

#PayItForward by Brenda Whiteside

The other day, I was at the store and my total came to $9.04. I handed the guy the $9 then got into my coin pocket...no coins. The lady behind me said "I've got 4 pennies" and paid the man. I know it was only pennies, but really nice of her to keep me from breaking a $20. I did this once for someone else who was short about thirty cents. This is paying it forward in two ways: niceness and cash.

A woman in the RV Ranch had a stroke. The day before she was to come home from physical therapy, a neighbor brought over some wood and built her a beautiful steps and landing combination in front of the door. She needed an area by the door to get her walker out. He definitely paid it forward.

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Months back, when I got to the window to pay for my coffee, the cashier told me the car in front of me had bought my drink. How nice!

Doing little things, just for the heck of it, really touches me. Paying it forward. Have you ever paid it forward? Have you ever been the recipient?

Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Currently, they split their time between the Lake Roosevelt basin in Central Arizona and the pines in the north. Wherever Brenda opens her laptop, she spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com
She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com
She blogs about life’s latest adventure on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/



16 comments:

Jannine Gallant said...

I remember giving someone change in the grocery store once, but I'll admit I did it because I didn't want to wait while she dug through her purse searching for coins. My bad. We should all take a moment to do something nice way more often than we do. Great post, Brenda.

Vonnie Davis said...

Strangers have paid for our meals at restaurants a couple of times. A lady paid Calvin's bill at Walmart. I've paid for others' meals. Having it happen both ways gives you a good feeling.

Vonnie Davis said...

OH, I forgot because it really doesn't apply. It's time for Sophomores at MIT to order their college rings. I emailed Ryan and told him as long as he didn't go over a thousand, we'd pay for it. After all, we'd bought our granddaughter's wedding gown and veil. His soppy thankful email got darn comical after a while. Calvin and I are still quoting it to each other.

Rolynn Anderson said...

I'm always touched when strangers say something nice about the jewelry I'm wearing or my hair style or my clothes. That they take the time to actually 'look' then give a compliment...very thoughtful. I try to do the same. Nice to pass around good feelings!

Leah St. James said...

I've given change to people in the check-out line who were short (like Jannine), but usually less than a dollar. I have, however, told people to go ahead of me in line if they have a smaller number of items...or cranky kids! At first they usually say no, but when I repeat the offer they often accept with big thanks. Then we often strike up a conversation. Like Rolynn, I don't think it has to be tied to money. A kindness is a kindness. Great reminder, Brenda.

Alison Henderson said...

This is a wonderful reminder. I often smile and extend common courtesies to strangers like letting them go ahead of me or holding a door, but I never seem to think of being more proactive. I'm probably too wrapped up in what's going on in my own head. However, you've inspired me--I'm headed to the grocery store in an hour, and I'll make a point of looking for a way to show some extra kindness.

Andrea Downing said...

My parents used to pay the toll for the car behind them when we crossed the bridge from Long Island going into the city, but it was only a quarter then. Still, things like that do make one feel better. I often buy homeless on the streets a meal from a food cart, or hand over the 'doggy' bag from a restaurant when we leave. I've had a woman on a bus give me my fare when I discovered my card wasn't working and I didn't have the exact change. You see, people think New Yorkers are always in a rush but we're very nice really!!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks, Jannine. Maybe some times the reason is overshadowed by the end result.

Brenda Whiteside said...

So true, Vonnie. Good feelings both directions.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Rolynn, that is my newest way to go out of my way. Some times FDW gives me a weird look or he gets a little embarrassed, but I see the pleasure on the stranger's face and I know it's the right thing to do.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Most definitely, Leah. Words or actions are way more important than money!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Yay go, Alison, and it doesn't have to be monetary.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Every little thing is important, Andrea.

Diane Burton said...

We've had people ahead of us pay our toll. I've let people with only a couple of items go ahead of me in the grocery line. Now, I'm getting people who hold the door for me. Makes me feel old yet it's so sweet.

Brenda Whiteside said...

LOL, Diane.

Alicia Dean said...

Awww, what an inspiring post. I try to be thoughtful and considerate to strangers. I've also handed someone a few coins when they were short and I always let people with just a few items go in front of me. I've had others who were in front of me at a drive-thru pay for my order, and I'll admit I haven't done the same, but I intend to. I always forget. Even though it's a small thing, it does give you a nice little glow.