A Small Act of Kindness, A Life Changed
On a cold winter evening, I bought shawarma for a homeless man and his dog, thinking it was a simple act of kindness. But when he handed me a note hinting at a forgotten connection, I realized that this was no ordinary encounter.
After years of marriage, raising two teenagers, and working long shifts at a sporting goods store, my life had become predictable. That evening, with the temperature at 26°F, I trudged toward the bus stop, my mind occupied with everyday worries—work, my daughter’s math struggles, and the balance between parenting and paying bills.
As I passed the shawarma stand, I noticed a homeless man and his dog staring at the steaming meat. His thin coat and the dog’s shivering form tugged at my heart. When the man asked the vendor for hot water and was sharply rebuffed, it felt like a harsh reminder of the world’s indifference.
I couldn’t ignore it. My grandmother’s words echoed in my mind: “Kindness costs nothing but can change everything.” Without a second thought, I bought two shawarmas and two coffees. When I handed them to him, his gratitude was evident. “God bless you,” he whispered.
As I turned to leave, he stopped me and scribbled something on a piece of paper, handing it to me with a peculiar smile. “Read it at home,” he said. Intrigued, I pocketed the note and continued on my way.
The following evening, as I sorted through laundry, I found the crumpled note. Written in shaky handwriting, it read:
“Thank you for saving my life. You don’t know this, but you’ve already saved it once before.”
Below it, a date from three years ago and the name “Lucy’s Café” stood out. The memory came rushing back—on a rainy day years ago, I had noticed a man who appeared desperate and lost in the café. I bought him coffee and a croissant, offering a smile before leaving. I never thought much of it, but evidently, it had made an impact.
The man’s gratitude stayed with me, and I felt compelled to do more. The next day, I found him near the shawarma stand with his dog. I approached him, smiling. “I read your note. I can’t believe you remembered that day.”
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