Stopped at the Walmart in Gainesville the other day to pick up a few things on the way home and an opportunity presented itself.
We noticed the man in front of us grimacing as each item made it across the scanner. I couldn’t hear the conversation well with the cashier but recognized that things that had been scanned and bagged were being rescanned and placed back in the basket.
He finally told the cashier that that was all he could get and that the items left in the basket would need to go back. I could see things like breakfast items, bottled water etc. in the basket so I stepped up and offered to help by covering the rest of the items (which turned out to be only $8.00).
This man was so grateful and really opened up to us sharing that his son had come home from college and had brought a couple friends which was unexpected. His wife sent him to the store to pick up snacks, water, and food to make sure their guests were comfortable. He said the bills had just been paid and there were NO extra dollars.
I could have left it right there but decided to one better – as he was loading his car in the parking lot I walked up to him and placed a $50 in his hand with a handshake. I told him to fill up his gas tank or pick up a couple pizzas on the way home to feed those hungry youngsters. I walked away as he stood there with his mouth wide open and tears filling his eyes. What a wonderful feeling!!!!
The best part was that we not only made this stressed dad’s day but we also made the cashier’s day. She was so excited and thanked us personally for being kind to a total stranger – we made TWO days for the price of one – it’s infectious.
– Steve Grimsley
