Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Thank you Random Kind Sir

Gearing up for trial - my first in Florida, my first in many years (we settle everything or so it seems).  Working very late last night - a rare event in my new life I am happy to say.  But honestly and selfishly totally consumed by my own challenges and letting this trial take over my life.

I finally starting thinking about packing up my briefcase for home when I get a text from the Captain.  Something about running out of gas and cash and being stranded at the side of the road. without his AAA card.

So I flew out of the office, grateful he wasn't far and was actually on my way home.

Then I realized I misread his text.

He had gone out to GET cash and gas (both accomplished) when the car made noises and quit.

OK the car breaking down part I got right anyway.

So we called AAA on my card, I sent him home for his warranty stuff while I waited.  We were in a bank parking lot, well lit, no problem. I walked next door to grab a diet coke.  The young man behind the counter offered me samples of various liquors (it was a liquor store) but I said no thanks, just waiting for AAA to rescue the dead car, just a diet coke.  We chatted a bit.  The young man said, "Wow you're in a good mood for such an event!"  I said, "Well life happens.  It could have been much worse.  The dealer is up the road.  It will all work out."  And I left.

I walked next door to the car and sat a moment - the wind was blowing so naturally I was cold at 75 degrees and got in the car.

Then I realize there's a man in a gorgeous BMW motioning to me and holding out a business card.

Seems he overheard my conversation at the liquor store.  He works at the BMW place where we are taking the car.  He gave me the name of the head service guy, asked if there was anything he could do to help, had me start up the car (which he had to help me do because it has a push button and not a normal key and no I never ever drive the Captain's new BMW I am afraid of it), and with the noise it was making he agreed towing was the good choice.

Then he went on his way. 

And I thought, "WOW - he totally didn't have to do that!"  It was late - I'm sure he was tired after a long day.  But he took the 10 minutes to stop and offer to help.

That was awesome.

This morning at the dealer, the Captain found the head service guy, dropped a name, got well taken care of.

I hope "Peter" has a wonderful, awesome day and that the good karma he created when he stopped last night continues to follow him.

A reminder to Pay It Forward, to practice random acts of kindness, and to be thankful that when challenges come we can keep them in perspective.

 

11 comments:

ChiTown Girl said...

I also am wishing Peter good karma.

However, you ARE aware that this all happened because of the good karma YOU deserve, right?

xoxox

Gigi said...

I LOVE to hear about kind people who go out of their way to help. This totally made my day. And yeah, ChiTown totally nailed it. The good karma YOU put out there is what ensured that it would get returned to you. Good luck at trial.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I agree. And really, it's so easy to do something nice, not sure why people don't do it more often?!
YOU have good karma cause you do good stuff.
XO

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

This is why I talk to everyone I meet--cool stuff happens.

Stephanie said...

It really is amazing when you are having a craptastic day how the smallest act of kindness can have a HUGE impact. Thanks for the reminder that we should all take any and every opportunity to pay it forward :)

Natashya said...

You don't know me, and I'm not sure what string of events led me to your blog, but this post made me exceedingly joyful. I thank you for sharing an uplifting tale of a random act of service. But I also thank you for being the kind of person who can be in such a good mood when the pretty new car is having problems. That's lovely.

PS. I'm not a crazy person, my blog icon is just ridiculous. :)

CNA Training said...

Some surprising things happen when you meet someone. Good karma to both of you.

ChiTown Girl said...

Hey, Sista! Where have you been?!

Just checking in on you. I'm sure you've been busy living happily ever after with The Captain. =)

When you have a minute, let us know how things are going.

xoxox

Professional Doctorate by Jennifer said...

Wow, what an awesome story. Truly just one act of kindness could be rewarding and will really have a positive effect on you. Maybe not today, not tomorrow, you will never know but I assure you, you will really be amazed or blown by it. Thanks a lot for sharing! Hope you’re having a great time!


http://online-phd-uk.co.uk/

Stephanie said...

Popping by real quick before Google Reader goes away forever! Hope you are well and will try and add you to my list on Bloglovin b/c I don't want to lose touch. Feel free to stop by my blog and leave me your Bloglovin, feedly or just your blog link here!
http://www.howtosurvivelifeinthesuburbs.com/2013/06/over-here-im-over-here.html
xo

Stephanie said...

Hope you are well!!
Popping by real quick before Google Reader goes away forever! Hope you are well and will try and add you to my list on Bloglovin b/c I don't want to lose touch. Feel free to stop by my blog and leave me your Bloglovin, feedly or just your blog link here!
http://www.howtosurvivelifeinthesuburbs.com/2013/06/over-here-im-over-here.html
xo