BS: Paying it forward

27 Apr 13 - 08:40 PM (#3509775)
Subject: BS: Paying it forward
From: kendall

When I was a little boy I wanted, more than anything, a set of those flyers goggles with the fur trim around the edges. Never got them, lucky to have enough food and a hand me down shirt.

Today, Jacqui and I went to a few yard sales. There on a table was a gun belt, holster, cartridge holder and hand cuff pouch. A little boy was fondling it and trying to figure a way to get the $5.00 price. He walked away disappointed, and I bought the thing. It was like new but that little boy was me 70 years ago. I bought it and started for the car. There, with his head hung down was the little boy and his Mother. I asked if he would like to have that belt and he was too embarrassed to look at me. A look from his Mom said he did and that it was ok, so I gave it to him. I couldn't read his mood, but his Mom was almost in tears; with profuse thanks from his Mom we left.
He doesn't know it, but he made my day.

---

27 Apr 13 - 09:21 PM (#3509783)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: gnu

Awww.... sheeeit. Ya just made me near cry. Good on ya!

---

27 Apr 13 - 09:21 PM (#3509784)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Ebbie

This would fit right onto the Sunshine Thoughts thread. Bless ya, Kendall.

---

27 Apr 13 - 10:31 PM (#3509796)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: ChanteyLass

Nice!

When I was a little girl, I wanted a horse, puppy, or kitten. No luck. My parents would only allow goldfish and parakeets. If I see a child who wants a puppy or a kitten, it will probably only make things worse if I try to give one to the child. He or she might have parents like mine!

The good news is that while raising my son I lived in a rural area and had three dogs, two cats, and my cousin boarded a horse with us. There were also some parakeets and a turtle. Now I love patting other people's animals but don't want the responsibility of owning one. I want to be free to come and go with out having to arrange for an animal's care, and I never want to have to decide again when the right time is to "put one down."

When I moved out of that house in a rural area, I had a yard sale. Among the things I sold were some pieces of children's costume jewelry. I little girl wanted a "pearl" bracelet, but her mother said no. I said I didn't think I was going to be able to sell it and I really did need to get rid of things. I asked if I could give it to the girl. The mother said yes and the girl went home happy.

---

27 Apr 13 - 11:49 PM (#3509801)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Sandra in Sydney

awww!

On a slightly different note -

I once made a toddler & a bus-full of people very happy. The kid was whining & crying, on the edge of a tantrum & not happy with anything, even mother's keys & wallet.

I'd just collected the office mail so gave him an envelope - magic! He'd never seen such a toy & examined it happily.

---

28 Apr 13 - 03:12 AM (#3509826)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Ebbie

That reminds me of something I did years ago. I was already in a contradance band but one night I stopped in at a folk dance.

A little girl, less than 2 years old, sat at a wall crying bitterly. She wanted to join her mother on the dance floor but she was not allowed to.

The little girl wasn't throwing a tantrum but huge tears drenched her face as she sobbed to herself.

I sat down beside her and began chatting about everything under the sun. The little girl, Kelsey, became interested and eventually began laughing and babbling back.

Her grateful mother eventually reclaimed her- but the interesting thing is that that little girl is now 20 years old or so and is still very friendly to me. I doubt very much that she has any memory of how I became her friend.

---

28 Apr 13 - 03:46 AM (#3509831)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,Eliza

What a super thread! Reading about such kindnesses has warmed my heart a lot this morning. Why do we hear so much about biting footballers and scams et, when actually the world has many many good people in it? Just off to church - will sing the hymns extra loudly in this happy mood!

---

28 Apr 13 - 08:19 AM (#3509885)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: JennieG

Recently I passed on a brooch I had, to a young woman who loves old-style marcasite jewellery. Her style is late 40s-early 50s, and the clothes and jewellery of the era suit her perfectly. My parents gave me the marcasite and pearl brooch for my 18th birthday (more years ago than I will admit) and, when I go, there is no one to pass my trinkets to as we don't have daughters and I can't see my sons wearing them! Kate had admired the brooch one day when I was wearing it so I left it, with a note, on her desk at work - she works in a local gallery where I volunteer. I was more than happy to give it to someone who loves it and will wear it.

---

28 Apr 13 - 08:33 AM (#3509889)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Bat Goddess

Sometimes it's the smallest things that bring the most pleasure.

Several years ago I was working the closing shift at the optical shop inside an anchor store at the mall (licensed business inside the host store) and biz was slow. One of the young store associates walked by (probably on her way to the loo) and after exchanging some pleasantries, actually had a chance to talk. In the course of conversation, I discovered she collected frogs.

The next day I brought in a really neat green plastic frog box that had been given to me -- because I thought it would be a nice addition to her collection. But then I didn't see her...for several months. Didn't know whether our shifts just didn't coincide or if she was no longer working there. I didn't even know her name.

Then one night close to closing (of my shop, not the store) she walked by and I called her over, "I have something for you." And gave her the frog.

She burst into tears...fortunately of joy. She'd been going through a really rough patch with a medical issue as well as job hassles. The timing couldn't have been better. Such a little thing, but she saw that someone -- practically a stranger -- was thinking about her.

It made me feel pretty good, too, believe me.

Linn

---

28 Apr 13 - 08:59 AM (#3509901)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Will Fly

Overcoming temptation is always a way of feeling better. When we first moved into our village in 1976, we went for an afternoon out to a village a few miles away. While walking in the park, I found a wallet - absolutely stuffed with money - lying in the grass. We looked at what seemed to be a few hundred pounds, and then at each other for about 5 seconds while Temptation beckoned. Then - "You stay with the pram", I said, "while I go and hand this in to the police station." (There was a station in the village in those days). So I handed it in and left my name and address. If uncollected by the end of three months (I think three), it would be mine.

A fortnight later, I got a letter from a 14-year old girl, thanking me for the handing-in of the wallet. It turned out she'd dawdled around while being sent to do some shopping by her mother, started running around in the park - and dropped the wallet.

Lord knows what they felt that day - and Lord knows why any mother would send a daughter out shopping with a stuffed wallet! Still - it was good to get the letter.

---

28 Apr 13 - 12:45 PM (#3509968)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: catspaw49

Geeziz Kendall.....What a boring ass story. Where is the kicker? Nothing......just nothing. So you gave the kid the gun......BFD.

I was waiting for you to give the kid your real gun by mistake and he'd blow his mother to hell and begone while singing "Happy Trails to You."   He then runs amok in the flea market until he decides to stop and urinate on a Rottweiler who bites the kid's dick off and he bleeds out. You are arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and the Rottweiler shares your cell.

Lot better story there............


Spaw

---

28 Apr 13 - 01:08 PM (#3509980)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: gnu

Sniff... ya can always count on a heartwarming, uplifting and inspirational post from Spaw.

---

28 Apr 13 - 01:43 PM (#3509989)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: gnu

Sobeys grocery was VERY busy today when I went for my girl watchin walk. I always park as far as I can from the store and can eyeball three cart corrals for the small carts. If I spot several in one corral, I bring em all in on accounta theye are in high demand, especially by the infirm or elderly. Today, I spotted only one. I grabbed it. When I entered the store, an elderly lady spotted the cart and I could tell she was hoping I was just returning it so I asked her if she wanted it. I gave it to her and returned the lot. I spotted a man at his vehicle unloading one and strode over and asked if I could have it when he was done. I went back into the store... three more times before I actually got my walk in.

Yo, Spaw! I was driving on Main Street and a several skinheads were walking in the same direction I was headed. Now, I do NOT like skinheads (BIG understaement) but, as I got close, I saw they were in were in immediate and grave danger and I actually believe I saved their lives. I swerved at the last second and didn't run the fuckers over.

---

28 Apr 13 - 03:08 PM (#3510002)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Jack the Sailor

I heard that Sobeys was laying off cart handlers and I wondered why.

---

28 Apr 13 - 04:10 PM (#3510013)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: LilyFestre

About 5 years ago my husband and I stopped at a convenient store on Christmas morning to get a cup of coffee and a newspaper on the way to my Mom's house. We arrived and had breakfast together. I opened the paper and read a story about an elderly gentleman who had played his fiddle in the neighboring county at several nursing homes and about how his daughter, who was a missionary, had brought the fiddle back from overseas. Then, there is was. Someone had broken into this man's home and taken his fiddle (among other things) while he was out delivering food from the food pantry to others in need. He didn't have money to replace the violin and was worried about how his friends in the nursing home would be entertained. I sat at the kitchen table and cried my eyes out. I love my fiddle. It's just part of me and I couldn't imagine how sad and lonely this gentleman must be.

It took me a few weeks to get the newspaper to respond to my requests for information about how to contact this man (I gave them my contact info to pass on) but eventually his daughter called me. I had had a conversation with the man who owns a violin shop and he agreed to give me a deep discount on a violin and case. I was able to scrape up enough cash and I bought that violin! Along with my family, I delivered it to him at a church breakfast....he was so happy he cried!   I will never forget how good that smile made me feel. :)

The newspaper printed the story...front full page of the local
section...there we were...my new friend, his fiddle, that incredible smile and me. :)

Michelle

---

28 Apr 13 - 04:37 PM (#3510019)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: catspaw49

Very nice Michelle! Much better than Kendall's diatribe about a kid in goggles with a gun attacked by a Rottweiler or whatever lame as all hell thing he told.


Spaw

---

28 Apr 13 - 05:07 PM (#3510025)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Jack the Sailor

When Spaw was a kid, he wanted to be insulted by Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. No one pays it forward like Spaw.

---

28 Apr 13 - 07:19 PM (#3510058)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: LilyFestre

I love Kendall's story!!! Heck, I love all the stories! :)   I love anyone who does something kind for another human being....the world needs far more people with such a spirit!!!!

Michelle

---

28 Apr 13 - 07:41 PM (#3510071)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,kendall

Well Spaw, after all these years, you finally made me laugh. Keep up the good work, son; by the time you are my age, you might be able to give up your day job.

---

28 Apr 13 - 07:54 PM (#3510075)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Micca

Years ago, before I was diabetic I was a regular Blood Donor (here in the UK it is a Voluntary set up, every 6 months)It cme round to my trgular slot while I was in Hawaii visiting my sister, and a Holiday weekend was approaching so there were appeals on TV to build up stocks before the expected rise in RTAs, so, as it was right timing I got afriend to stop at The Clinic in The Medical centre in Honolulu on our way to the beach. Then the problem started, They asked If I wanted to start an "Account" so that If I needed blood in the future I would have "credit", or I could be Paid for my donation!! I said "NO this is a donation ,use it as you see fit", response" I cant do that we have to have a name" so I said "ok, pick a charity case" " sorry sir, cant do that either,You must choose" By this time my temper is shortrning, So i said, " you have a list of people in need, but havent got credit"? The replied they did, so I said "read me out the list and I'll choose" so we did,
4 months later back home in London,Having completely forgotten all about this I got a letter from a Japanese couple in Hawaii enclosing a Thank you letter from their Daughter,Yuki , Thanking me for the blood, she had died of lukemia the week before, and the parents had found my address in her Hospital records, I found the letter from her parents yesterday in my papers!

---

28 Apr 13 - 08:27 PM (#3510083)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: gnu

Micca... cool.

Not so cool... Garg me with a spoon... "By proclaiming your public generosity...you have take FULL CREDIT .... and nothing will be compounded to your future account....it is most sorry to see MC's most pathetic six posting ... "the poor are with us always."

Fuck off, Gargoyle, you ignorant piece of trash.

---

28 Apr 13 - 09:41 PM (#3510092)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Ebbie

Garg, it strikes me that you are rather selective in your biblical injunctions. If a mote in another's eye offend thee note the plank in thine own...

---

29 Apr 13 - 05:35 AM (#3510160)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,Eliza

I must be thick ( well, I expect I am!) as I haven't a clue what Gargoyle's post means. I've read it a few times and strained to see the tiny yellow writing, but the meaning escapes me. What IS he on about?

---

29 Apr 13 - 07:14 AM (#3510177)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: kendall

I only hope that some day when that little boy grows up he will remember that stranger who gave him what he really wanted.

---

29 Apr 13 - 05:12 PM (#3510298)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,anonymous

A few weeks ago, the partner of my great niece hung himself, leaving my great niece (disabled) and their infant son with no income. I never met the guy and felt no desire to travel 600 miles to attend the funeral.

So we got an idea and sent my great-niece a check for what it would have cost us to attend - about $1000. Later she told me that she had been having sleepless nights worrying about the utility bills she faced. The money helped her there, and I was glad. I'm telling this story because all the etiquette books and all the therapists don't seem to mention that a newly-bereaved person probably needs money.

She could not stand to be in the house where she found him. The family has rallied and moved her a couple hundred miles to housing where she's closer to her parents. Too bad the baby is parted from the three big cousins who doted on him.
==============
I think Gargoyle's jealous because he hasn't had any nice encounters with cute little kids lately. Let's just let it go. (I can't read the yellow print either.)

---

30 Apr 13 - 10:02 PM (#3510583)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,Different Anon

This is not the way I see pay it forward. This is self aggrandizement, and patting yourself on the back Feel Good. Real Pay it forward is done quietly and usually anonymously. Bragging about it denigrates what you have done. Just my opinion.

---

01 May 13 - 02:17 AM (#3510604)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Ebbie

See, Different Anon, I don't see it as bragging. It is sharing an experience that affirms the humanity of all of us. Furthermore, in this sharing we are asserting our belief that you will understand the concept.

---

01 May 13 - 03:37 AM (#3510605)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: Doug Chadwick

I've read it a few times and strained to see the tiny yellow writing, …….


(I can't read the yellow print either.)


TIP FOR READING PALE FONTS:
Hold down the left mouse button and swipe the relevant words to highlight them. The colour of the highlighted font should change, making the text more legible.


DC

---

01 May 13 - 03:45 AM (#3510609)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: GUEST,Eliza

Oh well said Ebbie! How curmudgeonly to see this as self-aggrandisement or bragging. It's wonderful and very uplifting for us all to affirm goodness. And isn't it refreshing not to have a ding-dong battle of insults and vituperation on a thread? (So far anyway!)
Doug, I never knew that, so thank you for the tip.
GUEST Anonymous, so sorry to read about this tragedy in your family. I believe it's true, a newly-bereaved person may well be in need of emergency cash, as the bills will come in and finances have to be sorted out. When my sister's husband died suddenly leaving her with two babies, we too rallied round with the finances until accounts were released etc.

---

01 May 13 - 07:22 AM (#3510640)
Subject: RE: BS: Paying it forward
From: kendall

I told my story because I think it illustrates how real humans can make another persons day. I wanted that gun belt, but that little boy wanted it more.
By the way, you know what they say about opinions.

---