Random Acts of Kindness

[Detroitdad]

That was such a bittersweet story, Bubba.  I know it had to be hard for you to hear that poor man's story, considering the stuff you and Mrs. Bubba had to endure to have baby Bubba.  Thanks for sharing that though, that was a very special kindness you gave to him when he needed it most.

x2

and glad is all well with you guys.

[LuckyDog Poker Art]

You were very kind to listen when he needed it the most.  I am sure that was not easy to do, especially when you want to celebrate the birth of your child, but you demonstrated a kindness he will always remember.

[Midnight Rose]

I tried, but failed, to do the RAoK thing today.

I was riding home, iPod at full blast, exercising my lungs in the wind, when I had to bring the bike to a nearly dead stop.  It took awhile to realize why four lanes of traffic were at a standstill: a dog that was still on leash, was running in the street.  And a bunch of people were trying to catch it.  It was hilarious at first; someone in a van rode parallel to the poor little dog (one of those short legged creatures, dunno the breed), then jumped out, barefoot, to chase the dog.  But as it was running full-out, the lady had no chance at catching that dog.

Then I did something completely on automatic: I waited until the cars in the right lane passed (holding up the middle lane in the process), then crossed over to where the dog was, and tried to become Midnight Rose, Dog Herder.

It was actually kind of cool at first.  I can see how cowboys must've felt, up on their horses, trying to steer their steer into the corral.  Problem was, I wasn't on the prairie, and I just don't do gravel and grass very well.  So although I was able to redirect the dog back towards the now two vehicles full of people who were trying to catch the dog, they weren't able to grab the leash in time before he sped past them, back in the direction in which this all started.  I called out to them and asked what the dog's name was - and was surprised when they told me that they had no idea, since that wasn't their dog.

This was all I needed to know.  If total strangers could work together like this to try to save one poor little doggie, then I could keep trying, too.  So I rode back toward the dog, waved at the now *three* cars who joined the chase, and went to find the dog.   And was horrified to see the poor thing running straight toward traffic.  Traffic that most likely couldn't see that very short dog.

I couldn't risk trying to cut him off, since that would put me right in the same path of the oncoming cars.  So I slowed down to keep pace with the ever tiring pooch, put my bike's blinkers on, sounded the horn with my left hand, and when I could, waved at the oncoming cars to let them know something was wrong.  And to a car, they all slowed down enough to let the dog go by without hitting it.

We were on an overpass, but I saw a driveway ahead that I could duck into, to try to cut the dog off.  Damned thing was too smart for me, though; it ran out into the middle of the street (barely missing getting hit by a few cars), then ran right past where I was. 

Then I found myself in a bit of a spot.  I couldn't back my bike up, since that would put me in the right lane of, again, oncoming traffic.  Going forward would only put me deeper into the driveway.  I couldn't go to the left, since that was the overpass, and there was no sidewalk.  And to the right was a big mound of gravel.  And the dog, running away less swiftly than before, but still, running.

I had no choice.  I went to the right.  Did I say that I absolutely, positively have a blinding fear of riding on big mounds of gravel?

Once I was able to get over my fear and ride, very very carefully, through the gravel, I was treated to another funny, wonderful sight: a young man, having seen me riding down the sidewalk chasing after the dog, sent his Golden Retriever chasing after the now barely running runaway.  It was fairly amazing; the Golden seemed to sense that a) the Runaway was terrified, and that b) he (the Golden) was on a mission to, well, retrieve the runaway.  If Golden could've grabbed Runaway's leash, he would've been the hero of the day on the local TV news.

Unfortunately, though the Golden kept the best possible pace with Runaway, he wasn't quite able to close the deal.  So, seeing a side street that I could duck into and try, again, to cut off the dogs at the pass, I pulled over.  The exhausted Runaway wasn't quite through, though.  He ran across the street to avoid me, again narrowly avoiding getting hit.  Awesome dog that he was, the Golden looked at me for a second, then followed Runaway back behind a house across the street.

I was in a pickle.  I don't leave my motorcycle on the street, ever.  I was very willing to try to help capture a terrified dog, but I do have my limits.  I only hoped that the two dogs were calm behind the house and not running anymore.  I could see the Golden, who kept looking back across the street at me...just before he decided he needed a potty break...but Runaway was nowhere in sight. 

I was torn, but had decided to go ahead and leave my bike in a precarious spot and hope for the best, when first the Golden's owner, then a new chase vehicle, showed up on the scene.  I let them know where the dogs had gone; the Golden was still, uh, doing his business and watching me, so that was no problem.   But Runaway was not visible at all.  I still don't know where he went. 

I was a little distressed at first; but I decided to decide that the dog was safer running around behind some houses than he was on a busy street.  And I was delighted to know that a poor dog could depend on the kindness of strangers.

[LuckyDog Poker Art]

What a funny adventure that was.  As usual, you tell a great story. It was nice of you to go to the effort to try and rescue that dog and we can all hope it was successful in the end.  You put a lot  of effort into the rescue and you should be proud of yourself.  Well done, Rose!

I stumbled upon a dog running around at a QuickTrip convenience store that was surrounded by really busy streets. If the dog even thought about running into one of those streets, he would be a goner.  After my wife and I chased him around the lot, along with one other good samaritan (how do other people just sit back and watch?) I got the bright idea of using food as a lure. I went into the store and asked for a hot dog. Without missing a beat, they readily agreed and said use as much as I needed. That was very generous.  Long story short, it worked like a dream and the other samaritan took her to find a new home.

[Midnight Rose]

What a funny adventure that was.  As usual, you tell a great story. It was nice of you to go to the effort to try and rescue that dog and we can all hope it was successful in the end.  You put a lot  of effort into the rescue and you should be proud of yourself.  Well done, Rose!

I had a dream about that dog.  Considering the fact that Ali, our Boxer, is nearing his end, I'm thinking it's time for another rescue.

I stumbled upon a dog running around at a QuickTrip convenience store that was surrounded by really busy streets. If the dog even thought about running into one of those streets, he would be a goner.  After my wife and I chased him around the lot, along with one other good samaritan (how do other people just sit back and watch?) I got the bright idea of using food as a lure. I went into the store and asked for a hot dog. Without missing a beat, they readily agreed and said use as much as I needed. That was very generous.  Long story short, it worked like a dream and the other samaritan took her to find a new home.

Excellent story.  As for why people just sit around, that's simple, really: they're expecting Someone Else to fix it.  It's sad, but I've found myself in that spot.  Sometimes people just don't know what they're made of until the time comes to show exactly that.

I was actually just about to share one of my favorite dog rescue stories, but I'm finding myself incredibly sleepy suddenly, and I have to go to bed.

[Detroitdad]

Two really small acts in the last few days.

Yesterday my son and I went to Walmart to pick up Season 7/8 of Scrubs. While walking through the parking lot we saw a lady struggling to put a De Humidifier into her trunk. Jake and I did it for her.

On THUR. at work I stopped by the vending area to pick up a soda to take to my post. While I was getting the soda I watched this staff member attempt to put a $5 bill into the machine about 5-6 times. The machine wouldn't take her money. I pulled out a dollar and offered it to her. She kindly refused. I offered again, she said she couldn't...........I put the money on the counter and said help yourself, and walked out..........lol

[austin5string]

Two really small acts in the last few days.

Yesterday my son and I went to Walmart to pick up Season 7/8 of Scrubs. While walking through the parking lot we saw a lady struggling to put a De Humidifier into her trunk. Jake and I did it for her.

On THUR. at work I stopped by the vending area to pick up a soda to take to my post. While I was getting the soda I watched this staff member attempt to put a $5 bill into the machine about 5-6 times. The machine wouldn't take her money. I pulled out a dollar and offered it to her. She kindly refused. I offered again, she said she couldn't...........I put the money on the counter and said help yourself, and walked out..........lol

Love it, DD.. Every time this thread gets bumped, it brightens my day..  Couple weeks back, I helped a couple loading a patio set into the back of their SUV at Lowes.. Always feels good helping out..

[LuckyDog Poker Art]

Cool stories, DD and A5S.  Helping out in the you both did definitely makes an impact. Especially when it's unexpected.  Good for you all.

[Midnight Rose]

This isn't exactly random - I asked for it, after all - but it's a kindness that happens at unscheduled times, for which I am very grateful.

I sometimes have a hard time focusing on certain tasks, especially school-related tasks, and I am easily distracted.  So I posted a message to my Facebook friends to ask them to ask me, at any time they choose, whether I've done my homework or have studied sufficiently.  I am obliged to tell the truth, and if the answer is no, I have to log off and do what I'm supposed to do. 

You wouldn't think a grown woman would need that kind of help, but I have, and I appreciate knowing that there are folks out there keeping me on the straight and narrow.  So far so good: I'm 99.71% out of 100% so far (I missed one letter on a homework assignment...grumble...)

[Milo]

So Rose . . . have you done your homework?

[Midnight Rose]

So Rose . . . have you done your homework?

LOL

Yes, in fact, I have.  And while Michael is going out for his nightly walk, I'm about to review the notes I took this week

(And, thanks)

[Detroitdad]

Not really random, but this thread needs bumped.

Myself and 9 of my Co-Workers had to work on today. My wife cooked up a full meal and delivered it to us around noon today (were working 12's). That was just awesome of her!!!

[Midnight Rose]

Not really random, but this thread needs bumped.

Myself and 9 of my Co-Workers had to work on today. My wife cooked up a full meal and delivered it to us around noon today (were working 12's). That was just awesome of her!!!

Coleen: +1

[Detroitdad]

Got to do a small random act of kindness this aft.

Was at Lowe's picking up Bird Seed for the garden. On the way back to my car, a really, really old man dropped his entire flat of flowers, which of course tipped over and spilled all over the ground.

I stopped and picked all of them up for him. He was extremely grateful, and thanked my 3 or 4 times for helping out (it took about 20 seconds of my time). I think he would have struggled to bend down and pick them up, it made me feel good about myself.

B

[austin5string]

Got to do a small random act of kindness this aft.

Was at Lowe's picking up Bird Seed for the garden. On the way back to my car, a really, really old man dropped his entire flat of flowers, which of course tipped over and spilled all over the ground.

I stopped and picked all of them up for him. He was extremely grateful, and thanked my 3 or 4 times for helping out (it took about 20 seconds of my time). I think he would have struggled to bend down and pick them up, it made me feel good about myself.

B

Awesome story, DD..  Thanks for bringing this thread up again - probably my favorite thread of all time.. I had one the other day..

Took the day off to buy stuff for my new apartment, go shopping and all that. 

Walking out of IKEA, there was a guy trying to load two huge boxes into the back of his little Toyota car.  He had the back seat folded down and the trunk open, but there was no way in HELL even the smaller of the two was going to fit. 

I got in my truck and pulled around to find him still in the same situation.  I told him that I had a truck and had taken the day off work, so if he wanted to, and trusted me, I'd load 'em up and help him get them moved.  He was with his stepson and was buying a bunkbed for him and his brother to surprise his wife.  They just lived about 5-6 miles up the road, so we loaded 'em in the truck and I followed him up to their apartment complex and helped unload them for him.  He offered me a cold drink, so I took a Dr. Pepper.  He apologized for not having cash on him or he'd pay me something, but I told him I wouldn't take it even if he did.

Felt great.

[Squiggly]

Awesome stories. John's story reminded me of something I had forgotten from a couple years ago... same idea, lady had a tree she had purchased that wouldn't fit in her SUV without damaging it. She happened to live about 5 minute drive from my house, about 45 minutes from the nursery, so I took it home for her.

I think it's great that there are people that do these sorts of things. However, I think it's a little sad that these random acts of kindness are still done so seldom in general in society that we need a thread to celebrate them.

[Detroitdad]

You guys are right, doing these very little things, can make you feel really good, and for me, it took at the most 20-30 seconds to pick up his plants off the ground..............

[LuckyDog Poker Art]

Great to hear some nice, recent stories, DD, A5S and Squiggly.  Good for you all!

My wife and I went to an estate sale last weekend.  Upon entering, I saw an elderly couple struggling to bring a huge dresser down a flight of stairs. The guy looked to be ex-military and even though he had some muscles, he was still struggling. His wife was amazing and was trying to do her part. This thing was HEAVY.

Even though my back can give me trouble from time to time, I took a deep breath and offered to help. We managed to move it downstairs, out of the house, up a drive and into their truck.  They were extremely grateful and I was only to happy to help. And my back didn't give out either.  Yay!

[Midnight Rose]

Always great to see this thread reborn.  I've had a semester full of kindnessess given to me by my classmates.   It's been an incredible school year for me, almost indescribably so.  I still have a couple weeks yet to go before my first year back in school ends, and I couldn't have done it without the support of Michael, my professor, and the awesome students who treat me like I'm their ajuuma and not so crazy old lady who doesn't belong there.

[austin5string]

Always great to see this thread reborn.  I've had a semester full of kindnessess given to me by my classmates.   It's been an incredible school year for me, almost indescribably so.  I still have a couple weeks yet to go before my first year back in school ends, and I couldn't have done it without the support of Michael, my professor, and the awesome students who treat me like I'm their ajuuma and not so crazy old lady who doesn't belong there.

Awesome to hear, Rose - and good to see ya 'round here!

[Midnight Rose]

Always great to see this thread reborn.  I've had a semester full of kindnessess given to me by my classmates.   It's been an incredible school year for me, almost indescribably so.  I still have a couple weeks yet to go before my first year back in school ends, and I couldn't have done it without the support of Michael, my professor, and the awesome students who treat me like I'm their ajuuma and not so crazy old lady who doesn't belong there.

Awesome to hear, Rose - and good to see ya 'round here!

Thanks hon.  I miss it here, but I'm an all-or-nothing kinda chick.  I've been giving my all to this class, but I have a 4.0 going to the final table, so...knock wood.

[TwoToGo-Grave]

That's awesome Rose.  Great job and good luck going to the finish of the course.

[NotFadeAway]

Good luck Rose, and a large +1 to the 'good to see you around here' comment.

[holdemholmes]

Awesome job.....keep up the good work Rose...good luck

[Detroitdad]

Last night after Jake's ball game we stopped by Subway to get three subs. There was a boy and a girl working. I'm guessing between 16-18.

The customer in front of us was asking about a job there, and they said they had to pay for their Sub's while working (small discount). The two workers were as friendly and professional as I have ever seen at a fast food place.

When it got to us they continued their friendliness and great customer service. I'm not a fan of Subway to be honest, but these were the best subs I have ever gotten. I asked for extra on a few of the veggies, and no problem, no attitude, ect.....

The bill came to 15.50, or something like that. I gave them 21, and said split a sub on me. I of course complimented them on their customer service. I thought the girl that was working was going to cry, lol. She said no one ever said that to her. The young man shook my hand and said thanks, that they don't hear that very often.

After we left I told Jake, It just cost me 5 bucks to make two peoples days. Well worth it. I think Jake was impressed, and even learned something.

[Milo]

Your bump reminded me, DD . . . couple weeks back, I was stuck behind someone in the express lane with a half full cart, but still way over the 10 item limit.  Cashier politely, but firmly, told them they would have to find another line.  MAde a point of thanking her and mentioning her professionalism to the Manager.  Also waited to make sure he went over and gave her an "Atta girl" for it, too.

Impressed with the young man in your tale for shaking your hand and engaging with you.  Too many youngsters do not remember the formalities that make things just that little bit more pleasant.  Regardless of where he ends up, that kid will be a success . . .

[austin5string]

Those are both great - I think this is still my favorite thread of all time on here.

Nothing too significant, but yesterday after loading my groceries into my truck, while taking my empty cart back up to the store, there was an elderly woman just finishing up putting her groceries in her car.  I took her empty cart as well, to save her the trouble.

[Midnight Rose]

I love this thread sooo much.  Not just because it's chock full of awesomer stories, but also because it reminds me to be kind to others - randomly and on purpose - which is nothing but a good thing.

[Midnight Rose]

Ok, I have to share this longish story with someone, and this thread was the first one I could think of.

I'm here in Seoul in the last few days of my five-week immersion program, and I was coming back to Sogang University (in Sinchon) from Insadong.  Today was the last day of class, and I was tired after having hung out with my language partner and her friends following our finals and exit interview.  If you didn't know, Korea is pretty hilly - 70% mountainous - and my legs are getting in pretty decent shape after all the walking I've had to do here.  Doesn't mean I'm looking forward to the next hill, though.

Anyway, it was about 10:30pm here (we're 13 hours ahead of Eastern time), and I was just ready to go back to the dorm and pack my stuff, when I see an ajumma (older lady) pushing her heavy cart up a crazy steep hill, into a Korean backstreet.  These backstreets can be ok, but sometimes they look really sketchy, and this one had "don't do it, Rose" written all over it.

But I couldn't walk by her, though I tried.  Everything my mother, and life, ever taught me about doing the right thing, was screaming in my head.  So I just sucked it up and said in Korean, "Ajumma!  Would you like me to help you?"

Ok, so that's what I tried to say.  But what I actually said was "아줌마! 도와 주시겠어요?" - "Ajumma!  Will you help me?"

Needless to say, it didn't go over too well with her.  But as soon as I heard what I said, I realized my mistake, and corrected it to "아줌마! 도와 드릴게요."   I don't really think she saw me clearly, but after she got over the shock of a Black foreigner offering to help her, she accepted my offer.  

Then she started speaking to me.  Oops.  My lack of hearing and speaking skills is the reason why I'm in Seoul for five weeks in the first place, and it took every bit of concentration to try to figure out what she was asking me.  I took a wild guess and told her that I was megook salam (US citizen), but she implied that that's not what she asked me.  So then I volunteered that I was a student at Sogang University (right down the street from where we were), and I think - I think - she told me she was a student in the early ice age.

It got weirder from there, when she started trying to tell me something else that I still don't have any idea what it was.  And our brief but meaningful relationship ended when she tried to sell me a newspaper and I told her I didn't have any money.  She didn't waste any tire rubber on me...

[austin5string]

Ok, I have to share this longish story with someone, and this thread was the first one I could think of.

That's good stuff.  

I had a "Wish I could have done a random act of kindness" moment a few weeks ago.  Coming to work and, while not late, running very close on time.  Turned on to a street near work, and a guy's VW bug had either broken down or was out of gas and he was pushing it by himself up a the hill trying to make the next corner.  Normally, I would stop and help, but I just couldn't afford to be late to work.  That ate at me ALL day long, and actually it's bugging me again as I type this.

Oh, and Hi Rose!!

~A5S

[Detroitdad]

Someone tried to spit on me at work today, and I didn't punch him in the throat.........Thats kind of an "act of kindness".

[PhilLaFond]

Someone tried to spit on me at work today, and I didn't punch him in the throat.........Thats kind of an "act of kindness".

And some seriously impressive restraint!!!

[Milo]

Someone tried to spit on me at work today, and I didn't punch him in the throat.........Thats kind of an "act of kindness".

I'd have hit him . . . I mean, it's not like he'll vote for your burger now, right?   

[Midnight Rose]

Someone tried to spit on me at work today, and I didn't punch him in the throat.........Thats kind of an "act of kindness".

And some seriously impressive restraint!!!

No lie!

And A5S, I've done that too, and the guilt was hard to take.  It was made less by me helping the next person who needed it, even if it was an inconvenience to me.

(and, hi back!)

[Milo]

Not really random, as the beneficiary was family . . .
my Dad has no interest in computers.  He last visited the Netherlands two years ago, the summer after my Mom passed away.  The family on both sides realized it would be his last trip as, at 80+ years old, air travel is not as easy as it used to be.  So the trip was bittersweet, as it would be the last time he would see his family and in-laws.

Until this past Wednesday.   With the assistance of my cousin we set up a Skype link at the 45th anniversary party for one of my Uncles and his wife.   This was a surprise for them, and a new experience for my Dad.  Best of all, he not only got to see his brothers-in-law, and their wives, but also got to witness the progress of the guest of honours re-hab from a stroke earlier this year.  It was a very emotional "visit" for all concerned, and a testament to the wonders of modern technology.

[austin5string]

Not really random, as the beneficiary was family . . .
my Dad has no interest in computers.  He last visited the Netherlands two years ago, the summer after my Mom passed away.  The family on both sides realized it would be his last trip as, at 80+ years old, air travel is not as easy as it used to be.  So the trip was bittersweet, as it would be the last time he would see his family and in-laws.

Until this past Wednesday.   With the assistance of my cousin we set up a Skype link at the 45th anniversary party for one of my Uncles and his wife.   This was a surprise for them, and a new experience for my Dad.  Best of all, he not only got to see his brothers-in-law, and their wives, but also got to witness the progress of the guest of honours re-hab from a stroke earlier this year.  It was a very emotional "visit" for all concerned, and a testament to the wonders of modern technology.

That's awesome!  Thank you so much for sharing this story!  I just visited one of my best friends from high school that I hadn't seen in 15+ years.  He's in the army, and we talked about how amazing technology is and how great it is that when he's deployed, he is able to communicate by Skype with his wife and children.

[Milo]

Yeah, I have been on a bit of high over this for the last few days.   Cannot wait for the next ooportunity to do this again.

[Midnight Rose]

That's extremely awesome, Milo.  Good on ya.

I less-than-three this thread sooooo much.