Paul lived with his mom Martha. Neither drove and always took the bus down from PA. They had not yet been down and the grass was getting high. Thinking something may have happened with Martha and not wanting the code enforcement officer to send a letter, I mowed the lawn for them. When they finally did come down, there was a knock on my door. There stood Paul and Martha with three beautiful rose bushes. The rose bushes were for me for cutting their grass. I asked how they knew it was me. The neighbor behind ratted me out.
Because of this, I now try to be stealthy.
Several years ago, my friend lost her husband. She was having a hard times making ends meet. We knew she would not accept money, so we had to figure out ways to help her without her knowing.
Her car was in the shop for repairs. I found out the repair shop and went and paid the bill. Someone then put money toward her dentist bill. Someone paid her property taxes. She would come home to find her lawn mowed. Her walkway shoveled when it snowed. Cable and Internet paid. She couldn't believe that people would actually do this for her.
She passed away earlier this year at way too young an age. It was such a good feeling helping her and listening to the other stories of kindness she received.
Today while laying on the couch having a lazy day, there is a knock on my door. My neighbor's wife had locked the keys in the car at Wal-Mart and he needed a ride over with the spare keys. When we got there, he tried to give me money. I refused. It was my pleasure helping him out.
I understand why people feel the need to reimburse someone, but the thing is, it's not about getting money. It's not about getting a pat on the back. It's about helping someone.
My hope is that they pay it forward to someone else.
