It was a long day for me one night in August I think. I just finished my shift at my work. I was exhausted and tired. When I was about to buy my train ticket so I can go home, I had no coins. I only had $50 bill. Even if I used that bill, the train ticket vend machine couldn't give me any change.

I hesitated to ask the people in the train station if they have some change for a $50 bill. But after a critical thinking, I decided to ask around. The first group of people I asked had no change for my bill. And the other people as well. I was so desperate and wondering how can I go home. I can go home without buying a train ticket but if there are police checking the passengers' tickets, I can have a fine of $200. So I didn't take the risk of a wrong decision.

As I waited for more people to come to the train station, I saw a group of 3 people who are works at the same supermarket as I do, came at the train station. Even though we have different kind of job (I work as a checkout operator/cashier, they work as a trolley collector), we still see each other at work. It's not that huge supermarket as others are. Anyway, I asked them if they have change for a $50 bill. They don't have enough change to make it to $50. One guy reached out his hand to me with his $5 bill on it. He said I can borrow his money instead. I can return it on the next time we bump our path.

I was relieved! He showed kindness even though we don't know each other that much since we really don't talk to each other.

The train came at the train station but I was still buying a train ticket on the train ticket vend machine. In my mind, I thought I couldn't really make it and started thinking to ride the next train that will come after 30 minutes. But after I bought my ticket, the 3 guys who lend me money, they were holding the train doors for me so I can ride the train.

I was so lucky that they were there. They did some simple things for me but I won't forget those moments.

After a week, I was at work. Then I saw the guy who lend me the money. Since I wasn't doing anything else that time, I walked towards him and personally gave the $5 that he lend to me. I thanked him for sharing his kindness to me.

I hope all of us can share our time to people and show our kindness. A simple act can bring a large difference to other people.

3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."