The Kindness of Strangers

This evening after having a fairly uneventful day my fiancee his aunt and i decided to stop at Applebee's while we were out. Now mind you, the only reason we even stopped in there was because of a gift card his aunt received for Christmas. As many of you are already familiar with, our financial situation is almost dire. But we wanted to spoil ourselves as we are unable to do so the majority of the time. We sat down smiled at the people around us ordered, waited, and then ate. A time passed and we were finishing our food and had just asked for refills on our drinks when, before leaving the table, our host asked us the most peculiar (sp?) question \"you do know the people who were sitting there (he pointed to the table just across the walk-way) payed for your checks right?\" We were slightly stunned and our silence was very shortlived. \"What,\" we eached asked in amazement while thinking of who was sitting there. They hadn't said a think to us but had paid for our food and left. Now i can not do the same as i wish full heartedly that i could but it has encouraged me to do what ever i can within reason for others. I have been on that path for some time now but when thinking about what do we trully do for one another. Think back over this past year and try to remember what you have done for others and what others have done for you. As for myself i try to help those i love for i am somewhat incapable to help others for a variety of reasons but still. There is my challenge to you. What good deeds have you been a part of?

Thats a fantastic story. Well April we all here have made a good start by trying to live a Jedi way of life. I think we can be proud of ourselves and motivated to continue.

A random act of goodness...what a novel idea. We all can take a lesson from your story April.

I like to think that I have done for those around me without expecting in return. But of course these things are usually for my friends or those I work with because I trust that they would do the samething. I try to help anyway I can. I have recently enrolled in a charity, who provide assistance to War vets and their families due to dismemberment or death. I don't know if you would count holding doors for random people and mothers with children, or helping the elderly with simple tasks. I do these things without thinking. I always keep the needs of others in mind, in what ever I do. Especially when comes to Family, friends, or my military subordinates. I guess its second nature, as they say.

Thank you for posting this story, you have inspired me to do more for my fellow man. Too often I focus on the negative aspects in life an often forget the amazing kindness that people have. Thank you for reminding me.

This is truly an amazing story. An example of human compassion if there was one.

It's amazing the sultity of kindness when you do not expect it. In the Jedi creed this a reminder of that sultity that we as Jedi should live each and every day. Doesn't mean we can do what source of kindness April was given but there are many ways.

Thank you April for sharing this with all!!

You are all welcome for it. I know that kindness is far and to few, especially in the area i live. In this area i am surprised when someone holds a door, especially if they are 'gangbanger', the little act of kindness i see from them everyday is encouraging. And then on the other side i see richie rich that just don't give a damn about anyone but themselves, anyway, I really hope that i can do good in the comming year. And i wish the best for all of you to do the same.