This blog is a Thank You blog. What does this mean? Today, a total stranger in a store bestowed upon me a random act of kindness that left me stunned, in shock, and in tears. How can you thank a stranger when all you know is her first name – Kathy? The only way I can think is to share this story with others and perhaps it will inspire you to feel the power of this woman’s generosity.
My child was given a shirt, a skirt, and a pair of leggings from Kohl’s. It is a store I don’t usually shop at myself because of my finances. I find that even with their non-stop sale circulars every weekend they are a bit too pricey for my budget. The clothes came with a gift receipt. With Suuki lacking a dress to wear for Christmas, I headed to the dreaded Kohl’s return line to get store credit and buy their a special dress instead. To my surprise, the items I returned totaled just under $52.
I headed off to the kid’s section to find a Christmas dress. I found a perfectly cute dress from a collection called Dollie and Me for $70 but was on sale for $35. Keeping with our Christmas tradition of new pajamas for Christmas Eve, I had enough left over to find a nightgown from the same collection on sale for $12.99. With a total of $47.99, I felt the store credit and the few dollars in my pocket would cover the total including tax.
The checkout had the usual massive line with about 12 people in line. While waiting in line, many people were talking about the coupons the had with them. Not being a regular shopper at Kohl’s, I had no idea that this was the “thing” one does when shopping there. The woman in front of me introduced herself as Kathy and offered to pass off her coupon to me after she used it at checkout. She began to tell me about the items she was buying and how they were for people she didn’t even know. She and her friends get together, find families that are in need, and buy clothes for their children.
I thanked her for all that she and her friends do. I told her that, as someone who has been on the receiving end of such gifts, it was nice to be able to thank someone for their generosity. When it came time for her turn at the checkout, she turned around and took my items out of my hands declaring to me, “I am buying these for your child.” Holding out my store credit card, I told her not to worry about it because I had enough to cover the items. She would hear none of it and insisted that she pay for my items. She just asked that one day, when I am in a position like her, to pay it forward. Thanking her, I gave her a huge and blessed her family. I sat in my car for a good 15 minutes crying and shaking in total shock from the whole experience.
Christmas spirit is alive out there. When a total stranger buys a child a Christmas dress and pajamas, you know that there is goodness and love in this world.
ADDled Adventures 