Paying It Forward
Apr. 21st, 2012 02:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bare_bearMy best friend's husband is in town for his birthday, the airline ticket purchased by a bunch of friends who have missed him. I thought it was a really sweet gesture, and went to his birthday party last night to see him. He's a great guy, it was nice to see him again.
On my way there, I stopped to pick up some cookies from the grocery store and saw a guy sitting outside the doors with a sign saying that he's travelling and broke, and anything would be appreciated.
I was going to say that I don't know what struck me about it that I wanted to help, but that's a lie. When I was travelling around Europe in 2007, I got into a couple binds, and each time a complete stranger would help me out. Since then, I've tried to help other travellers when I can. Back in 2008 when I was touring Queen's University ahead of my move to Kingston, I ran into a couple of women from France who were trying to get to Ottawa. I happened to be driving there the next day, and gave them a ride. When they tried to pay me for the gas, I refused, because I know how tight the budget can be and I appreciated the company.
Anywho, last night I decided to pick up some groceries for this guy. I opted for a 6 pack of awesome cheesy buns, granola bars, apples, water, and some hard candy, all of which probably cost me about $12. Nothing much, but enough to keep him for a couple of days.
When I walked out, I noticed that someone else was with him, and I started to chicken out. I didn't want to put myself into a bad situation if it was a bluff. But then I noticed the backpacks and warm coats, and the fact that his companion was a woman who was settling herself in next to him, and I felt a bit better. I double backed and smiled, and I got the biggest smile and a hello in return.
I plunked down beside them and introduced myself, and just started chatting with them. They'd just arrived in Winnipeg that afternoon and were coming from Halifax. We chatted a bit about the weather (a standard Canadian favourite), where they'd been (and what the weather was like there), and how they were liking the city so far. They seemed like a really nice, cool couple, and if my bus wasn't coming right away, I might've stayed and chatted some more.
So I told them that I knew what it was like to be broke or in a bind while travelling and that I'd picked them up some groceries. I wish I'd known there were two of them when I was shopping, because I would've picked up a bit more. They seemed surprised and so grateful when I handed it over. I hope they have a good time in Winnipeg, and that other kind folk will help them when they need it in their travels.
And maybe someday they'll pay that kindness on to some stuck traveller in return. :)
On my way there, I stopped to pick up some cookies from the grocery store and saw a guy sitting outside the doors with a sign saying that he's travelling and broke, and anything would be appreciated.
I was going to say that I don't know what struck me about it that I wanted to help, but that's a lie. When I was travelling around Europe in 2007, I got into a couple binds, and each time a complete stranger would help me out. Since then, I've tried to help other travellers when I can. Back in 2008 when I was touring Queen's University ahead of my move to Kingston, I ran into a couple of women from France who were trying to get to Ottawa. I happened to be driving there the next day, and gave them a ride. When they tried to pay me for the gas, I refused, because I know how tight the budget can be and I appreciated the company.
Anywho, last night I decided to pick up some groceries for this guy. I opted for a 6 pack of awesome cheesy buns, granola bars, apples, water, and some hard candy, all of which probably cost me about $12. Nothing much, but enough to keep him for a couple of days.
When I walked out, I noticed that someone else was with him, and I started to chicken out. I didn't want to put myself into a bad situation if it was a bluff. But then I noticed the backpacks and warm coats, and the fact that his companion was a woman who was settling herself in next to him, and I felt a bit better. I double backed and smiled, and I got the biggest smile and a hello in return.
I plunked down beside them and introduced myself, and just started chatting with them. They'd just arrived in Winnipeg that afternoon and were coming from Halifax. We chatted a bit about the weather (a standard Canadian favourite), where they'd been (and what the weather was like there), and how they were liking the city so far. They seemed like a really nice, cool couple, and if my bus wasn't coming right away, I might've stayed and chatted some more.
So I told them that I knew what it was like to be broke or in a bind while travelling and that I'd picked them up some groceries. I wish I'd known there were two of them when I was shopping, because I would've picked up a bit more. They seemed surprised and so grateful when I handed it over. I hope they have a good time in Winnipeg, and that other kind folk will help them when they need it in their travels.
And maybe someday they'll pay that kindness on to some stuck traveller in return. :)
