Young Woman Shows Kindess To An Elderly Woman But Gets Upset When She Hears The Lady’s Comment

Overhearing The Remark

As a polite gesture, she opened the door and held it open so that the elderly woman could get inside. She waited until the woman shuffled past her before going inside the restaurant herself. When she walked past the elderly woman, she overheard what the woman told the waitress quietly. It stopped her cold. The woman’s remark cut her deeply and she knew that she simply couldn’t let things go. That remark actually started it all. If she hadn’t heard it, none of this would have happened. It seems like fate had a hand in this but she probably didn’t know it at the time.

Feeling Good

Texas resident Brook Ochoa was having a pretty good week. Life was good and the weather was balmy. She had had a bad breakup recently, but she was finally beginning to feel better. On that particular day, she was feeling good about herself — and it showed. She definitely had not expected the day would turn out the way it did. But life is like that. It is full of surprises.

Getting Herself A Treat

Brook woke up early to do some errands. First on her list was going to the bank. After she finished, she breezed through traffic, humming as she did so. Then, she dropped by the grocery store to pick up a couple of things. When she was done, she realized she was starving. She had been following a strict diet throughout the week, but she decided to grab a bite to eat. There was nothing wrong with treating herself, she thought. However, fate had other plans.

Respecting Her Elders

As she was walking towards the restaurant, she noticed that an elderly woman was behind her. Since Brook had been taught from a young age to respect her elders, it was natural for her to hold the door open and wait for the woman to get inside the restaurant. Brook believes that there is always time for kindness. The elderly woman, however, looked at Brook and seemed to be puzzled.

Nothing Could Dull Her Spirit

The woman looked confused – almost as if she thought Brook’s gesture was some kind of practical joke. However, nothing could dull the young woman’s spirits that day, at least that was what she thought. “After you,” Brook said. She made it very clear she was waiting for the elderly woman to pass. Before slowly shuffling inside the restaurant, the woman smiled at Brook and thanked her. The young woman thought that was the end of their exchange. She was very wrong.

Weighing Her Options

While Brook waited to be seated, she looked at the menu and weighed her options. Lately, she had been trying to slim down a little bit – not because she was uncomfortable in her body, but because it was her goal to become healthier. She was debating whether to get a salad or a beef burger and fries, which was what she really wanted, when she overheard a woman speaking to the waitress taking her order.

A New Perspective

Looking up sharply, Brook saw who was speaking. It was the elderly woman she had just opened the door for. The waitress had approached the lady to take her to a table. Upon hearing what the older woman said, the waitress did her best not to show how she felt. However, Brook, who was usually happy-go-lucky, couldn’t hold hers back. It would be the elderly lady’s five words which would give Brook a totally new perspective.

Taking To Social Media

Brook made a Facebook post about what had happened in that restaurant that day. “Today I went to eat at a restaurant for lunch and I saw this elder lady coming from afar so I waited to hold the door for her, she was very thankful and sweet,” she started. Of course, this was not the end. Brook wanted to let everyone know about the events that unfolded that day.

Not Having It

What the elderly woman — who Brook had shown kindness to just moments earlier — had told the waitress cut the young woman to the core. It was something that Brook couldn’t and wouldn’t accept. She may have hesitated for a moment, but she was able to gather all her courage to get up to the elderly lady and talk to her. Brook wasn’t going to allow this to happen. Not today.

Getting Attention

What Brook told the elderly woman was enough to totally blow up on Facebook. The exchange between the elderly woman and the girl from Texas definitely surprised netizens. Brook’s post was so unusual to see on social media that it went viral. Not a lot of people would confront the situation that Brook found herself in, but the young woman did it head-on, marching right up to the lady and asking her what was happening.

Taken Aback

The elderly woman was taken aback when she saw Brook striding purposefully toward her. The lady looked sheepishly at the waitress and then back at the girl marching toward her. Brook had a crestfallen look on her face, but her body language was saying something else — she was sorting things out. The elderly woman started to wonder if there was something that she had done wrong and she started to stutter.

Confirming What She Said

Brook reached the woman, whose name she later found out, and asked her pointedly if she had heard things correctly. The look that was on Brook’s face basically said it all. Angry and upset, Brook was trying really hard not to show her emotions. Blindsided, the elderly lady, repeated what she said. The young woman’s face fell even further. Brook had heard the woman correctly and her assumptions were correct.

What The Lady Said

“A table for one, please.” That was what the elderly woman had said. Brook knew right away that she needed to take action. However, what was it about the elderly woman’s request which had sent Brook spiraling into overwhelming dismay? Before Brook’s Facebook post went viral and the young woman an overnight sensation, she explained her feelings about what happened in the post. Everyone that read the post was dumbstruck.

The Young Woman’s Question

Brook continued, “She then told the waitress, ‘a table for one, please’, so I waited and hesitated but then I walked over and said, ‘I’m eating by myself too, would you like to have lunch together?’” She wasn’t about to let this lady eat alone. However, it was the reaction of the elderly woman that stirred the public’s emotions. Brook’s post that day shone the light on a very real issue.

A Friendship Formed

The lady, whose name was Delores, gladly accepted Brook’s offer. She was really touched and happy that she had someone to eat with. The pair chatted while having their lunch. Brook gradually learned that Delores was having a tough time lately. The elderly lady told Brook about all her troubles and the two women formed a friendship right away! It did not matter that there was a large age gap between them.

The Woman’s Troubles

Brook wrote, “Come to find out she spent the last decade living with her mom who recently passed away and her aunt who recently was put into a nursing home, so she has been having a hard time being alone. We had a wonderful talk, and she just kept smiling and saying thank you for listening to me, which made me smile too!” However, she did not expect her post would go viral.

Going Viral

Brooke’s post received more than 2.2 million likes and was shared a whopping 279,000 times on Facebook. Brook’s story about making a connection with a lonely soul truly touched a lot of readers. They applauded the young woman for her kindness. One person commented on the Facebook post with: “Thank you for sharing your story, it shows that there are a lot of good people in this world.” However, Delores wasn’t actually the only one that needed the company…

What She Needed

Brook realized that talking to a stranger and making a connection was exactly what she needed that day, too. Listening to the woman’s hardships was not a burden at all. Brook said about the experience, “Her words healed my heart just as much as I healed her lonely one. By far the best decision I’ve made all year!” However, what would become of Brook’s newly found friend? After all that they had shared, Brook couldn’t just leave her.

Setting Up A Date

Brook resolved to continue seeing Delores, her new friend. The young woman took the elderly lady’s contact details, setting up a standing lunch date. Brook wrote happily, “… we will be having lunch every Thursday from now on.” Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be because fate had other plans. Something much bigger was in store for them and the kind gesture that Brook made became even more meaningful.

Bittersweet

Brook updated the post which had attracted a lot of attention on Facebook and from people all over the world. For everyone who followed the story, the news was bittersweet. Brook wrote this as an update to the story: “Delores passed away soon thereafter this post. I am delighted that it still touches so many lives in such a positive way. Thank you all for your support and your kind comments!”

Inspiring Others

Delores’ passing made Brook’s gesture even more powerful. When Brook reached out to Delores, neither of them had any idea that the elderly woman only had a bit more time on earth when they met. Brook is determined to continue doing gestures like this and she hopes to keep inspiring millions of people each day. However, there is still one question left unanswered. What was Brook’s opinion of all the attention?

Her Intentions

In an interview, Brook said, “I’m glad they got my intentions right though because all I wanted was to make a difference in one person’s life… to be kind, to do better, to see that being there for someone else can fill your heart with just as much happiness too.” She added, “It was never a boast, just a post that I thought would make others take a step back, make a change and smile. Glad that is exactly what happened.”

Always Be Kind

Brook’s story about connecting to a stranger shone the light on the plight of seniors. If more people tried to reach out to these poor and lonely souls, we would have a more wonderful world. The main takeaway here is to always choose to be kind – after all, no one knows how much time a person has left. It’s definitely important to make it count. The next story centers around a man whose visit to the bank also led to unintended consequences.

An Envelope

There was something on the counter. Wondering what the thing was, he picked it up to inspect it. He realized it was an envelope. He was curious, so he opened it up. When he saw its contents, his heart began to race. He went through the line of confused onlookers and ran really fast out of the bank, past the security guards. He gripped the envelope tightly to his chest.

Life Was Good

Florida resident and family man Rob Edwards was having a pretty good week. Life was good and the weather was balmy. He sat and ate breakfast with his beautiful wife. Looking at her, Rob couldn’t be happier. They had celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary recently. However, that wasn’t the only reason he and the rest of the family was in such a celebratory mood. There was something else that they had to celebrate.

Pride And Joy

Rob’s eldest child, Cole, had recently finished high school. The family was getting ready for the graduation ceremony. All of the things Rob did for Cole in the past 18 years were in preparation for the momentous day. Rob’s children were the family man’s pride and joy. The day started out like any other, but little did Rob know something big was going to happen. He had not expected it at all.

Going To The Bank

Rob woke up early on the big day so he could do some errands. First on his list was going to the bank. Humming as he drove, he breezed through the traffic. Pulling up to the concrete building, he looked for a parking space. He noted that the bank looked quite busy that particular morning. However, even a long queue at the bank could not dull his spirits that day.

Chivalry Is Not Dead

As he was entering the building, he noticed that a woman was hurrying behind him. He stopped, turned and kept the door open for her. Rob thought to himself that chivalry is not dead. Smiling, she thanked him graciously. Rob then motioned for the woman to go ahead of him. At this point, she looked at him with disbelief in her eyes. It seemed like the woman was not expecting the kind gesture that Rob made.

Not In A Hurry

Rob nodded, smiled at the woman, and told her she should queue ahead of him. He was not in a hurry as he still had enough time to do his errands before the start of the graduation ceremony. The woman refused at first but when she saw the sincerity and smile on Rob’s face, she accepted the offer and thanked him. Rob had no idea that this was the start of an unexpected chain of events.

Chatting While Waiting

Rob told the woman happily, “By all means go in front of me. Today my son graduates.” He added, “I’m slowing down and want to savor every minute.” The stranger laughed, and the two started to chit-chat as they waited for the line of people to be served. After Rob told the woman about Cole and Taylor, his son and daughter, the lady also told Rob about her own family.

Her Turn

Eventually, all of the people ahead of them had been served by the teller. It was now the woman’s turn. She beamed at Rob and broke away from the queue. She waved at him as she went. Thinking their exchange was over, Rob smiled back at her. What he did not know was that the woman had a plan, and had something in store for him which he never expected.

A Look Of Confusion

Then, Rob’s turn came. With a smile, he walked up to the teller and completed his transaction. However, his smile became a look of confusion just moments later. He felt that something was being slipped under his arm that was on the counter. He turned quickly and saw the mysterious woman, who was hurrying past him. He had no idea what the thing was, nor did he know why the woman slipped him something.

Optimism Turning To Suspicion

Rob looked down and saw that he had been slipped a plain envelope by the woman. She said something when she passed him, though he didn’t really catch it. Eyeing the envelope, Rob’s mind raced. All of his optimism turned to suspicion while he was trying to guess what could possibly be inside the envelope. Little did he know he was about to get totally blindsided by the stranger he showed kindness to.

Dazed

Dazed, Rob could only stand there for a few moments. With a puzzled expression, he turned to the people behind him who were waiting in line. However, their blank faces did not offer any answers about the strange behavior of the woman. The only thing he could do to find out what the envelope contained was to open it, so that is what he did. Taking a deep breath, he tore the seal.

Taking A Risk

Rob looked at the suspicious envelope in his hands. He had no clue what was in it, so he gingerly peered inside and his heart began to race. He could not go back now even though he knew that he might have made a really big mistake. He thought the envelope was empty at first glance. However, when he pulled apart the sides of the paper, his mouth opened in complete disbelief.

Every Scenario

Before Rob had opened the envelope, his mind played out a lot of different scenarios. He was in a bank, after all. He glanced over to the doors desperately and was relieved when he saw two uniformed security guards–just in case. Thankfully, Rob wouldn’t need their assistance yet. However, the envelope’s contents were so completely unexpected he did a double-take. What do you think Rob saw inside the envelope?

An Envelope Of Money

Rob found money inside the envelope…but why? He grabbed his paperwork from the counter and dashed to the door. Rob needed to find the mysterious woman. However, when he got to the sidewalk, he was too late. She was long gone. Still, he had to know the reason she had given him the envelope of cash. People don’t just give random strangers money. He needed to find out why she did it.

Catching Up To Her

Rob searched the crowd in both directions, but there was no sign of the woman. Luckily, he looked ahead and saw her in the distance but she was already getting into her car. Without a moment’s thought, he ran across the road so that he could catch her. She was already pulling out of the parking space. When she saw Rob running toward her car, she rolled down her window.

Giving The Envelope Back

Rob reached the car. He was trying to catch his breath while the woman looked at him in amazement. Then Rob told her, “I can’t take this!” He tried to give back the envelope to the woman through the window. However, the woman calmly explained the reason behind her decision to give him the envelope with $50 inside. After listening to her explanation, Rob was completely floored. This was totally unexpected.

Her Explanation

The woman explained, “When you talk about your boy, you glow.” She added, “You’re a blessing to him, I want to bless him too!” When Rob talked about his son, his face beamed with pride, and his fatherly love touched the mysterious woman. Once Rob understood, he couldn’t think of anything to say, so he snapped a photo of the kind woman. Then, he went on his way to run some more errands.

Sharing On Social Media

During his son’s graduation ceremony, Rob was filled with so much happiness that he thought he might burst. However, the unexpected events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. He still needed to do one more thing. Rob uploaded the picture of the mysterious woman on Facebook and made a post detailing what had happened between them that day. However, he didn’t expect the kind of response he would receive.

Acts Of Kindness

One comment read: “First of all kid, I can’t believe your boy is 18! Second, I’ve been thinking a lot about the transformational power of love and kindness. Our life is as a vapor…it is here and then it’s gone. Thanks for sharing your blessings…” Netizens loved Rob’s story, which was about a random act of kindness as well as paying it forward. These kinds of story truly inspire and give people hope.

“The Whole Point Of Life”

One of Rob’s friends commented: “The whole point of life right here! And it could not have happened to a more deserving person. Great story Rob Edwards! And so well told, as per usual. When you write a book look me up. I reckon I got a few titles for you already!” Both people who knew Rob personally and strangers he have never met were truly touched by his story.

Kindness Is What We Need

Rob wrote, “I was so touched. I don’t know her name, I’ve never ever seen her before. But I will never forget her love. I asked to take a picture with her. And hugged her neck. We need more of this in the world today,” and he continued, “…not the money. But kindness. I hugged a complete stranger today. My son who I love with all my heart was shown love.” Rob also explained how the stranger’s gesture had touched him.

Warming The Heart

Rob added, “Many of you who know me know what I believe in. Sounds kinda familiar don’t it. It warms the father’s heart to love the son. I am blessed. Cole Edwards I’m so proud of you! To my bank customer friend. THANK YOU!” And his story is only one of the many out there that is about paying it forward. You never really know what a day could bring.

National Random Acts Of Kindness Day

In the US, the tradition of doing random acts of kindness has grown in popularity. It even has a whole day dedicated to it. Individuals, groups, and organizations celebrate the National Random Acts of Kindness Day in the month of February to encourage people to do acts of kindness. The principle is simple: do an act of kindness for someone you don’t know. However, Rob’s story shows that we don’t really need one specific day of the year to be kind. We can do it anytime!

“What Love Looks Like”

Another comment on Rob’s post reads: “What a precious story! Thank you for sharing! God bless her for sharing love and being an example of what love looks like. We need more love in the world!!!” But did you know that Rob isn’t the only person to ever get an envelope of money from a stranger? There are actually others who have experienced something similar. It just shows that there is still good in this world.

Another Heartwarming Story

An Imgur user called gingersnap1316 told another heartwarming story of a random and unexpected act of kindness. She had experienced it herself. One day, she was home alone. The doorbell kept ringing, so she got annoyed. She finally went to the door after the third ring. When she got there, however, she saw a man whom she had never seen in her life. What’s more, the stranger asked her a pretty strange question.

Another Envelope Of Cash

“Are you Karen?” she recalls the encounter on Imgur. She continued, “I told him no, that Karen was my mom and he gave a quick smile and handed me an unmarked envelope and walked away. I get inside and open it up.” Our Imgur user already thought the encounter was rather strange but she was flabberghasted when she finally opened the envelope and found $1,000 in cash and a letter.

The Letter

The letter started with, “Please accept this gift as an act of random kindness.” It continued with: “A cherished member of our family devoted much of her time and resources to helping people through ‘Random Acts Of Kindness’. She gave to others in many ways, and always did so anonymously. One way our family has chosen to honor her memory is to continue in the tradition of helping others in the community with acts of random kindness.”

Giving Without Expecting Anything

The letter also read: “A ‘Random Act Of Kindness’ does not have to involve the giving of money. It can be as simple as sharing your time with someone, lending an ear, or offering a compliment. The most important part is that the act is unsolicited and done so with no expectation of anything in return.” Doing a random act of kindness doesn’t have to cost anything but it can mean the world to someone who needs it.

Always Choose To Be Kind

It is safe to say that those who receive the Random Acts of Kindness also pay it forward. It is stories like these which restore people’s faith in humanity. Therefore, always choose to be kind. You may think it is a really small gesture but someone will surely appreciate it. A smile is not just a smile. It can save the life of a person who has completely given up on the world.