Do you appreciate the little things/actions people do for you? I sure do, especially from strangers! To touch more on where I am coming from, let me paint a picture for you.
At this time of the school year, everything started becoming more challenging. I was losing sleep, having mental breakdowns, and a frequent feeling of being overwhelmed due to the amount of work I had to get done in a short amount of time. I was making my way into Milner Library at Illinois State University (ISU) on an empty stomach. I was low on funds, but I had enough for a small snack to get me through the night.
Immediately, I made the decision that I was going buy a bagel from Einstein's Bagel in the Library. Einstein's Bagel is a very small cafe in Milner Library. They sell coffee, bagels, fruit cups and more. As I entered the main floor of Milner Library, I made my way to Einstein's. I approach the counter and greeted the employee working behind the counter, "Hello sir, how's it going?" I do not remember his name, but let's give him a name for this story. He will be known as Bob.
Shortly after, I placed my order, "Can I get a bagel with strawberry cream cheese. Oh, and can you toast the bagel for me too? Thanks!" Bob read me my total, and I began searching for my wallet to pay for my order. After triple checking all my coat pockets, pant pockets, and backpack pockets, I came to the conclusion that I did not have my wallet. I was devastated that I forgot to bring my wallet. After that, I honestly felt like I was going to crash; I felt numb.
Bob noticed that I was doing some hard investigation, but stood there like he was watching a movie. "I am really sorry, but I cannot find my wallet. Um, have a good night man." I said with a saddened voice. I began to walk away.
A couple seconds after I turned my back, Bob brought out his hero cap (not literally), "Hey dude, come back" stated Bob. I was a bit confused, but I walked back to the counter. Bob said, "It is on me man" and began to take his card out of his wallet. I said, "No, please don't. It is okay". However, Bob did not take "No" for an answer. "Just pay it forward," said Bob. I said, "Thank you, I really appreciate you". I walked away with a smile on my face. We need more Bobs in the world.
Bob was a complete stranger. I did not know him and he did not know me. One thing Bob will probably not know after that occurrence is the impact that his actions had on me. Bob did not find the complete solutions to all my problems, but he definitely eased the mental and emotional pain that I was enduring at the time. Thank you, Bob!
I urge people to do good deeds for others if they have the opportunity to do so. It may not mean anything to someone, but it can definitely mean the world to someone else. It only takes one person to start the chain reaction. To the person who I will pay it forward to, just be patient. Your time is coming.
