A Simple Act Of Kindness

Written by Trevor Montgomery
HemetEyeNews.Com Reporter

Sometimes it is the smallest, seemingly most insignificant random acts of kindness that can mean the very most, not only to the person being shown the kindness but also the person who takes the time to open their hearts to those they are helping. Then in addition to the blessing those two parties initially feel; when that story is later shared, that feeling of joy and community pride grows exponentially. As that story circulates into the community, that one single random act of kindness can grow as well, as more people are inspired to also open their hearts and treat others with the love they would hope their own loved ones would be treated with in their time of need. 

Today, Amanda Samford was with her son Wyatt at the Chevron gas station located at State and Stetson in the city of Hemet. It was a hot and humid day and as a reward (and bribe) to help her three year old son Wyatt use the "big boy potty" in his ongoing quest to master the giant white toilet paper gobbler, Amanda decided to purchase Wyatt a cold strawberry milk, powdered donuts and gummy worms. Because of the heat and the fact that Amanda's vehicle did not have a functioning air conditioner she had also decided to treat herself to a cold Gatorade. 

While waiting in line, Amanda lovingly looked down at her son and wiped his hot forehead, that was bright red from the heat of the day. When it was Amanda's turn to ring up her purchase she was told the EBT machine was out of order and was not currently able to dispense money or complete transactions. Because Amanda did not have any cash or any other form of payment she reluctantly told Wyatt he would have to put back his drink and snacks. After Wyatt returned the items to their shelves, the two quickly left the store, embarrassed at what had just happened and disappointed for her son, who was unhappy at not being able to buy his cold drink and snacks.

Amanda and Wyatt were almost to her car when a woman called them back into the store. Reluctantly and still feeling embarrassed, Amanda and Wyatt walked back into the comfort of the cool store where the unidentified woman handed them a bag filled with their drinks and snacks that she had already paid for. Amanda was so surprised and shocked she immediately started to cry at the unexpected act of kindness. She thanked the woman as Wyatt wiped his hot face and sweetly thanked her for buying him his snacks.

A few minutes later, Amanda was still trying to compose herself and she had just finished buckling Wyatt into his car seat. She was leaning inside their blistering hot car while opening her son's cold strawberry milk when she saw a vehicle pull up next to hers. The same woman from inside the store, that same "kind, amazing woman" got out of her SUV and she handed Amanda $40 cash, saying she didn't have much, but she thought Amanda and Wyatt needed the money more than she did. Amanda immediately burst into tears again and she just couldn't believe the unexpected and completely random act of kindness this stranger, this unknown woman, had just once again showed her and her son.

Later, when asked about the incident Amanda said, "People aren't usually kind to me and I rarely ask anyone for help. This woman at the gas station didn't know me, but she reached out to me anyway. With her money, I was able to pay the rest of my electricity bill, buy a few more days of dog food for the dog I care for and buy a couple of much needed things for my son. I don't know her name, but she will forever be in our hearts and I am forever grateful for the unexpected kindness and concern she showed for us." Later that evening, as I spoke with Amanda about the incident and how it made her feel, she said, "I'm just awed by the entire encounter. These types of things help restore my faith in humanity and in our entire community. I've never given up on our beautiful valley and because of what happened to me today, I will continue to strive to help others in need, just as I was helped today."

Now, imagine an alternative ending where that act of kindness was never extended. Imagine Amanda never felt that sense of gratitude, that feeling of being loved unconditionally, provided for with no expectation of anything in return. Imagine that Amanda and that unknown angel never shared that brief encounter of mutual respect and kindness. Imagine there was no story to tell, no act of kindness to share with others. No heartwarming story to help remind our community just how important it is for us all to look out for each other and to show each other kindness for no other reason than, "Just because." Imagine if the woman had not helped Amanda and she had not been able to pay her electric bill or buy the things she needed for Wyatt. Just imagine there were no example for us all to read here today; no unexpected act of kindness to help us all to remember to always respect and love and care for each other. Just imagine...

I would rather not.