There are some moments that change your game, your view, your life. They start out normally, but well, they never quite end that way, do they? This is one of mine.
—
Yesterday afternoon, I decided to go to the grocery store to get a few things: some spinach to juice, some more brussels sprouts, and some fresh lettuce (no, really…this is how boring I am).
I got in and out of the store pretty quickly and got into my car. I noticed my tire pressure light was on but just figured I was a little low. As I backed out, I heard the all-too-familiar “kerthunk kerthunk kerthunk” of a flat tire. I maneuvered my car over to the side of the parking lot and got out to look at it. I might have uttered a few choice words when I saw the front tire on my driver’s side completely flat.
As I was walking around to my passenger’s side to get my roadside assistance card out of my glove box, when I heard a man say, “It’s too hot to wait for them. I’d love to change your tire.”
I turned around. The man was clearly homeless, but he was smiling and approached me without a trace of aggression.
I considered my options. I’ll be honest. There was fear. Part of me wanted to say no, to protect myself and sit alone in my car and wait because who knew what could happen? But it was the afternoon, broad daylight, with people coming in and out of the parking lot. What could go on, really? What would happen if I declined? I couldn’t really drive away.
When the man earnestly asked again, I agreed.
“I don’t have any cash,” I said sheepishly.
“I don’t mind!” he said, again.
I asked him if I could get him anything, and he refused again and again, finally admitting that he would love a bag of plain Lay’s potato chips and a Diet Pepsi.
Together, we unloaded the curriculum and crap from the back of my car. I went to lift a particularly heavy box, when he stopped me, insisting that I let him do it.
While he worked, I ran into the store. I grabbed several bags of chips and as many cold Diet Pepsi’s as I could hold.
When I brought them outside, he was already done and had loaded everything back into my car. He explained that he used to work at a garage and that my alignment was off and it had basically eaten away my tire.
I thanked him profusely for making my Sunday so much easier.
As I drove away, I saw him open one of the Diet Pepsis and smile.
I was smiling too, but it was through tears.
I don’t have anything profound to say, other than it’s things like this that renew my faith in people, over and over again. And for that, I am grateful.
—
Read about other things that changed my life here.
Wow, that made me cry (in a good way). Society/the media can sometimes make us feel fear where we don’t need to. And by givig in to that fear we can miss out on so many lifechanging events.
Fabulous story :)
Amazing story. Restores your faith in humanity (especially this week).
Sometimes we just need to trust, eh? :) There are good people out there!
What a beautiful story! Love your blog and I think you’re such an inspiration – I look forward to each of your posts!
I love this story! I too have found myself in similar situations, and each time when I tell my friends and family they think I’m nuts and try to get me to promise not to be so trusting. But I like to live my life with faith in people and not in fear. Times like this really make my heart full!
What a nice man, and I’m so glad he was there to help you!
xo Kayla
This made me tear a little too. I find myself so cynical towards homeless people in the area (from previous scams that have been discovered) and I know I need to have more compassion. What a great story and experience to give a little perspective on life. Thanks for sharing!
I think this is a great reminder that a lot of homeless people are simply down on their luck, either from job circumstances, or health, etc. Most people just want to feel useful, like they’re part of something. You showed this man that he’s still valuable. What a great gift.
I love this story – thanks for sharing :)
I worked with a lot of homeless men in high school and college and I don’t really talk about it, but it had a profound impact on me and how I view people. There is always a little bit of that fear, of course, but I genuinely believe people are good and being reminded of that is never a bad thing.
That is such a heartwarming story! Thank you for sharing.
This is such an amazing story. Really reaffirms your hope in the human spirit. I am not very trusting and I’m not sure I could have let him fix my spare tire. How sad is that? This post is a good reminder what can happen when we stop judging and trust in the human spirit a little.
Perfect.
Wow Amy, what an amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow, what a wonderful story!
This is lovely, thanks for sharing. I’ve had so many good interactions with homeless people that really re-affirm my belief that one should never let stereotypes get in the way of giving someone a chance.
Wow. So lovely. And such a good reminder of what can happen when we choose to look past our fear (within reason, of course) and make contact with a stranger.
Amazing story – gave me chills! Thank you for reminding me that not all people suck. :)
LOVE!
Sometimes, when the world is cruel, people are beautiful.
Thanks for posting this.
Oh my word, i dont know if its just my new mum induced horomones but that just made me cry! it shows how there is goodin nearly everyone, we just have to look. xx
Amazing story! It’s always good to find nice people in the world :)
That is amazing! :) and thanks for sharing it. Cause I feel like we all probably need to remember that there are incredible people out there!
This is wonderful and something I really needed to read today.
I love that you let him help. We’re so conditioned to be afraid of people. Homeless people are still people and something happened to get them there. Something pretty painful I bet. It was a good day for both of you it turns out!
It’s a reminder of a good life goal: to live a life ruled not by fear but love. It was my new years resolution and you’ve just given a great reminder. Thank you.
this is just the sweetest, i love hearing stories like this.
That is a truly beautiful story. I love moments like that where you talk to a stranger and have your day improved – or help a stranger out yourself, and know that you’ve made their life a little bit easier.
xx
what a nice story. i’ve got shiney eyes right now :)
this happened to me recently. I was in an unfamiliar city and a man stopped my friends and I at the corner. We were in the car with the windows up and the man waved at us and motioned us to roll it down. My childhood instincts kicked in and I said “No. Don’t.” meaning, don’t open the window. But my friend did anyway, and the man handed me the water bottle I left on top of the car. I felt like such a shit head. I couldn’t help but wonder how my reaction affected his day. I wish I could apologize. I wish I knew his name.