I was in Barnes & Noble today. As I turned the corner in search of the poetry section, I ran into a man who was trying to shove three books down his pants.
I was shocked. When the man looked up and saw me, he quickly put the books back on the shelf. I had no clue what to do or how to react. The man proceeded to walk away in the opposite direction. I looked to see what books he had. After noticing his selection, I gathered the books, placed them in my arm and proceeded to walk over to him.
SIDE NOTE: yeah, i know, crazy right?
From his looks, he appeared to be in his early/middle 50's. Tall man, kind of "fatherish" looking, smelled of cigarettes and was wearing a wedding band. I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around and just looked at me. The crazy thing is, no words were really needed. We both knew, I had just caught him trying to steal. He noticed the books in my arm and he reached his hand out to get them, as if I was about to say "hey, you left these over in the poetry section."
Instead, I pulled back and offered to buy the books for him. He looked as if he had just saw a ghost. And I was thinking to myself "wait, I didn't check the price on these."
He very politely, turned down my offer. I insisted, I told him I read two of his selections and they were great- couldn't put them down. Plus, I had a coupon! He finally gave in and we walked to the cashier together. After we checked out, we introduced ourselves to each other and he said thank you. He proceeded to apologize, said thank you again then he walked out the door.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down to start reading one of the books I purchased. As I sat there I wondered what this man thought of me. I hoped I hadn't embarrassed him. I'm not sure why I did it but I had some crazy feeling that this man was really good. Who knows, maybe he sold the books once he walked outside or maybe he took the books home and shared them with his wife and family.
I don't know but for some reason I felt like I was in the right place at the right time (cliche I know). I just hope, some random good deed would occur for me if I am ever in a similar situation.
Random act of kindness: CHECK now off the save the world... ;)
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5 comments:
Why are you so beautiful?
WOW, I didn't know that your middle name was Theresa, mama :P I am impressed! I know that the Lord is equally impressed, too! You certainly were in the right place, at the right time. Hey, did I mention that I'll be hittin' up Schnucks tonight around 5:30? Just in case you were feeling more of that Samaritanism... ;)
WOW! I don't know what to say, I don't think a stranger has ever bought me anything nor have I tried to steal anything...but I know this world would be much better if we all practiced acts of kindness!! Thanks for the challenge and way to listen to your inner voice!
I'm curious and would like to know the names of the books if you can remember. Oh well thanks for demonstrating humanity. I wish the family in Calif. knew that other people could have helped them in their financial crisis.
sure, I was wondering when someone was going to ask.
1. The Audacity of Hope
2. Dreams from my Father
3. don't remember what this one was...
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