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Rewarding those that give... kindness. ❤️

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Real Estate Agent with California Lifestyle Realty DRE# 1780607

Rewarding those that give... kindness. ❤️

When I stop at our local sandwich shop and see a serviceman or woman, or law enforcement officer in line, I let the clerk know that I want to pay for their sandwiches.  Many times the officers are not aware, but it warms my heart as I leave the shop and know they will not need to reach into their wallets when they check out.  A small thing and very easy to do. ❤️

When this challenge was presented- I immediately remembered a special moment during the holidays a few years ago.  I had popped into a local market, one I don't usually shop at; during the holidays, at lunch time it wasn't busy.  This market is locally owned and I've noticed that they hire a very eclectic mix of workers.  Many are tattooed, pierced, with edgy or colored hair, and they are allowed to wear more urban clothes instead of uniforms.  In our "curated country club" neighborhood it stands out as a place that accepts all kinds. (And employs them!)

I was in line to check out behind a group of teenagers that appeared to be buying their lunch.  They had a mix of items, mostly packaged rolls, crackers, a can of tuna, and one had a package of lettuce mix.  When the groceries were totaled, the kids scrounged through their pockets of wadded up small bills and combined their change, and could not come up with the total.  It was under $20.  One girl returned the lettuce and the total was still over their budget.  Meanwhile, other shoppers, and myself included were becoming impatient and restless waiting for these kids to pay for their food. 

The young tattooed checker, with skinny, ripped, tight black jeans, lots of chains coming in and out of his pockets, with pierced nose, lips, and brows and unkempt oily hair was very patient with them.  Then... he reached into is wallet attached to one of the chains... and fished out a few folded bills, and paid the difference for the kids.  Including the lettuce mix. 

I was so surprised.  He looked like he needed help himself.  When I checked out- I thanked him for his kindness to the kids in front of me.  When I got to the car I realized I wanted to do something for him.  I walked back in and he was not at the register... I found him helping stock at the back and pressed a $100 bill in his hand and said , Merry Christmas- thank you for being kind.  He refused to take it at first, but I turned and walked out. Smiling.  ❤️

This post is for the December Acts-of-kindness---sharing-love---joy-this-holiday-season challenge on Active Rain hosted by Kathleen Daniels.and Dr. Paula McDonald 

 

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Kathy Schowe   760.333.8886  California LifestyleRealty  California Lifestyle RealtySchowe Properties                                           

        

                  
                                   

Show All Comments Sort:
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you for sharing these kindness stories. You are setting a good example for all of us.

Many small acts of kindness cost nothing. I was at our local Aldi store and noticed a lady trying to reach a carton of half and half on the top shelf in the refrigeration section. I offered to help and she pointed out the desired carton. I was so easy to be helpful.

Dec 07, 2023 11:10 AM
Kathy Schowe

Roy Kelley ... it is the small acts that matter the most!  Kathy

Dec 07, 2023 12:20 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

What a lovely story, Kathy. My husband and I also often pay for a first responder's meal if we see one when we are dining out.

Dec 07, 2023 11:17 AM
Kathy Schowe

Nina Hollander, Broker Every little bit of kindness helps!  We never know how it may change someones day!  K

Dec 07, 2023 12:21 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I too enjoy this hit and run tactic at coffee and sandwich shops. Sometimes people will follow me and try to figure out who I am but the establishments I frequent give me, a good head start (at least in the drive through). Thank you for sharing🙂

Dec 07, 2023 12:18 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Bravo!!!

Dec 07, 2023 12:28 PM
Kathy Schowe

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - We dont eat out very often... so I try to take advantage of these opportunites when I can!  Take care- Kathy

Dec 07, 2023 12:22 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Kathy-I wish you could see the big smile I have on my face after reading your post. These are the stories we need to hear about!!!  It's also further proof that we can't always judge a book by the cover. And thank you for rewarding that young man. 

Dec 07, 2023 01:50 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you Kathy!  And thank you for the feature!!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:19 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Kathy,

I can't help but echo Kathy Streib's comment. This post really brought a smile to me and we definitely need to hear more feel good  stories like this! Good job rewarding this young man. I'm sure it made an impression on him!

Dec 07, 2023 02:50 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you Dorie Dillard Austin TX -- kindness should be our first thought. Have a great weekend!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:20 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Those are all wonderful acts of kindness, Kathy.  I'm sure they are appreciated by those who received.

Dec 07, 2023 05:21 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you so much Myrl Jeffcoat !  And I'm honored to be featured!!  Kathy

Dec 10, 2023 01:21 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Kathy, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Dec 07, 2023 05:28 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you Myrl Jeffcoat !

 

Dec 10, 2023 01:21 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Kathy Schowe  loved your post glad you were inspired to write about it because of the Active Rain Challenge, Endre

Dec 07, 2023 10:46 PM
Kathy Schowe

Endre Barath, Jr. - I have been loving these challenges!  Wonderful  ideas for the holiday season.  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:21 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Kathy Schowe - Beautiful! I loved what you did and your descriptions gave me lots of images too! You're a great writer, artist, and simply amazing! You raise the bar high without even trying. I love what you do!

Dec 07, 2023 11:19 PM
Kathy Schowe

Wow!  Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP -- thank you for all of your kind words!  You made my day!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:22 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I love that!  I always think of doing stuff like that but I certainly don't do it as often as I should.  Perhaps next year I will do more of it.  Part of the problem is that I don't shop very often, haha.

Dec 08, 2023 04:02 AM
Kathy Schowe

Brian England -- We all should look for opportunities to be kind!  Have a nice weekend!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:24 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Love it! And the positive ripples that result from one act can go on forever.

Dec 08, 2023 05:08 AM
Kathy Schowe

Kat Palmiotti - One kind thing can change someones life!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:24 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

It is hard not to judge by appearance but I've learned over the years it's a bad mistake to do so. Good job Kathy Schowe , Merry Christmas.

Dec 09, 2023 06:26 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you- Merry Christmas to you too!  

Dec 10, 2023 01:25 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dec 09, 2023 07:10 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you so much Kathy Streib !!  I am honored!  K

Dec 10, 2023 01:25 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Many people can give and have a difficult time being on the receiving end of the gesture Kathy Schowe We never know when a challenge likes this presents itself.  How wonderful for you to express your gratitude to this young person😎  

Dec 10, 2023 09:04 AM
Kathy Schowe

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 ,  Good to hear from you!  Merry Christmas!

Dec 10, 2023 01:26 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathy Schowe 
I love this post. It just goes to show you can't judge a person's heart by the outside appearance. Sadly, we often do and have to witness such acts of kindness to be reminded good people come in every hair color and fashion style. ❤️

Dec 10, 2023 09:17 AM
Kathy Schowe

Carol Williams - Can't judge a book by its cover!  Merry Christmas!  Kathy

Dec 10, 2023 01:26 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

That was a kind thing to do, and that clerk recognized the issue as he must have been there at some time as well.

Dec 10, 2023 04:49 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I heard an "expert" on the radio today. The piece was about the value of giving. The point was that the "giver" often feels more joy than the "recipient". Seems quite true in your case, Kathy.

And...I love what you did!

Dec 16, 2023 05:10 PM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Kathy, Good for you to go back and keep the the giving going!  Thanks for sharing.

Jan 01, 2024 05:12 PM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

This story really warmed my heart when I read it this morning. You have inspired me to do more myself. Although I have reached out to others in the past, I feel that I can and will do more in the future. You are an inspiration. Many blessings.

Feb 07, 2024 06:33 AM
Monica Hill
RE/Max Associates - Wilmington, DE
the REALTOR to help you discover Delaware

Kathy,

This was a great post to stumble upon. Not only did you brighten that clerk's day, but you've brightened the day of all the rest of us who read this... and you inspire us to do likewise. I have a niece who loves to pay tolls on the road for the car behind her, but since the advent of EzPass, it makes that challenging. Still, we all need to focus on kindness and doing the unexpected good deed when we can. 

Aug 13, 2024 06:31 PM
Kathy Schowe

Thank you Monica!  And thank you for the follow- look forward to getting to know you better!  Kathy

Aug 14, 2024 08:55 AM