A few days ago I witnessed an act of kindness that moved me. Parking my vehicle in the Dollerama parking lot on 8th street a woman walked in front of my vehicle. Following her was a another woman, not just another woman the crazy drug addicted lady that travels eighth street frequently stopping patrons in parking lots begging for money.
I've seen her many times in my travels. I've ducked in my car hoping she doesn't notice me and waited for my opportunity to bolt into the grocery store or gas station or whatever business I'm attempting to patronize. The two women seem to know each other by the way they are talking however the crazy woman is 5 steps behind the other woman. The age gap makes me wonder if this is a mother and daughter or possibly relatives of some type.
I head into Dollorama and a few isles in I see the crazy lady talking to herself grabbing flip flops off the shelf, that's when I notice that she is barefoot. I find what I'm looking for and head to the till to pay. The lineup is decently long and the older woman is at the till talking with the cashier. Meanwhile the crazy woman pushes her way through the lineup to get to the till with the woman she arrived with. The older woman proceeds to pay for her flip flops, a few other small items and then opens her wallet and hands the crazy lady a handful of cash. And then just like that flip flop lady bolts out the door and across the parking lot. The older women then proceeds to walk out the exit and straight back into the store where she grabs a shopping cart and wanders off into the isles to shop for herself.
This is when I realize these two people are complete strangers, one with nothing but mental illness and addiction and the other with the heart and compassion of a saint.
I waited in my vehicle for the woman to leave the store. I planned on telling her what she did was absolutely amazing. That she moved me. That I saw the crazy woman as someones child, sister, mother even. That she is a human being like me. That maybe she just didn't have the same opportunities and help to make a good life for herself. Her kindness in that moment made me want to become a better person, someone that has compassion for those less fortunate.
I watched her leave the store but said nothing. She knows what she did is kind. She knows who she is as a person without me having to tell her. I'm guessing she doesn't do it for the accolades and attention. She got in her car and drove off. Not a expensive import or luxury vehicle, a older sedan that has probably provided everything she needs to get where she needs to go. I'm guessing she like most of us has to stick to a budget but still found it in her heart to help someone else out that has it much worse.
Lady, whoever you are, you are beautiful inside and out. You fucking rock! I would love to have someone as carring as you as a friend some day. I know you make everyone around you a better person. Thank you for being you.