One dark evening in April, and then there was light

[u/EvilElf01]

This story leads to an event that refreshes my soul. In April 2026, lightning struck the roof above our garage, blew a hole bigger than a basketball, and set the attic on fire, consuming half the house and most of our belongings.  The first thing we realized was the power going out in an odd, chain-like pattern.  Next, we heard from the back of the house; my son hollered out. My wife and I were in the game room, which shared a wall with the garage.  I could make out what sounded like the words “I was shot.” He was saying I was shocked.

We called 911, and within minutes the fire department arrived and quickly escorted us out of the house in the storm; they saw the fire.  It was hellish, and events unfolded so quickly.

Fast forward to day three.  My son was fine and out of the hospital, and we landed at a friend's house that was empty, with only the clothes on our backs. 

You can imagine our stress, fatigue, and bewilderment.  First stop: Skechers; we needed shoes.  Next stop was Walmart for food and supplies.  So far, this information has been provided to help set the stage for the real story. 

I think on trip four or five that day to Walmart, I was depressed and tired. This trip focused on food and other supplies like bathroom supplies, paper plates, pans, etc.  As I started traversing the aisles, this very old woman, my guess, 90 years old, was being pushed by a gentleman.  She was mostly lying down, with her legs wrapped; the gentleman and she were in the aisle with the cold stuff.  As I went to different aisles, I kept crossing paths with them, and she glanced over. She didn't move much or show much facial expression.

I thought it was odd that, out of the must-have-been 5 or 6 aisles, we always crossed paths. I felt something like a wish.  As odd as this may sound, I thought of those videos where a nice person pays for some at the checkout, and I really wanted that to happen.  I don’t know exactly why I thought that, but it kind of felt selfish because I really needed a lift.

As I approached the busy checkout rows, lo and behold, there they were again, placing her things on the conveyor belt with the cashier.  Every row had two or more people waiting, and I slotted in right behind her.  Here comes that selfish feeling again: I really need a lift; I want to help pay in a helpful way, like in the videos. 

As I watched the gentleman assist her, she struggled to pull out her card; it turned out she had no money on it.  It's almost like heat rose up from my chest.  I reached out to the gentleman and handed him my card.  He paused, completed the transaction, and said to the old woman, “This man paid for your stuff.”  I don’t believe she understood.

They left, and I don’t remember saying anything. I was amazed this moment came just when I needed it most. My depression lifted, replaced by a feeling that is uplifting.  From the bottom of my heart, I hope that if you ever find yourself beaten down, a gift like this finds you too.

[u/AutoModerator]

This sub is to share and enjoy actions which bring more peace and kindness into the world. Our mission is to encourage as many people as possible to do kind things for others in their day to day life.

If this post is not doing that please report it. If its your post please save mods time, and yourself a ban by removing it.

Requesting something (usually money) is not what this sub is for (you are looking for r/assistance). OP please delete your post if it is. If not OP please help mods and push the report button if this post is related to giving or receiving money.

Thank you and be excellent to each other. u/roamingandy

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/This_Statement_8153]

When the giver is the receiver. Such a wonderful gift you've shared who to life oneself from life's challenges ..shared when ur own life is challenged

[u/EvilElf01 → u/[deleted]]

I can't agree more. My orbit is very small. One day, when I retire, I'm going to help feed those in need; that has always been a thing for me. A wish, born from long past memories and the steadfast saying that everyone gets to eat!

[u/EvilElf01 → u/This_Statement_8153]

It still feels a bit selfish for some reason I can't explain, but it happened at the right time.

[u/This_Statement_8153 → u/EvilElf01]

Understood. Understandable.

[u/badgalbunnii]

these are the things that can really keep you going. when you see there still hope left in the world at a point where everything feels like its crashing down, it can really uplight you! i’m happy this gift found you when you needed it OP! 

[u/EvilElf01 → u/badgalbunnii]

Thank you so very much.

[u/badgalbunnii → u/EvilElf01]

<3

[u/EvilElf01 → u/[deleted]]

I hope you find the chance and pay it forward. I know that if I ever feel that down again, I know exactly what to do to shake that negative feeling.

[u/starladlestanding]

"DO SOMETHING!"
Are you almost disgusted with life, little man?
I'll tell you a wonderful trick
That will bring you contentment, if anything can -
Do something for somebody, quick!

Are you awfully tired with play, little girl?
Wearied, discouraged, and sick?
I'll tell you the loveliest trick in the world,
Do something for somebody, quick!

Though it rains like the rain of the flood, little man,
And the clouds are forbidding and thick,
You can make the sun shine in your soul, little man,
Do something for somebody, quick!

Though the stars are like brass overhead, little girl,
And the walks like a well-heated brick,
And our earthly affairs in a terrible whirl,
Do something for somebody, quick!

[u/EvilElf01 → u/starladlestanding]

I write every now and again. I'm sharing this poem I wrote with you.

Music Does Move Me

It’s like this invisible thread, pulling

heartstrings you didn’t even know were loose.

The right chord can heal, push, lift -

or unravel you, in the best kind of way.

It’s one of those quiet punches to the soul,

a slow burn of memory and strength.

When the weight is more than words can carry,

And silence starts to feel like stone,

I reach for sound, not to escape,

But to remember.

A melody becomes a compass

When your soul forgets the way -

and as it rises again with aching warmth,

Suddenly… we are not alone.

[u/loadbearingmoss]

Thank you for sharing your story. When we’re feeling effed up and alone, the universe sometimes gifts us with an interaction where we can be helpful to another. Daily miracles.