There Are Some Amazing People Out There, Hiding in Plain Sight

Today has proved an interesting day. Back when I had a day job I was in the habit of going out for breakfast before work and picking someone at random, whos breakfast I would pay for before I left. It always made me feel good knowing that some of what I earned was making someone's day a bit brighter. I have since fallen out of the habit, seeing that I no longer have said day job. Today, my mother, my Oma and I decided to go for supper in St. Albert. My Oma, being a tiny 90 year old woman was, shall I say, moving a bit slower than the man who was stuck behind us on the way to the restaurants front door. When I turned to apologize to him he just smiled at me and said it wasn't a problem, he was just going to meet his kids and wasn't in a rush. He was also in uniform, the familiar green camo of the military. I smiled and thanked him for his patience. When I tried to hold the door for him he wouldn't budge, insisting that I go ahead and stay with my family. It was then that I decided I was buying dinner for this man and his children.

I've always thought of myself as being a bit sneaky when required. The man turned right and sat in the lounge while we moved deep into the restaurant, around the corner and out of sight. I then got our waitress to keep an eye on the mans table and to bring me the bill once they've ordered. Our meal arrives, we eat, our bill and his arrives. My mom and Oma go put ahead of me as I pay the bills. As I'm punching in my pin the fellow walks around the corner and sits down beside me. He says, hi, how are you? I see you're doing a random act of kindness? At this point, I look up at my waitress with one eyebrow up and she replies I didn't say a word to him! I look at him and ask how did you know? I'm in the military and worked in intelligence, I have my ways. I'm stunned, I've been caught! He thanks me, and I thank him (he's in the military after all). He continues to tell me a bit about himself. He's the commanding officer of the 4th Canadian Rangers and about to leave town to train a group of recruits up north. He'd like to give me something in return, if I don't mind. Again, I'm stunned. I follow him into the parking lot and he gives me a calendar. In it I learn his name. He never asks for mine.

Now I truly know the value of the acts of kindness requirement. I always thought I did- it spreads a little happiness and love throughout the world. I never understood what it would do for me though. It is just a calendar, but when the man gave it to me I felt thrilled, I felt honored and I felt a little more connected to the big world we all share. I was hoping to make his day a bit better, but he ended up making mine bright.