The Kindness of a Stranger

Have you ever been approached by a stranger asking for money after a long drawn out tale of woe? Most of the time you suspect they are just looking for a couple of bucks to support a bad habit right?
Well this past Saturday, I experienced what it was like being in a position of need and having to depend on the kindness of strangers. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, my purse and car key got locked in Car #1.

After a couple of hours in the hot sun, a friend dropped me off at home to get a spare key and drive Car #2 back to Car #1. As I am driving Car #2, I notice that my gas tank is empty. I have barely enough gas to get to the gas station. Somehow I manage to get to gas station and realize that I have no way of getting gas because my purse is locked in Car # 1,  Aaaagh! I go into the gas station and try to explain my situation to the gas attendant, I promise that if he gives me 1/2 of a gallon of gas so I can drive to my other car, I will come back and pay him. From the look on his face I could tell he was not buying my story.

I was getting a little desperate because I knew I couldn't leave without getting some gas. Imagine getting stuck on the side of the road in 90 degree weather without gas, cell phone or a wallet? I couldn't call my husband to help because he was waiting for me  to pick him up and I obviously was not in a position to call him. I turned to the other customers in the station, hoping someone would show some mercy but every one avoided my gaze and another lady told me she couldn't help.

I went back out to my car wondering what I was going to do. I notice a young man pumping gas and I walked up to him and asked if he would help. I tried to briefly explain what had happened and I don't know if I was making much sense.This young man was so gracious. After he was done pumping gas in his car, he swiped his credit card and pumped not 1 but 2 gallons of gas into my tank. I don't know how much diesel fuel costs in your neck of the woods, but it's close to $5.00 a gallon here in Baltimore.
I was so touched and all I could say was a heartfelt God Bless you. he didn't want me to pay him back and I didn't want to insult him by insisting. If you ever run into a wonderful Cape Verdean by the name of Adylson, thank him again for me.

Lesson Learned: If anyone approaches me needing help, regardless of how improbable their story is, I will do what I can to help. You just never know when you will be in the same situation, at the mercy of the kindness of strangers.