I'm happily in the local supermarket getting a few bits, a
book and a magazine I'd seen that I thought would be interesting to have as
reference when I make local visits and when I blog ...
 |
| Where we get our books usually - it is in Duncan |
 |
| The food book is quite old, but will give an idea of foods across the Province; while I was due to give a talk ... on British Royalty - selecting to do one on Prince Philip rather than 'the wedding'! |
We tried again for the $78.34 or thereabouts ... that too was thrown out - ah well ... never mind I said - I didn't really need anything ... but would have liked the books ... guessing that perhaps the cheque to cover it hadn't been processed ...
 |
| Inside the children's section of Volume One |
Suddenly from behind me comes a man - I'll pay for you - how much is it ... I say 'no, no need - honestly
... but thank you ...' he then asks the cashier, who tells him ... out comes a
wad of cash ... $80 is handed over ... he takes his change ... and my shop is
paid for ...
 |
| A range of children's books on offer |
I'm falling over myself with embarrassment and trying to get him to put his money away ... I ask 'kind, generous man' for his name and address so I can pay him back ... no, no, no - you don't need to ... pay it forward ... he does give me his name ...
Once he's gone - the cashier and the other very patiently waiting customer say: oh! he does that 'quite often' ... so don't
worry about it ... but I find out where his wife works ...
... the funny thing is the other customer was laughingly
indignant - saying she knows this chap ... but he never offered to pay for her
shopping!!! We all burst out laughing
....
 |
| Arcadian Early Learning Centre |
... I'm going to give a local bookstore - Volume One - $100 to
be available to Arcadian DayCare - Early Learning Centre: that is charity based
... and let them select a range of books for their youngsters ...
... my take on it ...
is not exactly paying it forward - but the school will benefit from the books,
while these youngsters and future kids will enjoy reading the
stories selected ...
Thank you kindly 'Paying It Forward' Young Man ... i.e. considerably younger than me!!
Volume One Bookstore - Kenneth Street, Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia - this lists the staff's pick of books within the store ...
Arcadian Early Learning Centre - A natural approach to early learning ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters International Stories
71 comments:
Hari OM
You absolutely are paying it forward, Hilary, in a most inspired way. It's interesting that PIF-man is known 'to do this quite often'... are that many folk going around not being able to pay? I know the frustration of a card with funds not doing its job; in my case, it had been 'stopped' by the bank because they thought it was being used fraudulently. Not that they thought to call or message me to that effect. Very embarrassing. And expensive. I had to fly all the way back to OZ to convince them who I was. Sigh... YAM xx
How lovely of him - and you.
I still regret an occasion when I SHOULD have paid for someone's groceries and wasn't quick enough. It was shortly before Christmas and the woman ahead of me at the check out didn't have quite enough cash. She simply walked away from her purchases and I wasn't quick enough thinking or on my feet to call her back.
A lady as sweet as you deserved that pay it forward kindness. And interesting that the others didn't think he was like that. A perfect moment in time, I think.
It would be very frustrating for a card not to be accepted. That has happened to us, but only a couple of times. Fortunately, we carry two credit cards, with the balance paid in full each month, as well as a debit cars. If our normal card is rejected, we should be able to use one of the others -- and then we'd followup with the bank to find out why.
The last time it happened was 10 years ago in a bookstore in Peoria, Illinois. We were taking our time headed to Wisconsin to visit daughter, Jes, our grand-kids and son-in-law. There had been some suspicious purchases on the card and the bank had locked the card account. The suspect purchases weren't on anything we had bought.
Interestingly, we leave tomorrow for a similar trip to Wisconsin.
Love this story and how you are paying it forward. The concept truly does work and is so easy to do. Very nice!
Lovelynstory, and I like your solution to paying it forward.
Wow, that was quite a gesture to cover your eighty dollar bill.
Giving money for books for the kids is a really awesome thing to do, Hilary.
What a lovely story Hilary, and a perfect example of how kindness begets kindness. I love how you've chosen to pay-it-forward. What a delightful treat that will be for the young readers at Arcadian DayCare Early Learning Centre. You've certainly got me smiling with this WATWB share!
This has me smiling from ear to ear Hilary! Your heart must have expanded so so much until it felt fit to burst. I love this man to bits. What a wonderful #WATWB post and such an act of kindness! A lovely way to pay it forward as you have chosen to do! Thank you for sharing your story with us! Somehow this Friday is extra special in its way - people I don't know from a bar of soap have been so sweet today in one way or another as I've gone about my day ... something is clearly in the air .. maybe it's the #WATWB?
Isn't that just wonderful - there are so many nice people in the world I am so glad you took the time to share it, That was very generous!
That happens from time to time. I've heard of people in drive thrus paying for the car behind them, just because. It's a nice thing when you can swing it. I'm sure they'll enjoy the books. (Did you ever figure out why your card wasn't working?)
Nice to know there are so many good people out there in the world:)
What a great experience to have. I do it whenever I visit one restaurant, the local senior housing is government ran and for low income people. One time I was told 3 other were ahead of me for one little gal.I like to extend during the Christmas holiday looking for a fatigued mother with a few children tagging along.
wow! how cool is that.
and...your way of paying it forward is fantastic. so many kids will benefit from your generosity.
it's nice to know there are wonderful people like you and that young man in the world.
This story restores my faith in people. Thanks for sharing it with us.
It is annoying to say the least when a card is rejected and that you know there is money in it. I have rarely had it happen but it is also embarrassing!! Have a good weekend, Diane
@ Yamini - well the idea of the books suddenly 'hit' me and I thought that would probably be a real surprise for the school. There are a lot of people around who can't pay - how often this chap does it I don't know ... but that day I was grateful and then of course others will be thankful too. Your story sounds a nuisance for you ... as you say 'sigh' ... it's sorted though.
@ EC - yes I was totally bemused and happy. If I'd walked rather than try to pay without getting the extra cash out ... I guess 'his chance' would have gone ... good timing on my part! I know I sometimes see people struggling and must get myself to react more quickly ...
@ Lynn - thanks so much ... the others were interacting with me and laughing ... so they were happy with the situation, as they'd seen him do it before. Everyone was happy ... and the word will get out - via the blog and in the locality with the story ...
@ Mike - it occasionally happens - I was sort of aware it might do ... though was surprised when it did - on the other hand I probably didn't need to get the items! Being in another country ... life changes things - alternatives aren't available.
I've been rung up/texted about suspicious purchases - and realised they were questioning something I'd bought - I was grateful they were checking ... but equally it disrupts one's wheels of process. Enjoy that trip to Wisconsin to see your family ... Happy Memorial Day weekend ...
@ Joanne - just one of those that needed to be shared - thank you ...
@ Anabel - thanks so much ... once I'd worked out the bookshop scenario, they suggested the Early Learning Centre - it all slotted into place.
@ Alex - yes it was all a bit embarrassing ... and I wasn't going to get away without him paying - so what could I do, but accept. I couldn't think about the paying it forward aspect ... but then the book scenario suddenly came into my little brain ... it seems to be having a happy ending ...
@ Deborah - thanks ... it all suddenly slotted into place - particularly as the bookstore has been so helpful. I'm sure Cindy, the teacher, will select very appropriate books for the school. Delighted to 'hear' you smiling at my story ...
@ Susan - that's great ... it has had me smiling from ear to ear while I devised my plan for the books. Once I'd got over my shock I was so 'chuffed' that it gave me the opportunity to do something equally positive for others ... in this case littlies, not a golden-silver-haired oldie!!
That's wonderful when people are cheerful when they meet you or see you ... I try and smile at people in the street ... and happily greet them - then yes reciprocation tends to occur doesn't it ... so lovely to know you're also smiling ear to ear. I'm sure it's the #WATWB ... !!!!
@ Sandy ... yes there are some really thoughtful considerate people in this world - and it just had to be shared ...
@ Liz - I'd heard it happening and people paying for others' coffee on occasions ... but not like this: but I know the school and the children will enjoy some new books. I'm sure it was because the cheque hadn't processed the system ... I think it takes a few days - I'd deposited it via the machine, when I should have gone in to a teller ...
@ Mark - yes it sure is ... restores one's faith in people ...
@ Steve - sounds a great idea ... and thoughtful - it's devastating for a parent when things just simply don't tally ... especially at Christmas time: let's them have something special for a change ... that's a great idea ...
@ Lenny - isn't it a good-news story ... and as you say will make so many happy. Yay the young man will be so happy to see your comment! Lovely to see you here ...
@ Diane - it's such a great story - and I'm thrilled I've been able to turn it into a #WATWB post ... which I and I expect other commenters and readers will remember for a while ahead ...
Cheers to you all - so glad you smiled with me, when I was writing this post and thinking about the happy effect it has had ... and knew that the positivity would shine through ... enjoy the weekend - Hilary
How lovely, Hilary. What a dear man, and I like the way you're paying it forward. Did you find out what was wrong with the card? It might have been that the check to cover the expenditures hadn't posted yet, or it might have been an error.
Love,
Janie
Hilary: This act of paying it forward is the best action I have heard taken. I wonder how many children will benefit from your kindness. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
I can imagine how embarrassing that must have been for you, but that young man is a prince! He tries to be a bright spot for other people, and you likewise are allowing a bright spot in the reading lives of some children. Yes! You definitely paid it forward.
Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!
What a lovely story, Hilary. I've heard other "paying it forward" examples in Canada in recent years, for example there have been occasions at drive-throughs where a customer has paid for the person behind them, and they then paid for the person behind ... sometimes going on for hours.
Wow, I loved both parts to your story Hilary. What an amazing thing to have a kind stranger offering to pay for you. I'll be he was an angel in disguise. And that you are fulfilling the role of paying it forward is a beautiful thing. I hope people start a chain of paying forward - like a pyramid. :)
Hilary, When I read this post, it rang a bell.
I remembered something similar happening to me.
And, I remembered blogging about it too.
I checked my blog. It happened a year ago.
Here is the link.
https://bpradeepnair.blogspot.in/2017/04/young-lady-at-ticket-counter.html
I just proves that in spite of all the bad tidings we keep hearing about, there are still a number of good human beings around. And it is they who keep this wonderful world going.
Take care, Pradeep
bpradeepnair.blogspot.in
Such an endearing story with winners all round! What the children learn from those books may be payed forward to future generations.
Welcome to Keith's Ramblings!
Hi Hilary. What a nice generous man, but I can understand your embarrassment. Yu have paid the money back and more by donating to such a good charity. Take care. Kim
Wow! How wonderful and I'm so glad you shred the moment. It wasn't until I got into my later years that I believed in the importance of random acts of kindness and paying it forward. I believe that we are put here on earth to provide a service to others whenever we can, so this was so thrilling. The world would be such a better place if we kept paying it forward one person, or one act at a time. Kudos and HUGE Hugs to you! RO
Oops! Meant to shay "shared" not shred. (lol) Hugs...
Isn't it marvellous that there are such people around, and you certainly did your part in paying it forward.
Wonder why you can't use you card, have you checked with the bank? I never use anything else so I get the annual discounts.
That is so wonderful and generous of you. As was that man paying for your stuff.
So many directions my mind went with this post but first--what a wonderful man. That's no cuppa and he just stepped right up. And kudos to you for tracking it back. I've done a few 'pay it forward' but not with money. I did have a man pay for my donuts for me once. Very nice and I returned the favor to another.
This is a perfect post to remind me there is so much good in the world. Thank you, Hilary.
@ Janie - it's a lovely tale isn't it ... apparently I need to put the cheque straight in to my account via the teller ... but I'd deposited it via the machine: then the system needs to clear it.
@ Celelia - thanks ... it was a good amount of money and I couldn't just dissipate it - so once the idea had come to me, it seemed a sensible solution.
@ Susan - oh I was mortified ... and hated being in that position. The knight in shining support was a huge relief ... and yes has given me this story. He definitely does try to be a bright spot and lighten others' burdens - a really admirable thing to do ... thinking of others. The support via the offer of books made sense ... I'm sure the school will utilise the books so usefully ...
@ Ian - I'd seen the buying of coffee, or just paying for the person behind one in the queue at a sandwich shop, but not this amount of generosity ... at least I've been able to thank him and he'll know his help has now helped many others ...
@ Debby - thanks ... it was all rather extraordinary - but so interesting to experience. My 'paying it forward' is giving the kids attending the school some different books to read and learn from ... and I hope have the story to take forward as they start their lives ... or one that their parents will remember to tell and perhaps follow the concept onwards ...
@ Pradeep - thanks ... I've read your story ... very kind of your lady assister ... and I know you'll be paying it forward at times through your life. Exactly it does prove humanity is generally really kind and thoughtful, and empathetic to others ... and we do keep the world rolling along - improving little by little as we can.
@ Keith - I'm sure the children will appreciate their books at the school ... and perhaps in due time remember the story if it becomes lore in a tiny part of the back story to the school ...
@ Kim - I was really embarrassed ... but all ended well and we still laugh about it at the store, when I see the cashier ...
@ RO - I had to share the story didn't I ... and yes I think you're right we can all do so many small things for others as we live our lives. I just didn't want to give $80 away as such ... but the book idea suddenly came to mind ... hopefully people will read and perhaps do this sort of thing themselves ...
@ Jo - yes ... I was staggered to learn that this chap did this kind of thing quite often, and was known for doing it - yet didn't want 'to swallow' the cash ... then the brain kicked in re the bookstore and them knowing a good cause who would benefit from the donation for books ...
I gather I need to put the cheque in at the teller in the bank, rather than via the machine ...
@ Diane - yes ... both are good stories aren't they ...
Thanks everyone - so glad this happened to me ... and I can now 'dine out on the blog' with the story ... cheers to you all - Hilary
Hi Jacqui - you snuck in ... and now Blogger is no longer letting me know via email that you've commented ... I didn't spot your thoughts.
While the 'transaction for paying for my groceries' was going on - I was thinking how do I get this money back to him - then the 'pay it forward' suggestion by him was given to me ... still having got his name, and then as you say back-tracking - at least he'll know I've put the money towards a good cause.
Your donut man sounds kind too ... and reminds us we can pay it forward all the time ... and yes - it does remind us that there is so much good out there ...
Thanks for the comment - have a happy and peaceful Memorial Day weekend ... cheers Hilary
Though Ive heard the term our very rural county seems quite unknowing of the concept. Here community fund raisers seem to function in that role...
Oh, Hilary. That just gives me goosebumps. And reminds me of the good in people.
What a nice man! And a lovely way to pay it forward.
Paying it forward is not an uncommon mantra in New Zealand. Every once and a while, the papers have articles on a string of "pay it forwards" started out by a kind person. And other times, the pay it forward at a coffee shop might continue through the entire queue.
@ Troutbirder - I'm sure it's a concept that's everywhere .. yet I quite understand the rural community would know what's going on within the residents and help out as much as possible ...
@ Sandra - it was an amazing experience to be a part of - I was so grateful to be on the receiving end of half of it ... then to be able to spread the word out via the books ...
@ Sue - it certainly was a surprise ... and lovely that he has it in his mind to help others ...
@ Rhonda - I've known of the concept for many a year and have done it on occasions myself .. the odd few pennies - but nothing quite like this: especially as it wasn't all groceries ... but it's good to know the thought is out there ...
Thanks so much for visiting - and yes 'said man' obviously has his heart in the right place ... cheers to you - Hilary
Hilary, I love this thought of paying it forwards. I tell people I'm returning a favor someone did for me at one time in my life and am paying it forward. Then I tell them to do the same when the opportunity arises.
Goodness, what a wonderful thing to have happen. I can just imagine how puzzled and maybe embarrassed you will have been when your card was rejected. When a machine swallows my card or spits it out saying ERROR I feel embarrassed. How would I feel in a supermarket queue ?!
Paying it forward, what a marvellous idea. I’ve never heard of it before. I know about doing someone a kindness brings its own rewards but this is really special.
What a wonderful post. I love that someone paid for your purchases and just wanted to do something nice. Paying it forward is a great way to pay the good deed back. Makes senses to me and helps kindness make a bigger ripper out into the world. :) So special.
~Jess
How fun! I love that you were chosen by him ....a wonderful surprise and an opportunity for you to do a good deed, too.
Pay It Forward stories are so inspiring. I have loved doing posts about them in the past. Anytime we can nudge each other to do a good thing, it is wonderful!
@ Stephen - yes it's fun to do it ... as well as hoping they will do the same ...
2 Friko - I was amazed and embarrassed ... though slightly pre-warned, as I'd had those other rejections, - but it's always 'a pain' and one feels so shame-faced while it's happening ... however 'the young man' added to the mix and engaged me in elegant chatter while I tried to say no .. and then did eventually give me his name ... which did slightly surprise me - I guess he might have been more surprised by the thank you note - and tomorrow by the note re the post about how the thought has turned into the book deposit for the school.
The paying-it-forward has been around - I've seen it usually on the internet - and have done it occasionally myself ... but small amounts. It must encourage him to take his opportunity when he can ... but was a surprise to me!!
@ Jess - it's a funny old world isn't it ... but shows what people can do for others and then where it leads; Let's hope that 'kindness marker' gets always bigger and swamps the negatives in life ... so much better - and yes special.
@ Betsy - I'm quite sure he'd no idea who I was or that he had picked an English 'gal' ... but I hope he'll enjoy mentioning it at times even if it's just the part about the credit note at the book store for the kids' books ...
I agree ... whenever we can help others ... it just brings good vibes to all around and can alleviate others' stress by being helped out ...
Thanks to you four - so lovely to see you here ... enjoy Memorial Day weekends and next week the English bank holiday ... cheers Hilary
How wonderful and uplifting, H!!!
I love that you're paying it forward this way. You're helping more than one person...even better! :)
I had someone pay for my coffee once, I thought it was sweet.
What a beautiful story Hilary, all about passing on goodness, through to the future. Just wonderful. And you found such a good way to pay it forward too.
It's a great story with positive results and happiness all round. The last thing I would have done, however, is gone to the guy's wife. You had no idea what kind of reaction you might have got from her, and what the dynamics between her and her husband are. Her reaction might have been very different indeed.
Just thought I'd pop in to see the wonderful reminder to pay it forward. Hugs...RO
Well, how lovely. A young chap in our local Co-op did the same for a friend of mine (not such a large amount) when she had not got the cash she thought she had. He was doing his daily act of random kindness apparently. I try, in a small way, to give something back each day, if not money then time, patience, a smile...it's very rewarding. Lovely idea re. the books. I am sure they will be appreciated! :-) X
Your donation will certainly keep paying it forward for many children to come - what a lovely idea. And how awesome that this man does it regularly for people.
Good for you for playing it forward, Hilary.
This really was an inspirational post.
I think you've got a young admirer Hilary! I am going to Canada for 12 days in June but will be a long way from you - Oakville outside Toronto. We will be taking Yorkshire Tea and proper chocolate to Toronto.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s less-frequent Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
@ Denise - it is uplifting as I think about it ... and I'm sure the Centre will be appreciative ...
@ Rosey - I really wanted to do more than just 'repay via donation' ... so this seemed an alternative route. It also seemed to fit the vibe I feel here. Paying for someone's coffee is always thoughtful too ...
@ Juliet - thanks ... it seemed to fit the bill in so many ways - and I hope people will remember. Perhaps others will follow suit sometime ...
@ David - yes it was a fun story and I'm sure the children will benefit from their early dips into books of many varieties.
I did consider re his wife ... but everyone was so open it seemed to be an option ... and was. If I'd had a difficult response then I'd have left the card and left it at that ... but we had a small happy interaction ... so that was lovely ...
@ RO - good to see you again ... and glad you wanted to quickly read through the uplifting Paying It Forward story ...
@ Deborah - amazing! It was the 'promise' of his giving that I pay it forward ... rather than repay him, or donate the cash elsewhere ... doing this has spread the word far and wide - particularly here on the blog. I do the same ... a smile, patience, listening, and usually small donations to a cause as each day unwinds ... I'm sure the books will be appreciated and be well read.
@ Annalisa - if I hadn't of been blogging ...I'm not sure what I would have done; yes it was lovely to know that apparently this man is aware of difficulties of others as he pops in to grocery shop ...
@ Sandra - thanks ... it has inspired me and I'm sure others ...
@ Bazza - yes half my age - and if that is young ... wonderful!!
Well enjoy your break over in the east ... we have supplies of Yorkshire tea and chocolate - I guess they're bought in and they can be bought from one of the societies ...
Thanks everyone ... I just feel these '#We Are The World Blogfests' do pay it forward as we go about our daily lives ... cheers Hilary
Well. we still live in a kind world, despite evidence to the contrary sometimes.
Greetings from London.
Wow! I've had my coffee paid for, about $2, but $80! That is very generous, and I can definitely understand your embarrassment. But you found a wonderful way to pay it forward. What a fun experience. In the end.
I hope you have a lovely week,
Andrea
What a wonderful gesture! What a wonderful man! I hope life treat him and his loved ones kindly. :)
Hi Hilary,
How wonderful. Such a sweet and generous man! YOU TOTALLY payed it forward! Helping all those kids who will read those books will do so much! Be proud of your contribution.... it was a wonderful thing to do...
Great story! This is the second paying it forward story I've heard this week. So nice to hear of the goodness of people.
Oh, Hilary—how lovely that you've been a recipient of a Pay It Forward deed! I think your take on it fits exactly with the idea of the thing, and I'm sure that next time you see someone having card issues or not having enough cash, you'll remember this man and maybe pay it forward again :) I love these deeds because they spread the good in such tangible ways. I don't mean just the actual purchases or items acquired, but rather the personal approach. So, so happy you've been a 'victim' :)
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Oh my gosh, this just hit me right in the feels. I've got tears in my eyes with how sweet and kind he was and now with you paying it forward too. Yes! This is how the world should work. You are amazing, Hilary and so is that man and his wife. This so inspiring to read. Thank you for making my day today!
Elsie
@ ACIL - yes the world is full of kind people - just we don't hear enough of them ...
@ Andrea - yes I was taken aback and it took a while to assimilate the gesture ... then what to do. But as you say - yes a fun experience ...
@ Lee - exactly I hope he knows how much he's appreciated ...
@ Michael - thanks ... once I'd got my head round it, I'm sure the children will (albeit they won't know now) understand how lucky they are in the years ahead ... through their learning and pleasure by being able to read ...
@ Sherry - there are some wonderful people out there ... so it's good to read about another pay-it-forwarder ...
@ Guilie - it's certainly been an interesting experience ... and I will be aware of others in similar circumstances. The way we deal with the generosity is always difficult - it's not easy to be accepting - but I think here I've highlighted the possibilities for others ... and yes I'm happy I was a 'victim' of lack of cash on the day at that time ...
@ Elsie - yes I agree the world should work in this way shouldn't it - we can always make a difference to others ... even if we didn't have the cash to pay it forward ... we can help out in other ways. I was just very lucky here - and then we have all our blogging friends who will spread the word ...
Thanks so much to you all - this is a great experience to have had ... and one I can refer back to so often: which I will, and hope you all will comment on it to your family and friends ... cheers Hilary
I once got to the window at a coffee shop drive-through and the cashier informed me that the folks in the car ahead of us had paid for us. I didn't see them, so I have no idea who they were. It was a pleasant surprise, and so I paid for the car behind me.
I often wonder how many cars in a row that "Pay it Forward" went, and more importantly, who started it. And a little about who ended it.
What a wonderful story! Yes, there are good people in the world!
What a heart-warming story, Hilary! And you are paying it forward absolutely.
That is an amazing and wonderful story. I think your idea to pay it forward is wonderful. Reading and books are so important for a child's early experiences.
What a great story! And it definitely sounds like you are paying it forward to me. Hopefully some youngsters will get to read some good books. :)
@ CD - I don't do drive-thru for coffee ... so have never experienced this idea - though it seems to be fairly common and lovely to have that occurrence. I wonder how long the 'chain' will last ...
@ Sage - yes there are good people in the world ...
@ Nila - thanks ... it seemed a good idea to make a donation to a local centre for learning ...
@ Susan - it certainly bemused me then and since ... loved it - though I was so embarrassed at the time ... I'm sure the little ones will benefit from extra reading material ...
@ Sara - at least they'll start reading and learning about life through books ... and it's a fun story ...
Cheers to you all -thanks for visiting and enjoying 'this tale'!! Hilary
Such a gentleman with a big kind heart. I need to do this more often.
Hi Susan - exactly ... he or I were in the right place at the right time: to really pay his thoughtfulness forward ... thanks for being here and commenting - cheers Hilary
What an inspiring story!
Especially the fact that it's a true story! :-)
Hi Deniz - I know ... an extraordinary tale of human-ness ... I'm still somewhat amazed by it all - but a fun experience to have had - cheers Hilary
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