The Kindness of Strangers

This morning I drove to Top Pot, resigned to drop an exorbitant amount of money on two dozen doughnuts. Why? Because I love my students and because they earned it.

I looked for the most normal, commonplace doughnut and, alas, found a fabulous looking glazed confection. I took a deep breath, and placed the order.

As the doughnut connoisseur began stuffing the massive pastries into a box I heard the quiet shuffle of feet behind me.

I commented, "Those are bigger than I thought they'd be."

The Top Pot woman asked, "Well, who are they for?"

"My students."

From behind me I heard, "Oh, what grade are they in?"

"Fourth."

"Where do you teach?"

"Lakeridge, just up the hill."

She nodded in acknowledgement and directed her next question to the Top Pot worker, "Do you take a credit card?"

"Yes, we do."

"Well, I'd like to pay for these doughnuts."

I tear up, stutter, refuse her offer, blubber, and then thank her for her kindness, but I couldn't possibly. And she wouldn't take no for an answer. All she did was thank me for teaching our future generation.

I walked away with two dozen warm doughnuts and an even warmer feeling in my heart.

Thank you, Vicky. I will never forget what you did for me and my students this day.

The kindness of strangers...