Life, as we all know, is one crazy, hectic, unpredictable stream of events, one that we do our best to navigate.
It’s easy to lose track of what’s important; the things that really matter, in amongst the deluge of absurdity. But then, I suppose, it’s not uncommon for life to snap us back to those most meaningful of things at break-neck speed.
That’s exactly what happened to Alana Ruthann when she was standing one day in a checkout line at her local Walmart.
As she stood, transfixed by her cellphone, she almost missed the magical scene unfolding in front of her. Fortunately, she noticed at the perfect moment, and managed to capture something rather emotional …
Alana was busy trying to buy things for St. Patrick’s Day, when something very special happened ahead of her in the line.
Luckily, she was able to catch the moment, and later posted her version of events on Facebook:
– “There I was, caught in the rush of life yesterday at Walmart Ankeny. Annoyed, I was standing in a line. God forbid I wait for something in this instant ‘I-need-it-now life.’
[I was] holding a few items in my hands ready to celebrate St. Paddy’s festivities, absorbed in my own world of technology, looking down at my phone. I didn’t even notice the two gentlemen standing in front of me until I heard an older man’s voice in confusion declare, ‘Wait, what is happening? What are you doing?!'”
“I looked up from my phone to see a younger man in front of the older gentleman respond, ‘Sir, I’m paying for your items because you paid by serving my country and I’m grateful for you.’
The older man was caught off guard with a loss for words, fumbling his gloves in his hands and trying desperately to hold in his emotion, as was I. Just as quickly as he scanned his card and paid for the items, that young man said another thank you and quickly left.
The veteran was still in shock as he was handed the items he asked, ‘What do I do now?’ To which the cashier responded with a warm smile, ‘You have a good day!’
It was that moment I realized I had TWO heroes in line in-front of me. My heart swelled as I watched our veteran readjust his Veteran ball cap, straighten up, and hold his head with pride as he walked out knowing someone was grateful for him.
What a feeling – in this life where we rush through with our eyes down at a screen full of negativity and disagreements – to have someone simply say ‘I’m grateful for you.’
That 20-second interaction didn’t just change the veteran’s day, it changed my day, as well as that cashier’s. Because that 20 seconds showed us by looking up and slowing down, life is pretty beautiful and surely we can find something to be grateful for.
Thank you, Ankeny Angel. We needed you.”
That’s right, without any prompt or incentive whatsoever, this stranger honoured a hero who had served his country proudly. The best part is that he didn’t ask for anything in return; didn’t require a fanfare to do something genuinely compassionate.
It’s a small wonder that Alana’s story has been liked by more than 16,000 people on Facebook, and been shared almost 5,000 times.
Did you like hearing this little story of positivity? I certainly did. We need to remember to be compassionate and kind to others – a little can go a long way in this regard!
Share this article if you, too, were moved!
