Dear Editor:
In a world where headlines are so often filled with division, anger, and selfishness – especially the relentless noise surrounding Donald Trump and the MAGA movement – it’s easy to feel a little hopeless about humanity. But something happened to me recently that reminded me that kindness is still alive and well, and sometimes shows up in the most unexpected places.
As a local Realtor, I was on my way to one of our property listings that unfortunately reeks of cigarette smoke. I stopped by City Market at 17th and Lonsdale to pick up a bundle of cleaning products and made my way to the checkout. The cashier, whose name tag said “Marie,” smiled and made a lighthearted comment about someone doing some serious cleaning. I explained my challenge with the smoke, and she nodded knowingly.
“That’s a tough one,” she said.
But then something incredible happened.
When I went to pay, my credit card was declined – not because of funds, but because the store doesn’t accept American Express. Frustrated, I asked why, as I didn’t have another card on me at the time.
Without missing a beat, Marie said, “Just a moment.” She reached into her purse, pulled out her credit card, tapped the machine, and paid for my order.
I was stunned. “What did you just do?” I asked.
“I paid for it,” she said, smiling. “I do that sometimes. I could see you’ve got a big job ahead of you.”
I was speechless. Tears welled in my eyes.
“Can I hug you?” I asked. As I did, I told her she was a very special person. Thankfully, I had cash in my car and ran back in to repay her, but the gesture has moved me deeply. Marie had no reason to help me. She didn’t know me. She just saw someone having a rough moment and chose kindness. That simple act, in a grocery store, reminds me that the world is still full of good people – people who care, who give without asking, and who quietly make the world a better place.
So to Marie at City Market: thank you. Your kindness meant more than you know. And to anyone reading, let this be a little reminder that in a world that often feels fractured, one act of goodness can still shine like a beacon.
Elaine Andrews
North Vancouver
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