A Random Act Of Respect

I'd like to take a moment to speak about a random act of kindness. I did one today, but I'm not going to take a bow because I don't do them often enough. I had to go to the drugstore and as I was entering the door, a young man said hello to me. He was sitting in the shade, against the wall, with his knees pulled up to his chin. I said a quick hello and kept moving.

I'm pretty lucky. I have my health and a roof over my head, food to eat, friends, and happiness. I thought about that as I went inside. I needed some cash and an oatmeal raisin cookie fix.

On my way out of the store, I stopped to talk to the young man. I gave him a package of cookies (he said that they were also his favorite) and a dollar to get something to drink. I could tell that he appreciated my small gesture of kindness. But it was what I did next, that I think he appreciated most of all. I put out my hand and gave him a firm handshake. It's a good feeling to give someone food and water on a hot day. It's an even better feeling to give respect, on any day. You’re not just a human being; you are a representative of the human species.