"a page from your book...."

I received a text message after work today from Matthew....

"So, I took a page out of your book and bought groceries for a guy at the store."

What is he talking about? - I thought.

Then it clicked. Last month I was out grocery shopping and while I was bagging my groceries, I observed a woman in the checkout right after me. [I people watch all the time.] Her cart wasn't very full. As I watched, I just couldn't help but listen in. She only had so much money. She decided to only get what she needed, which in turn were the less expensive items. I noticed the few groceries she left behind included food such as meat, vegetables, and some other things. As the woman walked away, I could tell, feeling discouraged, I rushed up to the cashier to ask if I could buy the rest of the woman's groceries. The cashier was shocked. A complete stranger insisting on buying someone else's groceries and anonymously.

Growing up with a very young single mom, I know this feeling. I experienced it, although my mom always tried her best to hide it. I was that little girl at the store not able to buy my favorite cereal, because it was too expensive. I was fully aware that we couldn't buy the best brands of everything. I was happy with what we did have. My mom sacrificed so much for us growing up. She always tried to give us what she never had when she was a child. I am so grateful for her.

As an adult, I try to repay the favor to my mom and to others in need. This is something my mom instilled in us.

I texted Matthew back.

"That was very nice of you. You are an amazing person. I am so proud and lucky to call you my boyfriend."

Pay it forward. Random acts of kindness go a long way in someone's life.

"A life lived for others, is the only life worth living." - Albert Einstein

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." - Mother Teresa

Did you know that April 26 is Pay It Forward Day?
Check it out: http://payitforwardday.com/