The kindness of a stranger at Christmastime

Hello everyone,

I thought that I'd share a nice story of what happened to me today. Kathy (khl8) posted a couple of weeks ago about decorating for Christmas, so I decided right then an there that I'd put up a tree for Christmas so that Rick could have something nice to look at all day besides the TV. So, I hopped in the car and went in search of a tree. I was hoping to get one for $20 or so since I don't have much money these days. Lowes was out of tall trees, but I had earlier passed a spot selling trees that helped to support the local Men's Club. I asked the gentleman how much the trees were and he said, "45, 55 and 65 dollars." I think he saw my face turn to sadness at the price, so he said, "What can you afford?". Then he asked why my husband and kids weren't out with me. I told him that Rick had cancer and was recovering from surgery, so he couldn't help me, and I don't have any children. He asked how long Rick has had cancer, and I told him, "He was diagnosed exactly one year ago today.". At this point he went over to a tree and held it up? "Do you like this one?", he asked. I told him that it was lovely but I couldn't afford such a nice tree. He smiled, picked it up and took it over to the machine to wrap it up. I went to pay him what I thought might be $45, but he simply said, "Merry Christmas!". At that point I started to cry. Then he told me that I could "repay" him by bringing Rick by NEXT year to pick out the tree!. How wonderful it is to have such caring people in this world. I was so touched by his act of kindness. I now have a lovely tree sitting in my living room awaiting decoration. I'll have my Rick put the star at the top. :-) Hugs, Cynthia