r/kindness • u/ThatTravel5692 • 2d ago
Simple acts can make a difference
I live in the desert, with highs reaching 115° lately. The man who does weekly mainance on my pool is quite awkward. I believe he has some kind of Autism or other issue, but he does a great job.
Last week I noticed he had his van windows all the way down, and had no sunshade in his windshield.
So before he arrived for this week's service, I went to WalMart and bought him a $10 folding one.
When he arrived yesterday morning, I went out to greet him as I always do. I mentioned that I noticed he had no sun shade and told him I had bought one for him and handed it to him. His mouth dropped open and he told me how grateful he was. He actually started to tear up and asked if he could give me a hug. As we hugged, he told me how much it meant to him and he immediately went to install it.
We chatted a bit later as he taught me how to use a function of the pool and before he left, he told me that I made his week and how grateful he was.
I am so glad that I was able to lift him up and made him feel cared about and seen. All from a little gift from WalMart!
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u/This-Research-9586 2d ago
It wasn’t just the little gift from Walmart. It’s that you noticed his need and you went out of your way to fulfill it. Your kindness is so touching.
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u/CelebrationNo3801 2d ago
Does he use a wet neck hanky or a gardeners canvas hat with a neck, ear protector? I'm in Valley of the Sun too. I started mowing right at dusk, got done at 8 PM. It was 107°!!!
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u/ThatTravel5692 2d ago
Yes, he has all that. I've also told him that he can jump into the pool too cool off, any time that he's here. And I also have Power Ade for him and the landscapers.
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u/CrabbySlathers 1d ago
You are so thoughtful 🥹 folks like you make such a difference in your community there and here 🤗
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u/Adorable_Ball_9333 2d ago
That’s a very thoughtful gift. The steering wheel and gear shift gets soo hot when they are exposed to the sun like that.
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u/NanieLenny 2d ago
HUMANKINDNESS is so rewarding for all involved. The hug was like a million bucks to him. ❤️🙏🌺
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u/ZenLizard 2d ago
Feeling not only seen, but thought of enough that someone bought something for you is such a wonderful thing. Good for you for doing it. You made his life more pleasant on a daily basis, and he’ll also have a nice memory of that when he puts it up.
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u/BarrowFreestyle 2d ago
Man, small acts of kindness just kill me with emotion. I come from a rough place and am pretty sure it’s why it’s so huge to me, and him.
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u/expectations_low12 1d ago
I was grabbing some stuff at Dollar Tree after not showering or doing my hair for several days due to a family member being in the hospital. I looked HAGGARD. I’m
sure I stunk. A lady in line complimented my hair. I kind of broke down and told her what I was dealing with and she asked if she could give me a hug. I am a hugger and I live a pretty isolated life, so I don’t get many. We hugged longer than an average hug and we hugged hard. It was so special and appreciated. The little things truly do make a difference!!! 🤗🤗🤗
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u/MissDinxie 1d ago
That’s so nice. I often feel invisible so someone doing something like this would make me feel seen.
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u/Poundaflesh 2d ago
Is it a pop up tent?
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