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Small Act Of Kindness.
Submitted by: Marianna
Athens, Greece25 year old girl from Athens, trying to find my inner peace.
I grew up and live in Athens. It is heartbreaking to see how many people have been left poor and homeless during the crisis. There are beggars in almost every traffic light asking for money from the drivers by selling tissue papers. Even though I feel extremely sorry for them, I hardly ever give any money because I am unemployed, still living off my parents, and it’s impossible to give money to every single one of these people, just because there are so many.
But in the beginning of January, just as I was stopped waiting for the traffic light to turn green, I noticed this old man begging for money a couple of cars ahead of me. Even though he was clearly in a very bad physical state, he had the warmest smile I had seen in a long time. I immediately pulled my purse out and waved at him to come over. I gave him the very little change that I had, which must have added up to only a couple of euros. I’ve never seen a man happier and more grateful than him. He gave me another warm smile, send me “air kisses” and wished me a happy New Year!
As I drove away I felt unbelievably satisfied that I made a total stranger so happy by giving away so little, and at the same time incredibly grateful that I had a warm home, and a mother that can put food on our table for me and my brothers. This feeling followed me for the rest of the day.
Just a few days later I visited my grandparents. I was shocked when they gave me 110 euros as pocket money, especially since they had given me my holiday pocket money a couple of weeks before! Just by giving away so little, but feeling deeply nice about it, I received so much more in return! I didn’t even ask for money back, it just felt good to help someone in need!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!