I can see clearly now

I was sitting in a fast food restaurant with my two children, who at the time were about 6 and 9. Inside there was also a group of teens in full out goth dress and appearance. Everyone skirted around them inside the restaurant.

Outside the restaurant, the same people skittered past the homeless man rifling through the garbage bin, who was looking for food or perhaps a cigarette. I too had rushed past him with my youngsters, refusing his request for money but thinking maybe, just maybe, I would bring him some food. Turns out I didn't have to.

One of the goth youths bounced up, went to the counter and ordered more food...which she then took outside to the homeless man and sat on the bench with him, chatting away as he ate. He didn't say much back -- he was ravenous -- but I think I saw a hint of a smile and a glint in his eye as he nodded to her questions.

Writing this now, several years later I still choke up. Piercings, tattoos, and all, that girl was a model citizen living the values of goodness and kindness. These are values I have always held high and hoped to instill in my kids. She made my job much easier. We stopped by on our way out and thanked her for setting such a positive example for us. I hope that hearing that made as much of a difference in her life as seeing what she did has made to ours.

Submitted by Anonymous

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