Today, I witnessed a remarkable act by a 25-year-old coach driver named William. Heres what happened.
At one of the stops, an elderly lady, probably around 80, climbed on board. I watched as she carefully unfolded a handkerchiefinside were several neatly wrapped pound notes. She counted out just enough money for her fare and politely asked William if he could stop at the next stop by the village shop. William nodded as usual. The elderly lady held out her money and said,
“Thank you, my dear.”
But William didnt take her money! Instead, he took out his own wallet and said hed be back in a moment. He dashed quickly into the shop and bought four pints of milk, some cream, a loaf of bread, pasta, and a pack of meat. He came back and handed the bags to the old lady. She refused, insisting,
“Theres really no need, my pension is enough for bread and such things.”
But William gently replied,
“If you wont accept, Ill simply have to throw it away.”
The old lady teared up, thanked him sincerely, and wished him all the best in life. William got back onto the coach. Then, a woman in her forties piped up and said,
“Was it really worth spending your money and delaying us just for a couple of thank yous?”
William turned round, opened the door, and asked her to get off, saying,
“Its because of attitudes like yours that older people think all the young are rudesome cant teach their children anything except hypocrisy and greed!”
The woman stepped off, red-faced as a beetroot! Well done, William. The world would be a far better place if more people acted with such kindness.
And in that moment, I realised that a simple act of compassion can teach more than a thousand words ever could.
