Amazing Chain Reaction Began When a Stranger Paid For My Purchase

A chain reaction of kindness began when a stranger paid for my Christmas decorations at a Brewer store.

How Did It Start?

It's one of those things you read about, but rarely get to see up close. I was shopping for some decorative touches for the house at Family Dollar a couple of years ago when I walked up to the registers with my six items and found that the lesser of two evils was to get in line behind a woman who had about 35 items of her own. I didn't mind standing in line and was impressed with how quickly the cashier was ringing things up. As she got to the end of what appeared to be holiday gifts, the customer said the most amazing thing.

I want to pay it forward and pay for this lady's purchase.

How Did You React?

I was dumbfounded. Of course, I immediately told her she didn't have to do that, but she just smiled and said "Merry Christmas." I thanked her and wished her a Merry Christmas as she walked out the door, and then turned to the cashier and echoed her sentiment. The woman behind me broke into a huge smile and even hugged me, wishing me a Merry Christmas before I paid for her purchase. Ironically, it added up to just over $6, exactly what I was going to pay for my decorations.

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What Are Some Other Types of Random Acts of Kindness?

There were tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face as I walked out the door and heard the voice of that lovely woman who had hugged me.

Let's keep it going. I'll pay for the next person's purchase.

It doesn't take much to keep the spirit of the holidays alive. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you at the drive-through. Hold the door open for someone laden down with packages. Or just smile at people, as you pass, and say hello. Trust me, it's been two years since that stranger touched my heart for the price of $6 and I've never forgotten her.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.