Reader finds unexpected kindness in the checkout line

I recently visited Hy-Vee on Mount Vernon Road to buy some groceries. When I got to the checkout line, there was a gentleman behind me with a few items, so I invited him to go ahead of me. At first, he declined, but changed his mind and went ahead. I'm sure he noticed I had a cast on one arm. He finished his purchases, thanked me again and left.

While the cashier was ringing up my purchases, I started to put my credit card in the card reader. The clerk asked me to wait. I thought I needed to put the card back into the slot, but she stopped me again. When she finished ringing everything up, she told me the man left $35 to pay for my groceries. I was very surprised.

I have no idea who this kind man is but I want to thank him his unexpected kindness. It truly turned just any old day into a special day. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward. And I will.

B.J. Clouston

Cedar Rapids