Sharing a story of kindness and gratitude

Earlier this month I was at a store going through an automatic door when it malfunctioned and closed on me, knocking me down. There was a man behind me and three women in front of me. The man behind me helped me get on my feet and the women helped me get to a place to sit. The man saw that I was being taken care of so I thanked him as he went on. One of the women got an ice pack for me at the deli. The women, two of whom were students, volunteered to do my shopping for me. I had only gone for one item so the students went and bought it and wouldn't take any money for it. The woman, Valerie, also offered to pay them but they refused reimbursement. The students stayed with Valerie and me for a while, then left. Valerie called my daughter and stayed with me until she arrived. I'm sorry I only got Valerie's name from the people who helped me, but if they read this I want them to know how much I appreciate what the four of them did for me.

I have a feeling that people like this don't wait for the Christmas season to be kind. God bless them!

Margaret Bartlett

Cedar Rapids