Thanks for the acts of kindness

These random acts of kindness show me what Cedar Rapids is all about and reflect the value we place on the people with whom we live in a community.

Last spring, my mother was getting her hair done at Capri College. When she left Capri, her car wouldn't start.

In the parking lot, were two retired former Marines, who asked her if she needed help. The Marines got her car started. When my mom tried to offer them money, they replied, “We are Marines. We are to protect and serve.”

Then, my mother-in-law was at Aldi getting groceries for the Coralville firefighters chili supper. She realized that she had left her debit card in her other purse. Flustered, she asked the cashier to hold her groceries while she went home to get her debit card. She went to get her purse from the cart and a lady came up to her with a receipt and told her that her groceries had been paid for. My mother-in-law asked for this lady's name and address so she could send her the money.

The lady replied, “No, thank you.”

To these people: Thank you for taking care of both my moms. Please know that we will pay it forward.

Carrie Thompson

Cedar Rapids