by Bruce Corson

Created on: December 29, 2008

One day in early October I had just lost my job. I had also pushed to the limit my car's ability to run on fumes. I pulled to the side of the road and looked up the AAA number while several cars sailed by. I admit I should have AAA on my speed dial by now, but that's another story. It wasn't a good day.

Presently a car pulled over. Not someone I knew, just a nice guy who wasn't in a rush. He asked me how he could help. Surprisingly, and to my ears, quite melodically, he told me, "Well, I've got a gallon can of gas in the back."

How nice was that? And quite a welcome development, to boot. Of course, he'd accept nothing in payment. I did volunteer that I'd be sure to pay it forward. Before I got on my way, I asked who he was. I thought I'd at least be able to find his address and send him a thank you note.

I thought he said "Dave Maxim" and that he worked for "J & B Properties" just up the road. Well, try as I might, I've not been able to locate any spelling of either entity in the Chagrin Falls, Ohio area. Dave Maxim, whoever you are, thank you very much, very belatedly. You're an inspiration.

I'm prompted to write this now, on Christmas Day, as I just failed on a big opportunity to pay it forward just last night. Someone else jumped in and did so, and taught me a lesson.

I was at the very crowded local grocery store near my house on Christmas Eve, just minutes before closing. I was number two in the lengthening express lane. There was something going on with the customer ahead of me, not sure what. She was huddled over the card swiper/keypad thing and in mumbling conversation with the cashier. Back and forth they went, lots of talk and repeated card swipes, and they were now including the cashier in the next line over. "I don't know" and "over limit" were the only words leaking out loud enough for me to hear. Meanwhile, I was glancing around at other lines, mentally willing the idle employee standing behind the lottery-ticket register to offer to take the next person in line. I was also breathing deeply, trying hard not to start offering my own usually excellent suggestions as to how to solve this little impasse.

Before I knew it, a customer from the next line, who apparently had been listening in, finished up her own transaction and came over. She looked at the troubled customer in front of me and said, "Let me handle it."

This woman, whom I don't know, paid the bill of the customer with the credit card issues. As it dawned on me what was happening, I could only exclaim to her, "That was really nice of you." My words were echoed by others. I overheard her say to someone that, "Sometimes, people just need a little help." She left promptly without another word. I assume she and her son went home by car, though she might very well have sprouted wings and flown.

Dave Maxim, whoever you are, I do thank you for the help when I needed it. Mystery shopper woman, you not only performed a selfless act, you helped this writer realize how blind one can be to opportunities for service to others. You're both inspirations that will last the rest of my life.

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