4 times someone paid it forward

4 times someone paid it forward

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SALT LAKE CITY — Money can be the thing that divides us, but when someone is generous — even just a little — it can be the thing that unites us, too.

This week, we have four stories of people who have been touched by someone sharing what they have. Each works on a different premise, showing that there are many small ways we can touch others, even if we don't have a lot to give.

Emilee P.

"About a month ago, I was standing in the check-out line in Wal-Mart only holding a few things in my arms. As I stepped forward to pay and tell the cashier I would like to use the rest of my gift card, a lady from behind said 'I would like to pay for this today.'

"I beamed with excitement and told her 'thank you' a hundred times. She handed the clerk a $20 bill and then said I could keep the change in return. I told her 'thank you,' she then said 'have a blessed day.'

"Walking out of Wal-Mart with a smile on my face, I got in my car and gave the change to a homeless guy on the corner. Kindness makes you wanna do better not just for yourself but others as well."

Julianne T.

"My friend and I had my daughter, nephew and four of her friend's little girls over Easter to dye eggs, and we decided to take all the kids out for dinner at Wendy's. After all the chaos of getting everything ordered and all six kids settled down, we attempted to pay but our cards declined. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment as the line behind us started forming, but this guy behind us came up and handed the cashier his card and said he wanted to pay for us. I said 'no' because I felt bad, and he said not to worry about it — we would never see him again. I am so grateful for this mystery man. If he ever gets to read this, thanks a million."

Share your story with us:
Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

Christine M.

"I’m a cashier at the DATC Bookstore. One of the UPS drivers who delivers packages to the bookstore sometimes comes in to get some snacks. Every time he does, he pays for the snacks of the person who is in front of him in line. I love that he does this. It makes my day to know that there are still nice people out there who do nice things for others. It also makes the day of the person who he pays for their snacks. He’s just such a great example that there is still good in this world."

JaNae L.

"As lunchtime approached during errands one day, my young daughter exclaimed that she wanted shrimp, which was found at her favorite Chinese food buffet. I knew there was not enough money for a restaurant meal, so I said no to her choice and explained why. She proposed, 'Let's go to a restaurant that's free.' 'No restaurants are free, sweetie,' I replied. But as we neared the restaurant, I hated to disappoint her, so I changed my mind.

"We had a great meal and a great conversation and some quality time. In my mind I also went over the items to cut from the budget to fit in the cost of this lunch. When the server brought the tray of fortune cookies early but without the bill, she indicated that a nearby customer had paid our bill. My mouth dropped, and I was speechless! As that man passed to leave, he said, 'You have a nice day.' I could only muster a heartfelt 'thank you,' while still keeping my composure. Tears were near the surface. A complete stranger performed a kind deed and fulfilled a young child's wish. It truly made my day."

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

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Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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