Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — Anyone with a clumsy bone in their body knows the embarrassment of breaking something that doesn't belong to them.
But how we respond to that accident is what people will remember.
This week, a store employee shares her experience of a mother teaching a child to do the honest thing and offer to pay for the broken item.
Each week, we highlight stories like this in an effort to inspire others to make the world a little better.
On teaching honesty
Anna L.
"I work in a store that sells many fragile and expensive collectible items. Time and time again I have witnessed children, teenagers and adults break something and hide it away.
"On Oct. 27, a woman came up with her daughter and insisted on paying for something the child had broken. It's been quite awhile since this has happened so I fervently thanked the mother for teaching her child honesty by example. I know that little girl will remember that forever and always do the right thing in situations like that.
"We always say 'Your honesty paid for it,' but to those that insist on paying our cost so that our small business doesn't lose more money than it already does, those people are an example to me of responsibility and a caring and mindful-of-others attitude. Thanks again to that wonderful mother!"
On paying attention to people
Alisha T.
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.
"A few days ago we had a staff meeting at a local restaurant. I had some calls to make during the meeting and the owner of the restaurant noticed me in and out of the staff meeting. When I was paying for the meal for the staff, he asked if I had gotten any lunch, I told him I had gotten a small plate. He immediately went to the ready takeout orders, grabbed one of the orders, and brought it over to me. Free of charge. Not only is that great customer service, but it’s also an observant business owner."
On paying it forward
Brad C.
"So it was an ordinary Monday stuck in traffic on my way to work. I decided I needed some coffee, and that I'd get off the freeway in Draper and take the back roads. Sitting in my truck, chatting with my dog after ordering, I pulled up to the window and the cashier says, 'The lady in front of you just bought your breakfast.'
"Needless to say I was shocked. I'm not some old lady or old man, just an average guy with a not-so-average car-pool companion. Whoever you were, you made the rest of my drive to work no problem. No amount of stop and go traffic could have ruined the great feeling of having a complete stranger think of me!"
On helping others in need
Erica R.
"A few weeks ago I was in a car accident while leaving work in Roy. It was bad enough that my side air bag deployed. I was in complete shock and pain. I was in my car bawling my eyes out when all of a sudden my door opened.
"There were two men standing there. One had stated that he was a nurse and the other was in the Army. They stayed and made sure I was OK and helped me get ahold of my husband. Other people had stopped to help, but these two men stayed with me until the EMTs got there. I never got their names and I wish I had. I am so glad that there are people willing to help someone in need. I would also like to thank the officers and paramedics that came to my aid as well!"
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.
