5 acts of kindness that made someone's day

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes

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SALT LAKE CITY — What made you happy this week?

It is easy to get caught up in the negative things we see or experience every day, so we've asked readers to submit moments they have experienced that left a positive feeling with them. Each Monday, we share those moments, hoping to make our corner of the Internet a little brighter.

Eric F.

On acting on a feeling:

I witnessed a true act of kindness today. Jeremy, the sales representative for Vitamix at Costco, spoke with a woman who was battling cancer and going through radiology (she was wearing the telltale handkerchief over a bald head) at length regarding the health benefits of his product when used with fresh fruit and vegetables and they both spoke of the antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties of fruits and veggies.

It was clear that the woman wanted one but was unable to afford it because of the medical costs she was incurring. Some time later, I was directly behind her in line to grab a slice of pizza when Jeremy walked up to her and handed her a brand new in-box Vitamix and the receipt for it in case she had any issues. She absolutely wept with joy at the kindness this stranger showed her and hugged him with all that she had in her. It was truly beautiful. When he walked away to go back to his sales pitch, she showed me the receipt. He had paid full retail for it. I couldn't help myself and had to go thank him for what he did for her.

"It was just a split second that God touched me and I knew that I had to buy it for her," he said.

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.

We need more Jeremys in the world, so if you see Jeremy pitching Vitamix at Costco (Tucson, Arizona, at Grant/Wilmot location), shake his hand and thank him. I'm sure he'll be a little embarrassed, but it'll make him feel good, too.

Katherine Furgeson

On doing the right thing when nobody is watching:

I'm a sixth-grade teacher and I learn a lot about kindness from my students.

One day I was teaching math and a fifth-grade student named Braden came into my classroom carrying a $50 bill. He said he had just found it in the hallway and wondered if I could help him find the rightful owner. I was impressed that even with no one looking, this boy wasn't going to take something that didn't belong to him. I promised that we would turn it into the office; I figured a faculty member's wallet had come loose and some money was lost.

Later that day, parents came to pick up students and another sixth-grade student named Canyon approached me with his mother. They were searching for some Christmas money Canyon had accidentally brought to school and had misplaced. It was a $50 bill! My eyes lit up. I had forgotten about the bill. I grabbed it out of my pocket and handed it to Canyon. I then told him the name of the fifth-grader who honestly found it and turned it in.

The next day, Canyon brought Braden a reward and personally thanked him for his honesty and help. I was touched by the examples of honesty, gratefulness and friendship these young boys displayed. I'm not sure how many adults would act in such a positive manner. Their actions certainly taught the teacher a positive lesson that day. I am truly grateful for my students and all they teach me.

Conrad N.

On watching out for others:

I was eating alone at a Wendy's in Smithfield before a meeting (moping a little at how long the day would be). Since no one was with me, I was quietly eating and watching people around me.

A young family a couple of tables over had finished eating and mom, dad, and three young kids were visiting with grandma and grandpa. The oldest boy, about 5 years old, suddenly made a beeline for the door. Mom, half anxious, half curious, said aloud "What is he doing?!"

We all looked to see as he ran and opened the door for an elderly couple. The gentleman had a cane, and neither he nor his frail wife was having much luck with the door. This little boy held the door open for them, then came back to his table without saying a word. His mother grabbed him and gave him the biggest hug and told him, "That was the nicest thing you just did."

Page Two:

It made my day not only to see this little boy do the right thing but also to see his mother seize the moment to praise him for it.

Kylie T.

On letting others serve you:

The Saturday before Easter was a very stressful one for my family and me. We were moving into a new house that day and had to get two kids to and from soccer games.

That morning about 8 a.m., we went to Tasty’s to pick up doughnuts for the people who were coming to help us move. We were already running late to the first soccer game of the morning and when I walked into the restaurant it was packed with people. I waited in line crossing my fingers that I would get my daughter to her game on time and a few minutes later a group of about three women who were in front of me motioned to me and offered for me to go first.

I was hesitant at first and politely told them thanks but no thanks. They kept insisting and I had to take a step back and realize that other people are looking for ways to serve and help others and I was not letting that happen for them. I finally agreed and was so thankful of their awareness of me and my kids. Needless to say because of those three women I was able to make it to the soccer game on time. Thank you so much! I hope we can all look for ways to serve and in this case let others serve us as well.

Brandie J.

On the kindness of strangers:

I was helping my brother with some yard work about three weeks ago and there were two small children riding bikes on the sidewalk not far from my brother’s house. Not long before we finished, the little girl fell off her bike and began to cry. Her brother stopped to try and help, but a good Samaritan stopped her car and not only walked the kids home, but pushed the bike back to the girl's house as well, leaving her car behind.

I wondered if she knew the kids, but I heard her ask the little boy where they lived. In this day and age, you don’t know if a car stopping by small children is going to end bad or not, so my brother and I were on the lookout ready to jump in if we needed to, but this lady was completely sincere and was so sweet to the kids. I hope she gets amazing Karma points for that. It was awesome to see!