SALT LAKE CITY — Simple gestures sometimes mean the most to people having a hard time.

Each week, readers share the moments that lifted their spirits. This week, we have four simple acts of kindness that touched someone.

On listening for an opportunity to serve:

Lupita

"This summer, we were living about one hour away from the supermarket, so when we had to buy groceries we had to take our cooler and buy ice to fill it so our food wouldn't go bad in the heat and the long drive home.

"I have four little ones and after driving an hour to the supermarket and spending another hour or so of grocery shopping we were all tired. We finally got in line to pay and the plan was to buy the ice at the cash register and grab it on our way out. After putting the groceries in the cart and trying to calm my 5-month-old baby I forgot to pay for ice. The cashier had already started to ring the items the lady behind me had. I told my 7-year-old that we'd forgotten the ice.

"We walked away trying to find a shorter line so we could buy the ice. We weren't having much luck. As I was looking around I saw a lady walking towards us carrying a bag of ice. When she reached us, she just said, "and you get this too," and she put it in my cart. It was the lady that had been in line behind me. I was so surprised all I could say was thank you. I wanted to say more but the lady quickly turned around and walked back to finish paying for her groceries.

"I wanted to let her know how much that meant to me because my little ones were tired and they didn't want to wait longer but we really needed the ice. My three older children just looked at me in disbelief and one of them said, 'Mom, what a nice lady.' I felt tears building up in my eyes. Hope she reads this, so she knows she made our day and we will never forget it. Thank you very much, nice lady!"

On showing compassion:

Robyn J.

"I was terrified about flying with my 6-month-old to visit family. Unfortunately I was seated next to a rude lady who made me feel like my every move and my baby's every sound was inconveniencing her. I was mortified at how terrible it was and it seemed time couldn't go slower.

"There was the sweetest older gentleman who was on his last flight from Thailand to visit his daughter here in the states. Before boarding, he told me he hadn't slept in 26 hours due to the traveling. He was sitting in first class but made a point to come back to see me, make sure we were doing well, and showed me a few pictures of his sweet granddaughter. I couldn't believe this exhausted gentleman thought of me in my time of need. It melted my heart to experience his kindness."

Related:

Reuniting with a rescuer 49 years later and other moments that made someone's day

Every week, KSL.com readers share stories of times they were given service. These stories range from generous gestures of $20,000 to people shaping their lives around service, and all touch someone in one way or another.

On a thoughtful gift:

Tami R.

"While we were in the grocery line, a man started to back away and ask for some room so he could return his ice cream, because he had forgotten his wallet.

I went ahead and just paid for it with my groceries. He insisted on a way to give me back the money. I didn't want the money back, it was just a fun thing that lifted my day. I did tell him where I worked and sure enough, the next Monday, he came in with the money, which he had wrapped in this wonderful art drawing. He left it for me, but I didn't get to talk with him.

"I have the picture hanging in my office. I get more joy from that picture than he ever will from ice cream. I'd really like to find him."

On old-fashioned kindness:

Elizabeth D.

"I recently had a baby and was at the doctor's office for his one week check-up. As I was finishing making our follow-up appointment, I noticed a young man with a cane walking up to the door. He was obviously in a lot of pain and each step looked like a struggle for him. I hurried over to hold the door for him as I was leaving, but he had beaten me to it, and was, instead holding the door for me!

"I was very touched that this young man was more concerned with being a gentleman than with his own struggles. I offered a very sincere thank you and his understanding you're welcome just made my week. Thank you to all men who go the extra mile to show respect for women. It gives me hope for our society and people in general."

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.

Related topics