When I met a homeless man outside the grocery store, my normal day took a strange turn. His eyes, which were full of hunger and despair, made me feel something deep inside.
I asked him right away to go shopping with me. He added simple things to my cart as we walked down the aisles. I could feel how grateful he was, and I had a sense of purpose.
We said our names: his name was Martin and mine was Ciara. Martín asked me about my kids while we were shopping, so I told him about their lives. He paid close attention and his face became softer.
When I went back to the store the next day, Martin was waiting for me, but he had changed. He looked very respectable, with his beard shaved and his military outfit on.
“You gave me back my life,” Martin said with a tear in his eye. “Your kindness reminded me that compassion still exists.”
He told us his story while we sat on a bench. He felt like the world had abandoned him because he was a soldier having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. My kindness touched him in a way that made him want to get help.
Martin went to the Veterans Affairs Office and signed up for a programme that would help him with his basic needs. He was going to help other soldiers get used to their new surroundings.
Martin left me with a deep lesson as we said our goodbyes: “Keep being kind, Ciara.” You don’t know how strong it is. Make sure your kids see it.
I was so happy to know that Martin was safe and being cared for now. The chance meeting of us made me think of how even small acts of kindness can change people’s lives.
Martin’s story taught me that all it takes to help someone get back on track is a little kindness. As I drove home with a new bottle of milk, I knew that our meeting would stay with me always.
It made me realise how important it is to be kind and understanding in my daily life. Martin’s change showed how one person can affect another.
It occurred to me that kindness is more than just an action; it can have a ripple affect that changes lives. I was glad to have been a part of Martin’s journey.
