Friday 31 August 2012

A kind word

Grabbing my son into the car I raced into town to make a dentist appointment. I had to stop and get diesel. Rushing into the garage I handed over my Ulster Bank card.

It was June 15th and it was declined even though I'd been paid that day. I now know that it was the start of the Ulster Bank debacle but at the time I had the manager of the garage glaring at me over the counter as I rang the bank. I stood in the corner of the shop and, with mounting frustration, I explained that the diesel was already in my car and I didn't even have the money to buy more phone credit to continue the conversation.

A women sidled over to me and whispered into my ear. "I can drive you into town if you're stuck." I was too embarrassed to look at her but thanked her and assured her I would manage. She then offered, very quietly, to buy me phone credit. I had never met her before and didn't even look her in the face but later that night her incredible kindness struck me. Even though I didn't take her up on her offer, I knew she was genuine.

The Ulster Bank 'technical glitch' wasn't important any more but the random act of kindness made my week.