Pay it forward

Today, in WH Smith, I overheard a little girl say to her friend 'Oh no, I don't have enough to get my mum a card'. So I asked her how much she needed. She looked at me wide eyed and said 'Are you going to? You don't have to do that'. I asked again and she pointed to the price list and said 'FF, £1.89'. So I gave her £2, smiled, and walked away. I think she was around 10 or 11 and I think she will remember the stranger that was kind for no reason other than to be kind. And I think she will pay it forward.

I'm not special. I'm gifted with a lack of pride and a long memory. I remember being a kid and I remember how it felt when someone was kind to me for no reason other than to be kind. Once on a school trip I stood waiting patiently in a souvenir shop with no money, while all the other kids raced around excitedly. Phillip's mum gave me 50p and I bought a little felt covered tiger cub. I had it until well into my 30's, because it was a souvenir of kindness.

That's why I think my little girl will pay it forward.