Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Whodunit

Four months ago, one day I was going on Interstate-80 Freeway to San Francisco. I have to cross the Bay Bridge. There was a long line of cars waiting to pay for the toll charge. Very slowly the cars moved toward the toll booths. The drivers paid the toll charge and drove in the Bay Bridge.

When my turn came to pay the toll charge, the guy who was taking the money in the booth said that the driver in front of me paid for my car also. I was stunned. I had no idea why a complete stranger would pay for my toll charge.

This was on my mind for couple of days. I was talking to some friends. They said some people surprise fellow human beings like this. They think giving a surprise gift to an unknown person is therapeutic. It is one of the best things we can do. It is the thought that counts. Money value does not. The toll charge was only $4.00. I would remember this incident until the day I die.

I am not talking here about helping poor people or handicapped people. I am also not talking about a passenger in train sharing whatever he bought at the station with fellow passengers. I am talking here about surprising an unknown fellow human being and making that person happy. The recipient will not know he received this gift until the giver has gone.

I learned something new that day.

Last week we were having dinner in a restaurant. There was an elderly couple dining in that restaurant. They were two tables away from our table. When our bill came we paid our bill and also that couple’s bill. This included their drinks, dinner, and tips. We quietly left the restaurant. We were very happy.

We all have read stories about how Elvis Presley liked to surprise his friends and strangers by presenting them with brand new cars. I am sure it will be a wonderful feeling for me if I am also able to leave a brand new BMW (with keys and ownership documents) in front of someone’s house and quietly leave.

We can start with doing something good to someone when they are least expecting. At least we can start with a friend before moving on to strangers.

If you have any similar incident, please share.
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33 comments:

  1. TitaxyFebruary 16, 2010 at 9:18 AM

    Oh that's such a sweet gesture. I haven't done anything like this, or haven't had anyone do this to me...but am gonna keep this in mind and try doing it when I can :)

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  2. ShruthiFebruary 16, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    aww that was so sweet. Such a thoughtful gesture. I'd definitely want to try this someday :)

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  3. RajlakshmiFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:19 AM

    thats such a wonderful gesture... these things make me feel more human.. ya i the metallic jungle... its these warm feelings that make us realise we are still human...
    kudos to you :)

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  4. SamvednaFebruary 16, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    Thats really very sweet gesture!..I know that there is no better high than making others happy..and giving where none expects is all the more better.

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  5. NehaFebruary 16, 2010 at 8:45 PM

    SG, you remembered what a stranger did to you; and you did the same thing for others - this is wonderful..make others smile; and you will feel satisfied :)

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  6. InsigniaFebruary 16, 2010 at 9:20 PM

    Thats a wonderful act of humanity. Money doesnt matter here, its the impromptu act; surprising someone and quietly leaving without getting noticed.

    And yeah, talking about you wanting to leave a brand new BMW; I can help you.

    My house address along with the BMW model and color specifics is on the way in an email to you :-P

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  7. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:02 PM

    Thanks for your comments Titaxy. Some day some one is going to surprise you.

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  8. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks for your comments Shruthi. When you try this or some one does this to you, pls let me know. Thanks.

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  9. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    Thanks for your comments Rajlakshmi. Yup, it makes us realize that we are still human.

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  10. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:06 PM

    Thanks for your comments Antarman. Yes, unexpected gift is more appreciated and enjoyed.

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  11. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for your comments Neha. Yes, some one did to me. And, that taught me to do something unexpected to some one else. I am glad I did that.

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  12. SGFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    Thanks for your comments Insignia. Yes, it is the unexpected good deed that makes every one happy.

    Oh, you have sent me your address,
    BMW model and color to me. I am sooo happy. Since you are my blog guru, the BMW of your choice is on the way.

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  13. lostworldFebruary 17, 2010 at 2:25 AM

    Such a nice thought SG. You are doing your bit. Something like "Pay It Forward" right? This is a good good example of simply being nice..no strings attached.

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  14. radhaFebruary 17, 2010 at 3:19 AM

    Very nice gesture. No, it has not happened to me. But shall keep this in mind. Maybe surprise someone, someday.

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  15. SGFebruary 17, 2010 at 8:01 AM

    Thanks for your comments lostworld. I am glad you remembered that movie. Yes, this is something similar to that.

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  16. SGFebruary 17, 2010 at 8:02 AM

    Thanks for your comments Radha. I was not aware of such things happening in this world until the guy paid for my toll charges.

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  17. chitraFebruary 17, 2010 at 8:45 AM

    Wonderful gesture and if everybody keeps doing this little act of kindness our world would become a beautiful one.To make others feel happy is a great virtue. I like you SG. Keep doing more. Let me also do it.

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  18. SGFebruary 17, 2010 at 5:07 PM

    Thanks for your comments Chitra. Yup, you are right "to make others feel happy is a great virtue".

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  19. PNAFebruary 17, 2010 at 7:23 PM

    Such a nice gesture, both. The best thing about it, nobody thanking us for it and we get the satisfaction... I love springing surprises on people, will definitely try this out some day soon...

    How have u been, long time I hopped in here or u there..

    Tk,
    Ashes

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  20. Jaunty animaFebruary 18, 2010 at 12:10 AM

    That's the sweetest gesture I've heard of in recent times..

    I can very well sense the feeling of absolute contentment..

    Oh SG!!
    Commendable deed!!
    Really learned something from u!!:)

    PS: I love (BMW)surprises too..!!;)

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  21. NRFebruary 18, 2010 at 1:41 AM

    Thats lovely SG...u know thesedays its hard to find ppl like these and u too come in that list now:))!! N ya btw about that BMW....u better take my address...lol!!! tc

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  22. SandhyaFebruary 18, 2010 at 4:40 AM

    Great post, SG! Nowadays, people hesitate even to smile at strangers, here he did not wait to see your reaction too! We have got the habit of expecting something back from the people whom we help in some way, always. This is nice.

    What you did for the elderly couple is a lovely gesture. I have never surprised anybody like this and no one did to me...feel bad. Will try to change now.

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  23. SGFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:42 AM

    Thanks for your comments PNA. As you said correctly, no need for thanks and we get the satisfaction.

    PNA, I promise to be more regular visitor from now.

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  24. SGFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    Thanks for your comments Jaunty. I learnt this from the driver of that car in front me on the bay bridge. So, I passed it along.

    As for BMW, the first car has been taken by Insignia. You are second in line. ha ha ha.

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  25. SGFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:47 AM

    Thanks for your comments Nazish. I have to say thanks to that driver in front of me.

    Oh yes the BMW. Nazish, you are third in line after Insignia and Jaunty. Hope God gives me enough money to buy and gift 3 brand new BMWs.

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  26. SGFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:49 AM

    Thanks for your comments Sandhya. People expect something back nowadays. At the same time, the receiver also thinks he/she is obligated to do something in return. They don't accept a gift gracefully.

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  27. VishnuFebruary 19, 2010 at 8:35 AM

    nice way of putting a gesture.. i liked the way u narrated it.. jus 1 doubt.. are we allowed to watch the expressions on the stranger's face wen they find out the surprise from a location totally out of the scene??
    u get kinda curious u know..

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  28. My EraAugust 28, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Wow! what a beautiful thing to do and I absolutely admire the wonderful way you remembered the lesson you had learnt at the toll way and gifted a wonderful memory to the elderly couple.
    I can absolutely imagine how happy and content you must have felt after leaving the restaurant :)
    Kudos to you!

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  29. Privy TriflesSeptember 10, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    Touching and truly admirable!!To receive and give - are a boon!

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  30. DivyaNovember 4, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Thanks for connecting me to this post :) It feels so nice when someone just does something nice for you - when it is not expected :) :) The chain of smiles that follow and the feeling of happiness that you get in your stomach can probably be equated to very very few things in the world :)

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  31. ReshmaDecember 6, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    I can totally relate to how you felt at the toll gate, a stranger paid for our dinner and that is something I'll remember till the end of my time, the very though of it makes me smile over and over. Simple gestures can bring so much joy:) Just like you, I intend to try and do something sweet for a random stranger...someday I will..

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  32. Rama AnanthDecember 18, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Thanks SG, for sharing it with us. Someone inspires someone, and the chain goes on. It feels so good both for the giver and the receiver: a real win win situation.

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  33. Pradeep NairApril 25, 2017 at 10:04 PM

    Wonderful. Thanks for pointing me to this post. Indeed, it's the gesture here that counts. Very nice of you to have kept that chain going.

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