About a week ago I was driving down 7th east and when I hit the 2100 S intersection I noticed a lady on the side of the road holding a cardboard sign. The odd thing was though, she was dressed nice and looked like she wasn’t homeless. As I read the sign it said “Struggling Mom with preemie baby in ICU. Anything helps.” I drove past her but my gut was telling me that I needed to turn around.

Maybe it was because my sister was in the ICU as a preemie, or maybe it’s because I know the hardship of a struggling family trying to save the life of a child, or maybe I just wanted karma to take it easy on me… but I headed to the ATM.

I’m not rolling in the dough by any means, but at the time I felt like $20 I would normally spend on gas or food could really help out someone who is scraping for change. I drove back to the corner and parked by the Starbucks across the street. I walked over and tapped her on the shoulder. I told her my sister was a preemie and I knew how tough it could be. She began to tell me that she gave birth in her home with no epidural and the baby was only 23 weeks along. She teared up and thanked me and I went on my way. I think I gain more satisfaction in hoping I make a difference in someones life rather than satisfying my own desires. It’s a moment I won’t forget.

And although karma did come around and bite me in the ass shortly thereafter, I hope she’ll give me something good in return. No good deed goes unnoticed. I just wish there were more people in the world who did random acts of kindness, because someday you might be the one in need. Do unto others as you wish they would do unto you.