Pay it Forward

Today at Aldi's, I suffered the humiliation of not having enough money. I was short by about $3.
Of COURSE there were 20 people in line behind me. Of COURSE I was sweating. Of COURSE the baby started fussing.
I asked him to take off the "Orange Coke."
"You mean the Orange Pop?"
"Uh...yeah." (As if this is the time to argue semantics. When I'm sweating profusely and the baby barfs all over herself.)
"That brings us to $60.54."
"I only have $60. That's IT."
"No change or anything?" Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
"No change or anything."
"Here, sweetheart, I have fifty cents for you," says the gray-haired tattoed man behind us.
"Oh...are you sure? Really? Thank you so much!"

Tonight, Richard went to get fitted for (another) tux, and a homeless man approached him. After a long story, Rich finally interrupted and said, "Just tell me what you need, man."
"I need $12."
"Well, I don't HAVE $12, but if you're still here when I come out, we'll find a way to take care of you." (To be fair, I had all of Richard's cash--in the form of $60 at Aldi's.)
Of course the man was waiting for him when he came out.
Richard DROVE him to Cub Foods and walked him in and bought him a $20 gift card.
The gentleman started crying, hugged Richard and sent my quiet, sweet husband on his way.

Needs, when legitimate, come in all shapes and sizes, but when needs are met unexpectedly I think the gratitude is the same.