Looking to pay it forward

Honestly this story kind of makes me laugh but it involves a very kind act and I know the day will come when I am given the opportunity to pay if forward. Years ago, while fundraising for the Breast Cancer 3 Day, I discovered that a 20oz bottle holds a lot of coins. I passed them out to friends and ask that they collect their spare change for a few months.


Although I no longer fundraise for that event, I have continued to collect change from around the house (so basically it is 99.9% Henry's money). When I fill a couple of the bottles I cash them in.Fast forward to yesterday, I had two bottles that were over flowing and I have a concert on Friday so I decided to cash in. First let me set the stage, I had just gone swimming and my hair was wet and ratty. I had not even changed out of my bathing suit. On top of my suit, I was wearing shorts that were a little too small and a tank top that was too big. The bottles were so full that it was hard to get the coins out. I would dig my finger in the bottle and then shake and then dig again.So here I am at the Kroger Coinstar, looking a hot mess violently shaking these bottles when a woman approached me. I thought she was going to ask for directions or something....BUT she handed me $20!


I was caught of guard and just did this weird "aaaah, thank you" and accepted the money. It wasn't until she walked away that I really processed what had just happened. I wanted to shout "wait, I just wanted extra money to spend on a $10 8oz beer at my concert" but she was gone.


I can't help but feel a little guilty. It is possible that my current state had nothing to do with her giving me the money. A random stranger may have once given her money "just because" buuutt I feel like I may have looked a lil desperate. The whole situation still makes me chuckle but the kind gesture was not lost and I will look for the opportunity to pay it forward.