Good Deeds

Why is it when you do something nice for someone else, you feel better than when someone does something nice for you? This morning, as I was crossing the intersection at Front and Yonge, I saw a young Asian woman walking around the corner and heard a distinct “ping”. She looked down quickly but kept walking. Having lost an earring on the street many, many years ago (I ignored the “ping” sound and have been searching ever since!), I decided to take a closer look.

There on the ground, behind the light pole, was a silver chain bracelet with a large fob clasp which had fallen off her delicate wrist. It looked expensive. Even if it wasn’t, I knew it was probably important to the owner. I scooped it up and went racing up Yonge Street in pursuit of the owner. I am always hesitant to stop strangers on the street by touching them but this time, I didn’t hesitate.

“Excuse me!” I cried.

She stopped and turned towards me, looking startled.

“Is this yours?” I asked, holding the bracelet out towards her.

Her eyes opened wide when she saw what I was holding and then exclaimed, “Oh yes it is!”

“I heard you drop it and saw you look but decided I would check the spot and there it was.”

Then she smiled a smile of gratitude, “Thank you SO much!”

The look of her face made my day.