The Kindness of Strangers

10-09-2009 Friday

First of all, before any Stephen King enthusiast sue me, I will admit that I borrowed the title for this post on a recent Stephen King novel I just finished reading. It's not only because my originality seemed to have worn out these days but also because I can't think of any other title apt for what I have to go through today.

What happened was I lost my ID last wednesday while I was on the way to work. It was my first time driving alone to work and I don't realize then how stupid I am to put the small plastic ID holder in my back pocket. It contains all of my identification, my company ID, driver's license, my ATM card, the access card at work, and a stinking 20 peso bill. Yeah the 20 bill is part of my identification, they'll know that I'm cheap. Imagine a girl who works at a call center, rides a honda alpha and brings nothing but 20 bucks?

I was pretty disoriented last Wednesday so it's just now that I'm posting this stuff. Besides that, would you believe that a kind stranger actually returned my ID and driver's license? Well, the ATM card is really lost for good but I'm thankful that I had it blocked way before someone was able to use it. I was really hoping that I will struggle to get another ID and all, but i become hopeful when someone texted my Globe number ,telling me that they have my ID.

We arranged a meet-up and I asked Alex to join me. The stranger told me that we can meet at Intramuros and even though it's far and in a completely opposite direction of where I live, I agreed. I can't arrange the meeting place when it's them that's being kind enough to return my ID.

After my shift at work, we headed straight to Intramuros. I texted the kind stranger and the reply I got was they're at the park in Fort Santiago. When we got there, a small, dark skinned, lady was smiling at us and called her father, who turns out to be the one who found my ID in the middle of the highway.

I couldn't thank them enough and I want to give something back but all I can do right then is say thank you. Had I been rich, I would probably buy the little wood statues that her father is selling, just to make up for their effort of trying to get in touch with me. They look like an average family, struggling to get by everyday by selling stuff in the park.

The father told me that he didn't find any ATM on it, just the company ID and driver's license lying on the ground. He said that he also rides a motorcycle and he knows how important a license is and it's a bit hard to get one now, not to mention it costs more than what it used to. I thanked him for the hundreth time earlier then we said our goodbyes and we went our way.

Now, that I'm safely back at home, I'm still thankful that some people will still do kindness to others. Here I am, thinking that the world is populated by greedy people, sluts, bastards and the likes. Today, I learned that a few, hey few is still a number, still shows kindness to others. I am thankful, grateful, I love the people who are willing to help others, stranger or not, they're more human to me than someone I know. Someone like my mother, whom I'm still selling, by the way. Anyone out there who wants one? Hello?? Uhh..

Labels: ID, intramuros, license, lost, Stephen King, strangers, The kindness of strangers

posted by Monica-Lynne @ 2:58 AM