Yesterday was the birthday of my friend Scott. I had theatre rehearsal until about 10pm and then I headed down to Arlington, VA to meet up with Scott and some others.
We ended up getting a bite to eat at Bob and Edith’s Diner. I noticed that it was after midnight and I thought I could give my 15th installment of $10 away.
At the table next to us, sat two young ladies deeply engaged in the type of conversation people have when they haven’t seen each other in a long time. I cautiously approached them and explained the Year of Giving. J.J. wasted no time in saying that her friend Sam should receive the $10. Sam accepted although she later said she was highly skeptical of our intentions at first.
Sam is a 24 year-old resident of VA who originally hails from NC. She is an artist and fashion designer. I asked what she was going to do with the money and the conversation begun to whirl. I believe the final verdict was that the money would some how be spent on someone else. If Sam checks this out, she can update us.
Sam says she has a natural tendency to help others and really cares about others’ feelings. She attributes this generous and caring trait to her mother.
It was getting really late and although neither Scott nor I had to work on Tuesday, my internal clock was telling me that I needed to get some sleep. We left Bob and Edith’s with our stomachs full and satisfied with another successful day of giving.
Year of Giving 
This is Samantha…
Right after Reed and Scott gave me the $10 and left, we left shortly after. As I went up to pay for my bill at the register, I turned to recognize an older gentleman who I see walking the streets late and ended up using the $10 and bought the old gentleman his breakfast without him knowing 🙂
I appreciate what you are doing Reed!
Good for you Samantha. That man will be telling people about how surprised he was. Someone he tells will be inspired to pay for the car behind them at a toll booth, or something similar. Of course things can snowball.
That is great! I sometimes go through a fast food drive through and ask the cashier how much the bill behind me is. Then if I can afford to pay it I do and I tell the cashier to tell them I said to have a great day!