Have you given a gift to a stranger?

College Life
1

I just had an amazing and awesome experience. I was getting gas on my home from class earlier, and on the other side of the pump was this guy I recognized from college. I didn’t know him, we had not met before, but I had seen him in the bookstore and walking campus, etc. I noticed that as he was standing there, he was wiping away tears. I didn’t think anything of it at first, it’s finals week and that’s a common occurrence. But, I approached him, asked if he needed anything and was going to be okay. He said he had just gotten a call that his grandfather passed away. They were really close and he said he was trying to wait until he got home to start crying, but he couldn’t. I told him it was okay to cry, especially over something like that. I also told him that I lost my grandfather in March. We were also very close and I know how he feels. I told him if he wanted he could follow me to my place, we could talk, he could cry on my shoulder, whatever he wanted or needed. He came over, and we both bawled our eyes out on each other’s shoulders. He had to leave for work, but thanked me for taking the time to care and for giving the gift of friendship. I told him he is welcome to stop back by after work if he wants or needs to and that I am here for him. I guess I gave him the gift of my time, my shoulder, and my tears. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I am still crying even as I type this. For him, for his grandpa, and for my grandpa. And, if it’s okay with those reading this, I really don’t want to stop any time soon. Merry CHRISTmas everyone!!

Logan

2

Yes I have, and it does feel good.

Don’t stop.

Good luck with your exams and have a wonderful holiday break.

3

“He had to leave for work, but thanked me for taking the time to care and for giving the gift of friendship.”

And what a gift…the memory of which he can revisit again and again. As can you.

I remember taking off a really long, favorite wool scarf and wrapping it around the neck of a tall guy from campus whose name I knew, but with whom I’d never spoken. He was waiting at a bus stop to travel the first leg of a journey home. He balked as I began to unwrap the scarf from my neck, but he was sniffling already and going to be very ill after standing in the near-freezing temperatures. When he returned to campus, he returned the washed and folded scarf and brought me a handcrafted gift -a tiny book- made in his cultural tradition, which I still have.

There was a sharing there beyond any ‘thank you’ or ‘you’re welcome’ expressed. I’m sure your guest would feel the same.

The gift of friendship…may we each be the recipient of such.

4

This is one of the most awesome things I’ve read all week! Thank you for being such a wonderful person.

5

Thank you for sharing that, it’s awesome.

6

God bless you Logan I seriously mean that.

Please share this with as many people as you can. It sounds like you’ve has a very stressful semester and needed a caring cathartic experience. Please talk to the people closest to you about how you have been feeling.