A Chance Encounter: How a Simple Act of Kindness Changed a Life

As Casey Fischer walked by a homeless man who looked particularly destitute, she made the choice to not remain indifferent. "I believe anyone in such a situation is there due to circumstances, not their own choice," she thought to herself. She then stepped into a nearby café and bought him coffee and a bagel.

Initially, the homeless man, named Chris, refused her generous offer. He was very ashamed, and Casey, noticing his embarrassment, invited him to join her at her table. "He told me with his eyes lowered that people usually look down on him because he's homeless. He regretted his situation and hated himself for ending up this way. As we talked, I discovered a really smart person with dreams any mother would be proud of her son for having. He shared that his mother had passed away from cancer some time ago, and he continued to dream because his goal was to succeed for her."

The two chatted warmly for over an hour until Casey had to leave. But before she parted ways with Chris, he suddenly pulled out a small, crumpled note from his pocket, handed it to her, and apologized for his "ugly handwriting." "Read it on your way," he asked her with a smile.

It was only on her way that Casey opened the note and read the scribbled words that she realized her act of kindness had been more than just feeding a homeless person. Chris had written: "Today, I wanted to kill myself, but now because of you, I don't. Thank you, beautiful person."

Casey was deeply moved by the note and the words. "It just shows us all how much weight and value the smallest acts we do can carry," she said.