Random acts of kindness in Pittsburgh, Pa.
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| © Ed Yozwick/Post-Gazette |
Form Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Readers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette share stories of random acts of kindness.
I am a theatergoer with disabilities that require a wheelchair if there’s any distance involved.
My wife and I had tickets for the March 31 matinee performance of “Rent” at Heinz Hall, Downtown. At the 11th hour, our daughter, Jill, who lives in Harrisburg, decided to join us. We were able to get her a ticket in the same row, about 10 seats away from us.
As I maneuvered into the theater seat and my daughter was taking my wheelchair to the back of the theater, we were talking about the easiest way for her to get to her seat.
The gentleman in the seat next to ours overheard our conversation and immediately offered to exchange seats with Jill so we could sit together. He was a “single” and said it didn’t really matter to him. He and Jill exchanged tickets and she was able to sit with us for the performance.
It wasn’t a big deal to this kind stranger, but it meant a lot to us since Jill lives far enough away from us that we don’t get to see her as often as we’d like. I wasn’t able to get this gentleman’s name, but I want him to know his kindness was appreciated.
With all the negativity out there on Facebook, Twitter, etc., it’s easy to believe that our world has become a very harsh place. I prefer to think that this perception exists only because kind gestures like this gentleman’s just don’t get enough coverage.
My thanks to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for providing a spot for kind gestures to at least get a mention.
ROBIN STEMPLE
Shanksville
Homage to man who befriended ‘Homeless Harry’
Oftentimes, the homeless are looked down upon. But the homeless are people who need love and care like the rest of us. Most are not homeless by choice.
Many homeless people were once productive, vibrant people who were attacked by a chemical imbalance. There is medication to help them, but often after taking the medication and feeling better, they stop taking it, thinking they are cured. The illness becomes dominant once again and they wander away from home and loved ones.
Monroeville’s “Homeless Harry” spent much of his time sheltered under the bridge on Old William Penn Highway. But praise God for Robb Fishman a chiropractor in Monroeville who took the time to talk to “Homeless Harry.” Through him randomly talking to Harry, a friendship was formed which led to Mr. Fishman giving food and taking an interest in Harry. Mr. Fishman also led a community effort and a house was rented for Harry.
Harry died Jan. 23, 2018, but through the random act of kindness of Mr. Fishman and others in the community, Harry died knowing that someone cared.
This act of kindness brought joy to my heart. This is what life is about — looking beyond ourselves and reaching out to others. Thank you, Robb Fishman, and may God reward your kindness.
WANDA G. PONDER
Monroeville
Awesome neighbors part of helpful crew
We have awesome neighbors. But we also have three neighbors in particular that are really good to us. Two of them are better known as the Blue Jay Drive/PennDOT crew.
On behalf of my husband and me, we would like to cite Perry C., Jim D. and Nancy P. for their untiring acts of kindness. Rain, snow, sleet or freezing weather didn’t keep Perry and Jimmy from shoveling our driveway and sidewalks.
And Nancy always picks up our Post-Gazette at the end of the driveway and places it right at our front door. She even has her dog trained to do the same.
We want to express our appreciation for making a difference and enriching our lives by their generosity of kindness in so many ways … the amount of goodness that they have shown us and our community is priceless.
STELLA SZAFRANSKI
Scott
Has someone done you right? Send your Random Act of Kindness to page2@post-gazette.com, or write to Portfolio, Post-Gazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
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