(In primary and middle school, one of my classmates was a girl with Downs syndrome. When we started junior high she transferred to a school for students with special needs, and although we would see her around town every now and then, we haven’t really interacted much with her since then. She had some problems with communication and social interaction when we first started school, and it was believed that she would stay with her parents most of her life. We’re now in our 20s, and she has a job at the bakery my dad uses. He tells us about this interaction:)

Former Classmate: *to her coworkers, when she sees my dad walk up to the counter* “I’ll take this one. That’s [My Name]’s dad and I know him. I’m gonna serve him.”

(It’s not a lot, but just knowing that she still remembers not only me, but also my dad, after almost ten years, is really great. She always has a smile on her face, and everyone loves her. She has her own apartment and gets around town mostly on her own, and we’re all very proud of her.)

(This had been a really bad week where most of our customers, even the regulars, were absolutely terrible. We have been yelled at numerous times and basically been treated like we aren’t good enough for basic human respect. One of our elderly regulars came in. My coworker of the day and I are the two youngest people at our store and we help her pick out some gifts.)

Me: “All right, your total is $[total].”

Customer: “Okay, and thank you so much. My grandkids will love these. They’re such good kids and you don’t always find that with young people. Just like you two. You’re both wonderful and I’m always glad to have your help.”

(We thanked her and her kind words helped us get through the rest of the day.)

(As the bus pulls up to a stop, a group of five teenage boys are lining up to get off and each thanks the driver on their way out.)

Boy #1: “Thank you.”

Boy #2: “Thank you.”

Boy #3: “Thank you.”

Boy #4: “Thank you.”

Boy #5: “Hashtag thank you.”

(I work at a popular London tourist gift shop in a busy area. It’s an unusually quiet day, so I’m people-watching. A girl about 10-12 has been staring for a while at the display of toy knights and horses we sell.

Eventually, she leaves, and comes back with her mother and two brothers, who are about 8-9 and 14-15. She asks for one of the toys, but her mother says no. The eldest brother asks which ones are her favourite, the girl shows him, but the mother says no again and has her put them away. The girl looks very dejected, but doesn’t object. The family moves out of view for a few moments when I hear the brothers ask to go to the bathroom. They leave, and the mother and daughter go to the other end of the store.

Seconds later, the two brothers come back in, and are looking around nervously. They walk over to the display.)

Younger Brother: “Which one did she want?”

Older Brother: “The green one, I think.”

Younger Brother: “Okay, let’s get that one. Hurry!”

(They bring the green knight to the till. I ring it up quickly.)

Me: “Do you need a bag?”

Older Brother: “No, we need to hide it in our pockets so our sister doesn’t see.”

Me: “Gotcha. That’ll be [Amount].”

(Each brother places a £5 note on the counter.)

Me: “Thank you, here’s your change. Have a great day! Your sister will love her present.”

(The boys darted off, with the younger one checking that the knight was properly hidden in his brother’s sweater pocket. That girl is very lucky to have such thoughtful brothers, and it made my boring day a lot brighter!)

(I’m at the park with my toddler, chasing him between the play-scapes, when a boy about eight years old does a double-take and runs over to me.)

Boy: “Hey, lady! Did you lose your wallet?”

(I reach in my pocket & realize my wallet had fallen out; I look up slightly panicked.)

Me: “Yeah, I guess I did.”

(He begins shouting at another boy.)

Boy: “I found her! I found her!”

(The other boy runs over as he explains that they’d found my wallet, looked inside at the license and were looking out for someone who matched the picture. I hadn’t even realized I’d lost my wallet. We walk over to the concession stand where they turned it in and point me out to the cashier.)

Boy: “Here’s the lady who lost her wallet!”

(She grudgingly compares the picture before handing it over. When I look inside, everything, including cash and credit cards, is there.)

Me: “Okay, guys, pick out something. Anything – it’s on me!”

Boys: *excited* “Wow! Really?”

Me: “You saved me from having to replace a license and cancel all my credit cards. It’s the least I can do.”

(In the end, they settled for a couple of snow cones. Thanks, guys. Not only did you find my wallet but devised a clever way to find ME!)