In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the simple acts of kindness that make a significant difference. This heartwarming story occurred in the unlikeliest of places — a post office in Taichung Park in Taichung City, Taiwan. This tale of an elderly woman and the compassionate individuals she encountered serves as a reminder of the profound impact of small acts of kindness.
The daily ritual
The protagonist of our story is a retired volunteer who worked at the local post office. Every day, an elderly woman in her 80s would be the first to arrive at the post office, where she would withdraw 100 Taiwanese dollars from her passbook. This daily routine continued until, one day, the woman stopped showing up. After over two weeks of her absence, the volunteer, out of curiosity, asked the post office manager about her.
The story unfolds
The manager revealed that the elderly woman had passed away. He then shared her story. The woman was a lonely senior citizen living nearby. She had a son who had tragically committed suicide about 10 years ago due to a failed business. After that, the woman’s mental health deteriorated.
One day, she arrived at the post office with an invalid passbook, insisting on withdrawing 100 Taiwanese dollars. She was adamant that her son sent her 5,000 Taiwanese dollars every month. Despite the post office staff’s explanation that her passbook was invalid and had no funds, she refused to leave. Left with no choice, the post office staff called the police, who took the woman to the police station.
A policeman’s kindness
The next day, the policeman who had escorted the woman was waiting at the post office early in the morning. He handed the manager 3,000 Taiwan dollars and requested that they continue to give the woman 100 Taiwan dollars daily, treating her with respect and telling her: “Your son is very filial.”
This arrangement continued for six months until the policeman was transferred to another city. Before leaving, he visited the post office to say goodbye, expressing his inability to continue his support. The small post office, with only four employees, assured him they would continue to help the elderly woman.
The post office’s continued support
The four employees took turns paying the woman her daily 100 Taiwanese dollars. This continued until the woman passed away, never knowing the kindness the policeman and the post office employees bestowed upon her.
The power of hidden kindness
In the world, there are visible and hidden acts of kindness. While visible acts may bring fame, obscure acts accumulate virtue. The world is full of people in need, and sometimes, a simple act of care can help a person adjust their mindset, regain their spirit, and continue moving forward. This story serves as a poignant reminder never to underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.
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