Pay It Forward

The kids had a 4 day weekend and we decided to head out of town for 2 nights.  While away we were the recipients of two separate random acts of kindness. 

First Random Act of Kindness:

On our first night away, my son's tooth fell out during dinner.  He made a comment about putting it under his pillow and my other son pointed out that the tooth fairy might not come while we are on vacation (for once I was thankful for one of my kids piping in).  Well, let me just point out to you that on the best of days, the tooth fairy sucks around here.  I have found her to be very unreliable.  So add in 5 people in a hotel room?  My 2 boys in a bed?  The chances of not falling asleep before everyone else and being able to slip to my wallet and under a pillow unnoticed?  Looking slim for an appearance by our winged friend.

The next morning we were out and about sight seeing and the tooth fairy came up.  Did she come?  Well of course not!  But what we didn't yet know was that while we were off enjoying our day, she really did come.  We returned to our room late that night and when pulling the covers down to get ready for bed my son found money under his pillow, right along side his tooth.  My husband and I looked at each other, then the money folded up and realized it was the tip we had left of our house keeper that day.  Our house keeper must have found the tooth, realized what a sucky busy mom I am, and saved the day.

On our way out of the hotel the next morning the housekeepers were out in the hall.  I asked the one next door if she had been in our room the day before.  When she confirmed I simply said "thank you".  (the kids were there).  She responded with "No problem, I have kids too."  She found an extra tip when she went into our room to clean and I was sure to speak with the manager about her act of kindness.  It is nice to know mom's have each others backs.  

Second Random Act of Kindness:
Less than 24 hours after discovering the first  RAC we were the recipients of a second RAC.  We took the kids on a guided tour and while waiting in line to pay, the couple behind us asked how many kids we had.  We replied our usual 3 and they asked if we would like them to cover 2 of them.  They had a gift certificate for admission for 2 adults and 2 children and they had no children with them.  While they could have just redeemed the part that was applicable to them, they decided it to share it with us.  I introduced Baby Girl and The Middle Child to their new parents and thanked the couple profusely, they just saved us some bucks!

I found both of these acts of kindness very touching.  While it would have been easy for these people to go about their own day they didn't.  They realized they could lend a helping hand and did so willingly and happily.  It really made my day and will not be forgotten quickly.  In return for their kindness I will extend my hand to someone else.