Donating to Someone Who Certainly Deserves Recognition

I was in an unfamiliar town this morning for recreational reasons and had stopped at a common gas station to get gas before I left to go home. I wasn't in a very good mood. I have very unrealistic perfectionist ideas and therefore have suffered from mild depression on occasions.

I walked up to the entrance of the building to pay for my gas and stopped to read a bulletin on the door saying, "Please help me attend the Special Olympics this year by donating." As I walked inside, I saw a lovely young girl with Down Syndrome. She spoke to me very kindly and asked if I could donate to her cause. I politely apologized and told her that I didn't have cash on me at that time. Although, secretly I knew I could easily request cash from the ATM or at the cash register. I just wasn't in the mood. And I am a teenager, I work minimum wage. So after paying for my gas, I walked out of the gas station and the girl bid me a good farewell.

As I was walking back to my car, I flashed back to this website I looked up and was immediately struck by guilt. I knew I was able to contribute. And although I was in a bad mood before, everything seemed to fade away. I wasn't upset anymore. All I thought about moments before stepping into my car was that lovely girl who deserved to have her moment to shine.

My next action was obvious. I walked back into the gas station and headed towards the ATM. I pulled out the $20 dollar bill and handed it straight her.

Her response was ecstatic. She looked at me and gave me a huge smile and thanked me profusely. I accepted her gratitude and walked out of the building smiling wider than I had in a very long time.