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It’s not every day that you look out your window and see strangers hanging out in your garden and on your lawn furniture. But when one man in Toronto peered out behind his curtains and was greeted with the surprising sight of two elderly women sitting down for a chat, he reacted in the most unexpected way.
*Featured image contains photo by Craig AdderleyWhat happens is so shocking, that she goes online in a frantic attempt to find out who is behind it.The Crushing Cost of ParenthoodPhoto by Nicola BartsRaising a child is pricey business, and the cost is only rising.As per CBS, "The cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 will set you back by about $310,000." It's pushed more and more families into homelessness. One of the biggest infant expenses is diapers -- and lots of them. So when Brisbane native Michelle Patricia Bennett is strolling down the aisle at Woolworth's to buy some for her baby one day, she's price-watching. After all, she doesn't want any surprises. Fast forward a couple of days later. Bennett recalls that she was "having a day at home just trying to catch up on the mountains of housework," when a surprise is exactly what she gets. A Stunning Surprise From Aisle 5Photo by Eduardo SoaresThat's because, as she opens up the box of diapers, she discovers something else inside. It's a five-dollar bill -- with a note. What it reads gives her the motivation to share her experience online and it quickly goes viral.Bennett's post is titled 'My Wealthy Wednesday.' "To the kind person that has done this, thank you!!! It is such a wonderful gesture and certainly brought a smile to my face," she writes.She includes a picture of the note which reads:If you having a tough day, I thought maybe I can brighten it up with this little surprise. Go buy a coffee or a scratch ticket. Practice some self-care today. Always remember you are much loved and you are amazing :)Bennett continues, "I'll definitely get a coffee or a scratchy soon."The story had the internet gushing with awestruck comments. "Oh, that's so sweet," posted one woman. "So nice of someone to do such a thing. Lovely little surprise -- a little bit of kindness goes a long way.""This is absolutely beautiful," added another. How a Mother Reminds Us That the Small Things MatterIt doesn't take an economist to know that it's not just parents who are feeling the financial crunch. Per Business Insider, "bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other money problems like car repossessions and loan defaults" have consumer stress levels the highest in four years. While the struggle is real, it's no match for kindness. Among the quotes on kindness, one by Abraham Lincoln reads, " Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out." It might be a little legal leniency for a single mother, making a waitress's wish come true or repaying a treasured teacher. No matter the situation, through all of life's waves and ripples, kindness endures. Let's all keep that close to heart the next time we're in a bind.More from Goalcast:Single Mom’s Biggest Fear Is Regarding Her 14-Year-Old Son – So His Teacher Makes Her an OfferSingle Mom’s Driveway Is “Stolen” in Broad Daylight – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Can’t RefuseBoy Suddenly Goes Missing During Routine Walmart Trip – His Mom Finds Him in an Unlikely Place
It’s happened to all of us: you’ve loaded up your shopping cart or ordered a service, only to reach for your wallet and realize that it’s not there. It can be an embarrassing and anxiety-inducing scenario, one that sets the tone for the day.A man faced a similar situation one day when he couldn’t remember his new PIN at a gas station. But when a stranger stepped in to help, he did more than save this man’s day.A Routine Gas Station StopOne morning, bright and early, a man named Tyson Crawley pulled up to a service station. He filled his truck with diesel and topped up his jerrycan with petrol. Then he entered the station and ordered a couple of iced coffees. When he went to pay, things went sideways.Crawley had transferred all his money to a new bank account the night before and realized he didn’t have his new bank card on him. He tried to pay from a joint account but, for the life of him, could not remember the PIN.“After searching through my iPhone bank app to figure out how to reset my PIN I had failed,” Crawley recalled in a Facebook post. “My dog was barking wildly, I had to get to work, and I was starting to freak.”A Surprise GestureAs Crawley began panicking, a man who had purchased a coffee right before him and exited the store witnessed the ordeal. He came back inside.“Do you need some money?” he asked.Crawley said no, that he just couldn’t remember his code, and it was okay. The man said it was fine, and then walked around to the register. When Crawley realized what he was doing, he insisted it was okay; he had the money but just needed to figure out his PIN.“It’s a free country, isn’t it?” the stranger asked. “I can help a brother out, can’t I?”Crawley was stunned. The bill was $110, but eventually, he accepted the kind man’s help. He then passed him the receipt and asked him to write down his number so that he could contact him and pay him back immediately.Another Unexpected TwistThe attendant, whom Crawley said was just as stunned as he was, passed the man a pen. The stranger wrote on it, folded it down, and handed it to Crawley. Crawley was so overwhelmed and grateful that he insisted they take a photo together. Then the man left. “I turned around to the attendant and she said, ‘Well that doesn’t happen every day,’” Crawley recalled. “I turned around to leave, and he was gone, literally gone. I went outside and could not see him anywhere.”It was then that Crawley opened the receipt to look at the number and he received another shock. Instead of a phone number, the man had written down his name along with three game-changing words.“John. Pass it on.”Paying It ForwardCrawley wrapped his Facebook post with an important reminder.“Please be beautiful people, and remember it's not about keeping up with the joneses, having the biggest house, most expensive car, the largest bank account, but work with each other, after all, what is money compared to the quality of human life?” he wrote.Money comes and goes, but who we are as people and how we interact with one another is the essence of our being. Helping each other out when times are tough, even when we don’t know the person, is what makes us human, and what can make this life so beautiful.So the next time you’re in a position to pay it forward, why not? Go ahead and buy that coffee for the person behind you. Pay that parking meter that’s about to expire for a total stranger. Donate toys to a toy drive, leave a super generous tip, or give a secret gift.At the end of the day, it’s how we show up for each other and help one another out that matters. Everything else is just extra.More from Goalcast:Single Mom Gives Stranger $7 for Christmas – Then, He Leads Her to the Parking Lot Where His “Special Friend” Was WaitingStranger Shows Up at Woman’s House in the Middle of the Night – Her Doorbell Camera Catches the Entire ExchangeStranger Gives Woman Advice About Her Toxic Relationship – Receives an Unexpected Email From Her 6 Years Later
In the bustling routine of daily life, where faces blur into the crowd, individual stories often fade into the background. Yet, sometimes, a simple interaction can illuminate the extraordinary in the ordinary, reminding us of the unique stories each person carries.Enter MDMotivator, or Zachery Dereniowski, a man on a mission, known for his acts of kindness and dedication to mental health advocacy. Through his social media presence, Zach has become a beacon of hope, sharing his journey and inspiring others to open up about their struggles.What a Stranger Asked From a CashierPhoto by Anna TarazevichOn a particular day, Zach steps into a fast-food joint, not just for a quick bite but with a mission in mind. Approaching the cashier, Kim, he poses a simple yet revealing question: “What can I get for a buck?”The cashier, momentarily puzzled, scans the menu for the cheapest item. The options are limited, and nothing quite fits the bill. Then, an idea strikes her. She asks Zach if he likes hot dogs. When he says he does and asks about the cost, she tells him – $2.49, more than he’s asked to spend. But what comes next is unexpected. She offers to pay for it herself.Curious, Zach asks why she would do this for a stranger. The cashier’s response is heartwarming. “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like,” she said. In a moment of recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, she seized it, however small it might seem.“It sucks when nobody wants to help you,” Kim said.This gesture captures the essence of human connection – a simple act of kindness that speaks volumes. Zach, revealing his identity as MDMotivator, known for turning moments of kindness into viral stories, is about to add another chapter.How One Cashier Proved Small Acts Have a Huge ImpactIn exchange for the worker’s willingness to pay for his meal out of her pocket, Zach offers her a stack of cash from his own. After putting the initial dollar bill into her tip jar, he pulls out a handful of hundreds, totaling $1,000.When Zach later posted the interaction to his TikTok channel, it went viral, amassing over 5.4 million views on that platform alone. The video resonates because it reflects a universal truth: we all have the power to uplift others, no matter how small the action may be.But that wasn't it! Zach created a GoFundMe page for Kim, which has currently has $11,000.In the fast-paced world where moments often slip away unnoticed, this exchange serves as a powerful reminder. The seemingly mundane act of buying a hot dog becomes a symbol of empathy and connection. It's a testament to the fact that kindness, no matter how small, has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the initial gesture.This story, shared by Zach, isn’t just about a meal or money; it's about the profound impact of compassion, reminding us that in the grand tapestry of life, each thread of kindness adds to the beauty of the whole.More from Goalcast:Woman Notices a Long Line of Hungry Customers at Whataburger – Their Interaction With Deaf Cashier Goes Viral91-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Can Finally Retire Her Cashier Job – All Because She Took Matters Into Her Own HandsMan Writes a LinkedIn Post After His 59-Year-Old Dad Lost His Cashier Job – And the Response Was Shocking
In a touching moment that resonates with the power of kindness, an 8-year-old girl from Texas, Paige Vazquez, found herself in a heartfelt prayer with police officers at a San Antonio restaurant. This poignant incident, now viral, unfolded as Paige, driven by her usual practice of praying for people, noticed the officers and decided to extend her heartfelt prayer their way.What One Little Girl Told a Table of Police OfficersPhoto by Min AnFor Paige, this simple act of compassion is part of her routine. "I always pray for people because, and police officers, because I know they have a rough time sometimes and sometimes a little prayer can make someone’s day, so I decided to do that just in case they’re having a rough day," shared Paige.She continued, "I asked them, 'Hello Officers, may I please pray for you?' and they said, 'Yeah sure.'"What makes this gesture particularly moving is the context: the San Antonio officers were grappling with the recent loss of one of their own. Officer Michael Moreno lost his life in the line of duty in late June, and the department was mourning his passing. Paige's heartfelt prayer served as a moment of solace and upliftment for officers going through an incredibly challenging time.The San Antonio Police Department took to their Facebook page to share this beautiful encounter, acknowledging it as "a wonderful moment to lift our spirits on the hardest of days." The post, accompanied by a photo capturing the essence of the moment, was taken by Paige's grandmother.How One Little Girl Proved the Importance of Spreading LoveOfficer Moreno's funeral took place that Friday, and Paige's gesture, although seemingly small, resonated deeply with the officers. Paige's mother, Kat Garcia, expressed her astonishment at the post going viral but noted that her daughter's actions weren't surprising. Describing Paige as caring, loving, and possessing an "old soul," Garcia highlighted to InsideEdition.com that such gestures come naturally to her young daughter.After the prayer, officers took a moment to express their gratitude to Paige. As Garcia emphasized, "We support our officers." The post, shared over 3,000 times, stands as a testament to the impact of a child's genuine compassion, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can touch hearts and resonate far beyond the immediate moment.More from Goalcast:Man Calls Cops and Claims to Be Kidnapped – When the Officer Arrives at the Scene, He Finds Something Completely DifferentElderly Neighbor Calls the Cops on a 9-Year-Old Black Girl Because He Was “Scared” – Then Yale University Takes OverBike-Riding Domino’s Delivery Guy Helps Cops Catch Thief — Still Manages to Deliver Pizza On Time
Teens sometimes have a bad reputation for being self-involved or uncaring. But every day, countless teens around the world remind us that they aren’t just kind, generous, and thoughtful — they’re also the world leaders of tomorrow.Perhaps that’s why a video of three teens helping out a homeless man down on his luck has inspired so many other people. Because when it comes to being socially aware and caring for fellow human beings, these teens could teach some adults a thing or two.A Man Down on His LuckOne night shortly after Christmas a few years ago, teens Ryan Cook, Joshua Mechell, and Alberto Montiel were hanging out and eating at a Chick-fil-A in Texas. As they enjoyed one another’s company, they noticed a man sitting in the restaurant by himself, counting change and crying.“He had a worn bible on the table with a picture of Jesus and some change he was counting,” Cook recalled in a Facebook post. “The staff said he came in all the time but didn’t bother anyone or ask for handouts except when he is looking for water for his dog, Sock.”It was that selfless act, a man who would only ask for something for his dog, that really resonated with the boys. They knew they wanted to help.”“People were telling us how he never asks for handouts,” Cook added to InsideEdition, as per Yahoo News. “We saw him crying, and we saw him struggling to buy a meal. So I decided to buy him a gift card.”Springing Into ActionThe boys purchased gift cards to Chick-fil-A but didn’t stop there. They ensured the man, Eddie, would wait at the restaurant, and then they headed over to Dick’s Sporting Goods. There, they pooled their money to buy a coat, three shirts, a beanie, and a first aid kit.Their action also inspired the store manager, who chipped in $20 toward the purchase and donated the display merchandise.“Once we got back, I took this video,” Cook explained, posting the video to Facebook. “After we gave him the stuff, he said, ‘This is almost like Christmas because I didn't get anything for Christmas this year.’ And I said, ‘Just think of it as a late Christmas present.’”To InsideEdition, Cook added that it felt really good to give.“It was an awesome experience. He quickly got out of his chair. He was so excited and happy to see something new in his life,” he said.Cook also revealed that he and his friends kept in touch with Eddie, and they were saving to get him a motel room and a nice meal for Super Bowl Sunday.Spreading the MessageInitially, the teens didn’t think about posting the video or the photo they took on social media. After all, they just wanted to help Eddie and to be good people. However, they also realized they had a powerful message to share, and maybe they could do more good by showing everyone how much their act had meant to the man.“Just setting an example for everyone else,” Cook wrote in his post. “Be selfless and do good for others, then the world would be a better place for everyone. Felt the need to post this to inform others to do better not to gain anything from it.”“We just want to make the world a better place to live in, and we want to inspire people to make a difference,” Mechell added to InsideEdition.Setting the Right ExampleThis story is so heartwarming because it sheds teens in a positive light while also inspiring us to do good, selfless things as well. Just because someone is struggling or doesn’t have a home doesn’t mean they aren’t people.Sometimes, doing your part means stopping and getting to know someone who seems alone. Perhaps it means donating to a food bank or giving your time to a worthy cause. Maybe it just means keeping an eye out to see how you can help others when given the opportunity. Or perhaps it means stopping and asking how you can give the next time you face a situation in which you may have previously walked away. As Cook himself said, being selfless and doing good for others just makes the world a better place.More from Goalcast:Teen Catches a Wallet Full of Money While Fishing — Instead of Keeping It, He Releases It to Farmer Who Lost ItTeens Notice Attractive Woman Whisper 2 Words From the Car Next to Them – Immediately Realize Something Is WrongTeens Approach Elderly Man When They Think No One Is Watching – Little Did They Know What Would Happen Next
In the heart of a White Castle, where the scent of sliders meets the whispers of vows, a couple recently tied the knot, weaving together a tale of love, resilience, and the unexpected kindness of a fast-food haven.Jamie West, the bride, reflects on a poignant chapter of her life that unfolded in the 1990s. A homeless teen, West had navigated through the shadows of 94 foster homes. At 16, she found herself alone, battling the harsh realities of life, abuse, and addiction.How a White Castle Restaurant Welcomed a Homeless TeenPhoto by Polina TankilevitchIn a serendipitous encounter, she stumbled upon a White Castle, seeking water to quench her thirst. Little did she know, this visit would change the course of her life. A compassionate employee not only offered solace but filled her arms with sacks of slider hamburgers — simple acts of kindness that resonated deeply.West recalled the moment: “I walked into the White Castle, the first one I had ever seen, and this woman goes, ‘Oh, sugar, you poor thing. You go on in that bathroom and get yourself cleaned up,’ and so I did. I cried in the bathroom because I was being treated like a human.”"Every time after that, when I saw a White Castle, I knew it was somewhere that I would be safe to run to, and if I was starving, I would be able to get fed.”This extraordinary gesture wasn’t just a meal; it became a beacon of hope. In a world that often treated the homeless with indifference, White Castle stood as a sanctuary, a place where humanity triumphed over adversity.Years later, after overcoming her struggles, West found love in Drew Schmitt. The couple, embodying a tale of resilience, heard that a White Castle would open near their home in Arizona. Their excitement manifested in crowns, axes, and swords as they camped outside on the opening day, becoming the first to step into the newly opened establishment.Their unique connection with White Castle didn’t end there. Sharing her remarkable story, West and Schmitt were inducted into the restaurant's hall of fame. This recognition, an ode to their enduring love, marked the beginning of a new chapter.How a White Castle Employee Changed a Life With KindnessIn a medieval-themed ceremony, where love echoed against the backdrop of sliders, West and Schmitt exchanged vows. The flower girls, tossing dehydrated onions instead of petals, added a whimsical touch. The guests savored White Castle sliders, and instead of traditional rings, the couple sealed their union with Celtic ring finger tattoos.Reflecting on the unconventional wedding, West expressed gratitude: “We’re so thankful that we found each other and have become each other’s partners and best friends.”“We are happy beyond words for the joy that Jamie and Drew share, and honored that we were able to play a part in the greatest royal wedding ever!” White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson told TODAY.com. “Jamie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and being there for one another as we keep focus on our purpose of feeding the souls of Craver generations everywhere.”As the couple celebrated their 15th year together, West's wedding dress, a quinceanera gown, symbolized not only their union but the journey they had traveled. The wedding cake, shaped like a slider, paid homage to that transformative moment in West's life.In a heartfelt message to the White Castle employee who unknowingly altered her destiny, West said, “Thank you for being the reason I exist right now, not knowing what you were doing and just feeding somebody because you’re a good human.”Their wedding at White Castle isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a testament to the profound impact of small acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. In this unexpected venue, a homeless teen found not just a meal but a lifeline, and in the arms of love, she discovered a castle of dreams.More from Goalcast:Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress – And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her BackHigh School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him
In the heart of Oxford, North Carolina, a little hero emerged from a Walmart parking lot. Ryleigh Livengood, at the tender age of 8, is proving that kindness knows no bounds.What an 8-Year-Old Girl Did at WalmartPhoto by Ulrick TrappschuhOne day, after a routine grocery run with her mom Tiffany, Ryleigh noticed something amiss in the Walmart parking lot. Carts were scattered everywhere, and CJ Hart, a Walmart employee, was diligently working to corral them. Without a second thought, Ryleigh insisted on helping. For her, it wasn't just about collecting carts; it was about doing what's right.Her mom, Tiffany, shared their impromptu act of kindness on Facebook. Ryleigh expressed that helping CJ was what they were supposed to do because "that’s what we are supposed to do. We are supposed to be kind."What might have seemed like a small gesture had a profound impact on CJ. Later that night, he poured his emotions into a Facebook post, expressing gratitude for Ryleigh's unexpected help. He shared how Ryleigh, an angel in his eyes, saw beyond race and size, and offered a helping hand.Overwhelmed by this pure act of kindness, CJ hoped to have the chance to thank Ryleigh. The universe, it seemed, was in sync. The very next day, Ryleigh and her mom returned to Walmart. Ryleigh, once again, noticed a stray cart, and without hesitation, brought it inside. There, she reunited with her new friend, CJ.How One Little Girl Proved the Importance of KindnessThis time, the exchange was more than words. CJ handed Ryleigh a card, a small token with a $20 bill inside. The message read, "Your hard work meant a lot to me. I don’t know you but you’re an angel." This simple card now sits proudly on Ryleigh’s dresser, a testament to the impact of a kind heart.Ryleigh's spontaneous act of goodness not only made CJ’s day but also left an indelible mark on her own heart. Her mom hopes that their story will inspire more acts of kindness. "I challenge everyone, to be kind today to someone," Tiffany wrote. "Do a random act of kindness, just because."In the narrative of life, Ryleigh Livengood has become a beacon of compassion, reminding us all that a little kindness, especially from the pure heart of a child, can illuminate the darkest corners of the world. Ryleigh, you are a beautiful soul, and we are grateful for the lessons you teach us — lessons of love, kindness, and the profound impact a small act can have.More fron Goalcast:Woman Shops at Walmart With Her Family – Finds an Envelope on the Floor With a Note From a StrangerTikToker Raises Over $180K to Help 81-Year-Old Walmart Employee Pay Off MortgageBlack Man Shopping for His Kids Is Followed by Security at Walmart – Uses the Incident as a Teachable Moment
*Featured image contains photo by Taufiq KlinkenborgIn a world that often rushes by, it's the small acts of kindness that remind us of the compassion that still exists. Jennifer Deibert and her husband recently experienced one such heartwarming moment that reaffirmed their belief in the goodness of humanity.As they were out running errands, fate had a beautiful encounter in store for them. Jennifer's husband, inspired by her own commitment to random acts of kindness, found an opportunity to make a significant difference in someone's life.What One Stranger Did When He Saw a Homeless ManSpotting a homeless man walking near a business, they couldn't help but notice the sorry state of his shoes. His toes were protruding out of the front, a telltale sign that the shoes were far too small for his feet. The homeless man had resorted to drastic measures, cutting out the front and tops of his shoes to accommodate his feet. It was a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by those living on the streets.Jennifer's husband couldn't simply pass by. His heart swelled with compassion for the homeless man, who was enduring not only the chill of the weather but also the discomfort of ill-fitting shoes. In a remarkable display of kindness, he decided to take action.Without hesitation, Jennifer's husband stepped out of their car, walked over to the homeless man, and did something that touched not only the man's life but also the hearts of everyone who would hear this story. He took off his own shoes and handed them to the homeless man, along with a few dollars to ensure he could enjoy a warm meal.Jennifer, overwhelmed with pride and love for her husband, shared this incredible act of kindness on social media. She wrote, "I fell in love with my husband a little more today… I think I’m wearing off on him with all my random acts of kindness…"The response to her post was nothing short of heartwarming. Thousands of people from around the world were deeply moved by her husband's selfless gesture. They flooded the comments section with messages of support and admiration.How One Person’s Actions Can Positively Impact AnotherOne commenter wrote, "So much love shown. God bless you and your husband and GOD BLESS THIS MAN TO GET BACK WHERE HE NEEDS TO BE IN LIFE." It's a sentiment shared by many who hope for a better future for the homeless man who received the shoes.Another commenter expressed their appreciation, saying, "You two are amazing. Thank you for your husband’s kindness and thank you for supporting him." It's a reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can inspire others and create a ripple effect of goodwill.Jennifer's story struck a chord with countless people. One commenter shared, "This is why I still live in this world with hope in my heart. Blessings on you and your husband. Clearly you’re leading by example, and it’s working."In a world that often highlights negativity, Jennifer and her husband's story serves as a poignant reminder that kindness and compassion are still very much alive. It's a testament to the power of one person's actions to make a significant impact on another's life and to inspire positive change in the world.So, the next time you come across someone in need, remember Jennifer's husband and his selfless act. You never know how a simple act of kindness can touch a heart and create a brighter, more hopeful world for us all.More from Goalcast:Teen Tries to Sell His Shoes to Help Pay For His Sister’s Medical Bills – And Then a Stranger Comes Along and Makes the Teen CrySingle Mom With $20 Struggles to Find Shoes for Her Son – Until an Eavesdropping Stranger Walks Up to ThemPolice Officer Tries To Gift Barefoot Man Shoes And Fails, Then Gets Unexpected Surprise
Accessible parking spots, marked with the internationally recognized blue wheelchair symbol, exist for a specific reason – to provide convenience and equal access to individuals with disabilities. The word "disability" tends to evoke images of someone in a wheelchair or someone who requires crutches or a cane. But this isn't always the case. Not all disabilities are visible, but it doesn't make them any less real.A Man’s Car Is Vandalized After He Parks in an Accessible Parking SpotReynaldo Ortiz from Aurora, Illinois was just trying to do a little grocery shopping when his trip to the supermarket turned into a nightmare.Ortiz, who has had six knee surgeries and a hip surgery, parked in one of the store's handicapped spots. It's important to note that he does have a handicapped parking permit. "I get out of the car and I start walking into the store and I hear a bunch of people yelling, and I turn around to see, what are they yelling at? Turns out it was me," Ortiz told CBS2.The bystanders told him that he didn't "look" handicapped and questioned why he was parking there. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time that Ortiz had been accused of misusing the parking space. Not wanting a confrontation, he ignored them and continued into the store. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong so he turned around and headed back to his car.It turns out his spidey senses were right. Lo and behold, a man was in the midst of keying his entire car."Something told me 'You need to go back and check,'" Ortiz said. "I went back outside and I see the guy going around my car keying it and taking pictures of it."The perpetrator immediately got into his vehicle and took off, with Ortiz in hot pursuit. Ortiz followed the man and called the Aurora police. The man confessed to keying Ortiz's car, causing over $4,000 in damages. Police charged him with criminal vandalism.Not All Disabilities Are VisibleJust because someone doesn't use a wheelchair or require assistance walking doesn't mean they aren't entitled to accessible parking. Many people suffer from invisible disabilities, including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, life-limiting illnesses, and more. All of which can take a devastating toll and significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks. So often, we assume that disabilities have to be visible to be valid. However, this is not only hurtful but can also result in physical and psychological harm to individuals who are already dealing with the challenges of their conditions.In the end, Ortiz just hopes that his experience will give people pause before they jump to damaging conclusions. "Have some compassion. Just let people be."Reynaldo OrtizHe's not wrong. It doesn't cost anything to show empathy and compassion towards one another. The reality is, that appearances are often deceiving. We very rarely ever get a full panoramic view of someone's life, particularly a stranger's.We have no idea what someone may be dealing with, or what invisible disabilities they may be battling. But what we do know is that a little kindness, empathy, and compassion can go a long way in making the world a more inclusive and supportive place. More from Goalcast:Disabled Mom Leaves the Mall With Her Daughter – Finds a Cruel Note Shaming Her for Parking in a Handicap SpotTeen Hairdresser Leaves the Pub With Her Friends – Finds an Angry Note Shaming Her for Parking in a Disabled SpotActress Goes to Pick Up Her Car From Valet Parking – Finds an Insulting Note on the Ticket That ‘Mortifies’ Her
