In the 1990s I travelled extensively for work, leaving behind my young family. It was tough on us all. One trip took me to Washington DC on my birthday. I was sitting in my hotel room, alone and feeling sorry for myself, when there was a knock at the door.
On the other side was a bellboy holding a birthday cake, complete with lit candles on top. “Happy birthday!” he said, handing me the cake and a fax. My two very young daughters had handwritten a lovely happy birthday message and sent it to the other side of the world.
But as I looked closer, I realised there was another note on the fax. Someone else had added a message that they had received my birthday fax by mistake – my daughters must have misdialed and, instead of sending the fax to the hotel, it had gone to a private residence in DC.
That resident had found the correct number for my hotel – one digit different to their own – and forwarded it on. Not stopping there, they called the hotel and arranged for them to deliver me a small birthday cake with candles along with the message from my daughters.
The fax contained the sender’s phone number, so I rang to thank them and chatted with a man who was modest and matter of fact about what he’d done. I was so touched that a stranger had made an extra effort to give me a happy birthday but he shrugged it off like it was nothing.
In the age of Donald Trump, that memory serves as a reminder that there are many millions of Americans who have great character and kindness. Most people are good – some will even buy you a cake.
What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
