Jane Butler was visiting her local library with her two grandsons when a random act of kindness and a broom changed her entire day for the better.
Jane Butler took her grandsons to the Westville Central Library where she met the most generous and kind-hearted man. His selflessness, despite his struggles, inspired her to share this story.
“Yesterday I took my two little grandsons to the Westville Central Library; at the top of the ramp was a man selling brooms – I told him that I didn’t know if I had any money on me but would see him on my way out.
When we left he was still there but the brooms were R50 and I only had R20. My grandsons were intrigued by the little ones, so I asked him the price; they were R35 each.”
Jane knew she didn’t have enough money but instead of dismissing the sallesman, she gave him the money she had. She just wanted to be kind and give him the money, not expecting anything in return. What he did next blew her away.
“Oh dear,” I said, “I only have R20 but you have the R20, I won’t take a broom but next time I come I will take one.”
I handed over the R20 and he looked at me, hesitated, then quietly handed me a little broom “No, take it” he said.
“No, no – I don’t have enough,” I told him.
He insisted, so I scratched together all the coins I had (totalling about another R5) and gave that to him as well and thanked him; and told the boys to thank him as well.
The kind gesture caused a small problem for Jane and the boys. She had one broom and two boys who would have to share. She spoke to them and tried to explain how generous the man had been to give them one broom. The saleman was watching the scene unfold at the car. He stepped in and this was where Jane saw his truest nature. A man of untold kindness.
“So – there was a problem: two little boys and only one broom – the elder was mortified and as we walked away I explained the shortage of cash and they could share (tears rolled down his cheek).
“As we got to the car, the man selling the brooms called me – he rushed towards me and handed me another one; he insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Again, I was gobsmacked by the kindness this man showed. I told the two boys how special the brooms were, and we must never forget how kind the man was. I cannot explain how touched I was by this kindness – big lump in my throat.
“When I got home I was instructed to tell everyone about the incident – Mom, Dad & Grampa.
“So if anyone reading this goes to the Westville Central Library and sees this dear soul selling his brooms. Please support him.”
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