When it comes to the news most people would agree that every time you turn it on the only thing you see is sad, heartbreaking, and scary stories. News organizations constaly bombard us with frightening news that makes us feel like the world is lost.
But donโt lose faith in humanity just yet.
However, sometimes all you need is to hear or read about a random act of kindness in order to be reminded that there is still good in people and that there are people out there who would still go above and beyond to help a fellow human being in need.
And, while this incident happened a few years ago, it is still relatable and it is now more than ever before that we need to hear about it. Amid a pandemic and lots of violence going on around the world, such acts of kindness are here to remind us that there is still hope for a better future.
So, the story revolves around a photo that a Facebook user took a few years ago in a Massachusetts mall.
A day at the mall shopping
Paula Accorsi Picard happened to be shopping at Holyoke Mall, when she witnessed the sweetest interaction between an elderly man and a younger one by the escalator.
As she explained in her post, the elderly man was about to get on the escalator, but he looked hesitant and scared, while at the same time other shoppers were gathering behind him.
โThe older man was paused at the top of an escalator and a few people started gathering waiting to get on,โ she wrote in a Facebook post.
Something was wrong
It was obvious that something was not right and that the old man needed help. And thatโs when a young man stepped up and offered to help him get on the escalator.
โ[T]his young man offered the simplest kindness: an out-reached arm and a โcan I help you on, sir?'โ Picard went on in her post.
The man, later identified as 23-year-old Alonzo Johnson, offered his arm to the 83-year-old and they went on the escalator together.
Fear takes over
The elderly man explained how he had once gotten stuck on one of them, while Johnson kept talking to him about random stuff in order to take his mind off of the scary escalator until they were eventually downstairs.
โWe were talking going down the escalator, and it was more of me just having him talk so he could get his mind off of things,โ Johnson told Inside Edition.
He talked to the elderly man about how much he liked his hat and how he looked really good for being an 83-year-old. And it worked. They managed to get through and the old man almost didnโt realize how easy the whole thing was.
You see, having a helping hand- or arm, in this case- can make all the difference in the world for someone.
Johnson, in his interview, didnโt forget to mention that it was his family that raised him to be sympathetic and helpful to others.
โFor me, itโs more of what my mom always taught me- to always to the right thing and always to help people whenever you can,โ Johnson added.
Picard praised the young man for his act of kindness, and so did the thousands of people that read her post.
โWhoever this young man is, YOUR FAMILY RAISED YOU RIGHT! THANK YOU!โ she wrote.
Johnson was interviewed following the incident and his recount of that day is sure to restore your faith in others. Watch it for yourself below.
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