Kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to transform lives and uplift spirits.
Sometimes, acts of kindness even challenge the rules or norms we live by.
Jayne Arendt-Verhelst, a bus driver in Minneapolis, Minnesota, had an unexpected encounter with a stranger that led her to make a compassionate decision.
It’s one that broke a rule, but spoke volumes about her character.
Jayne Arendt-Verhelst is no ordinary bus driver.
Every day, she ensures her bus is in perfect order before starting her route, checking mirrors, adjusting seats, and ensuring everything is set for a safe journey.
But on this particular day, as she was getting ready to drive her route, she noticed something unusual outside her bus.
As she was approaching an intersection, she spotted a woman in the middle of the street.
When Jayne stopped to let her on board, that’s when things really became clear.
The woman appeared to be homeless, her clothes worn and dirty, and most strikingly, she had no shoes on her feet.
Jayne recalls the moment vividly, telling CBS Sunday Morning,
“When I opened up the door, that’s when I really saw her…I saw her from head to toe, and I was just like wow.”
In that instant, Jayne felt a surge of compassion and knew she had to do something to help.
Without hesitation, Jayne took immediate action.
She removed her own shoes and handed them to the woman, who was clearly in desperate need.
Jayne didn’t think twice about her decision; her primary concern was helping the woman.
It was a simple act, yet profound in its generosity.
The woman took the shoes, her expression a mix of relief and disbelief.
Jayne’s heart ached for her, but she also felt a sense of fulfillment in being able to offer some comfort.
Jayne was fully aware that she was breaking a rule.
According to the regulations, bus drivers are not allowed to operate their vehicles without proper footwear.
“I knew that you’re not supposed to drive in your socks—it’s a big no-no—but I couldn’t help it,” she explained.
Jayne decided that the risk of driving in her socks was worth the chance to help someone in need.
Several passengers on the bus witnessed Jayne’s generous act.
Among them was Sarah Seldon, a woman who had experienced homelessness herself.
Sarah was particularly moved by Jayne’s kindness.
“It really like affected me because it was like, oh my gosh, she sees this woman,” Sarah said.
For Sarah, Jayne’s actions were more than just a kind gesture; they were a reminder that empathy and humanity still exist in the world.
This small act of kindness quickly captured the hearts of people across the internet.
A video of the incident was shared online and in just one day, it gathered over 100,000 views.
People were deeply moved by Jayne’s selfless act, sharing their thoughts and feelings in the comments.
The story struck a chord with many, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact that a single act of kindness can have on those who witness it.
The comments on the video were filled with gratitude and admiration.
People wrote things like,
“Glad there are people like her in the world who treat others the way they’d want to be treated,” and “We need more stories like this one.”
The overwhelming response highlighted the desire people have for more kindness and compassion in their daily lives.
Jayne’s story continues to inspire, reminding us all that the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact.
Click on the video below to see footage of the bus driver sweetly giving up her shoes!
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