‘I was not planning to go this route in my life, I was not emotionally and financially prepared to quit working. You put tears in my eyes, a smile on my face, and I feel so grateful.’

“My name is Mackenzie, I’m 19 years-old from Northeast Ohio. Yesterday I bought coffee for the lady behind me at Starbucks; there wasn’t much thought put into it, I just decided to do it. Later in the day I was at an Indians game when my dad found the letter and was really confused where it came from. The letter read:

‘Thank you for the coffee! I rarely go to Starbucks and treat myself, but the last couple of months have been a bit of a struggle.  My father just passed away and was also my babysitter. My family and my children have had a really hard time. 

This morning my babysitter called off sick and I had to take the day off work.  I decided to buy my kids breakfast and get myself coffee with total guilt because I am going to become a stay-at-home Mom for a while.

Since I was not planning to go this route in my life, I was not emotionally and financially prepared to quit working. I cried when I found out you were so sweet to buy my coffee and thrilled to see you pull in a couple houses down from where I live. 

I felt it necessary for you to know that what you did for me was more than just a coffee.  It was something that turned my whole day around, put tears in my eyes, a smile on my face, and I feel so grateful. Thank you!’

When he sent me a picture of it I was at the game about to cry because I didn’t know she was my neighbor or that it had that big of an impact on her day.  I went door to door on my street to find her! We met and she was so nice and I even offered to babysit for her if she ever needed it! Small acts can make a big difference folks, spread some kindness.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mackenzie, 19, of Ohio.  Submit your own story here, and subscribe to our best stories in our free newsletter here.