the need to give

I was really surprised to get a genuinely happy, interested compassionate bus driver the other day.
I sat down, having been given a THERE IS HOPE moment, and drifted into the Halfway-Here-Lahlah-World all busfolk enjoy in common.

Suddenly we all woke, sensing something happening.

An older well dressed gentleman who looked like someones favourite Grandad, got on the bus.
He was highly aggitated and said in his English voice "I'm sorry, I don't have any cash in my wallet but can I get out at the Railway Station and run back to you with it?"
The compassionate busdriver said cheerfully "Get on, don't worry about it, I'll cover it myself".
The Gentleman sat down behind the driver and although grateful, squirmed and kept wanting to make sure the driver knew he would pay him back. He asked how much it was. The busdriver said 80 cents.

At the same time that I reached for my wallet, I could hear change being rustled all the way up the bus. The woman in front of me leaned over another passenger to pass the Gentleman the money. As she was doing that, another passenger getting off put some money in the drivers change bowl. Neither parties saw each other but the rest of the bus did.

The driver was ohwowing and delighted with the passengers discrete donation.
He gleefully showed the Gentleman who became quite confused and distraught and tried to hand the other ladies money back to her. At first she just waved him away but he kept persisting. She got annoyed with him in the end and said "Look-there's no point! It's only 80c!".

I quietly slipped my dollar back in my wallet and was relieved to get off at the next stop.

I managed to donate my dollar to someone else needing it during the day - I needed to - I somehow felt unsatisfied...
The exchange made me realise how grateful I am of those in need - the pleasure that comes from spontaneously giving to someone in need is hard to express. Even if they find it difficult to accept sometimes.

I remember when I was the one in need and being surprised and moved by peoples generosity yet somehow knowing that it was a pleasure for them also.

Thank God for those in need - I don't know if I could function if I was stopped from giving...