He walked a little straighter.

Partly because reading this family's story has blessed me and I wanted to honor this precious boy and partly because Jeff and I are attending a Bible class based on this book, Sam and I decided to perform a random act of kindness this morning. (Sam was home from school- a bit of an upset stomach- but, really, I think he just wanted/ needed a day off.)

We went to Starbucks and waited for a lull in the line. Once there was one, we gave the cashier some money and said we'd like to pay for as many people's coffee as that would cover. And, then, we sat down and watched and listened.

The first woman exclaimed loudly, "What a way to start off my day!" The next man, a little elderly man, walked in with a hunched back. Sam said he thought the man walked out a little straighter. I agreed.

Sam and I loved the cashier. He would, with a very straight face, inform the customers that their tab was paid for. They would say, "What?"

And he would say, "You can put your wallet away. Somebody already paid for you."

The thing I was most surprised about was how much it meant to the baristas. When we left, they were saying things like, "That was so fun!" and "I love stuff like that!"  I loved that we could make their day, as well.

It was such a small, simple act, and I know we didn't change anyone's life. But, maybe we changed the way someone's day was going. And, maybe they'll pass it on sometime soon.

And, if nothing else, that little old man's smile will be etched in my brain as he walked out of Starbucks- perhaps just a little straighter.