After receiving an act of kindness, pass it on

About two weeks ago, I was just driving around and taking care of a few errands with a friend of mine. We were coming from Publix, and I forgot to get something, so we stopped by the little CVS on 13th street. As we got out of the car, we both heard a hissing noise and soon discerned it was my tire. I ran over a nail. My tire was flat, and it was the largest blemish in the face of a great day. I finally had time last week to take care of my flat tire Wednesday. I mean, I had the spare on, but I had to take care of getting a new, used tire. I was getting a used tire because I was in the process of selling that heap of junk. Anyway, I called a few used tire places to find the cheapest price on a tire and the replacement fee. I eventually ended up at some place near downtown, walked in, and then what was once a nuisance turned into a great experience.

I walked into this place called Tire Outlet, located at 1320 N. Main St., annoyed that I had to get a new tire and pay for this car I was trying to sell. I asked the guy at the desk how long it would take for me to get out of here, because I had class at 2 p.m. and didn’t have time to stay. He told me he was backed up with some people, and it’d be 40 minutes before he could look at my car. So, I sat down and tried to do a bit of reading. Before I could even settle into my seat and begin reading, the owner (guy at the desk) came in and told me, “Don’t take out your wallet, man,” as he reached for a handshake. At first, in my head I was like, “What in the hell is this guy on?” and I think my face emulated my thoughts. To comfort my shocked face, he continued, “We were able to fix your flat, and you’re good to go. No need to charge you for a used tire when you have one.” I asked him if he was serious and he said, “Yeah. Don’t worry about it. Just pass it on.” I’ve fixed a flat before, and it’s not a laborious job, especially when you have professional tools. It’s both depressing and reviving to see how such a simple, easy act of kindness made me feel.

Before I went to this place, my feelings were as heavy and arduous as it was to read my intro to this column: Everything just seemed to be a nuisance in every manner. After I left, I was ready to make gifts for every person I know, donate to charity and apologize to everyone I’d ever wronged in the past. Now, of course I have obligations and a very skimpy wallet, so I wasn’t able to do all those things, but it’s how I felt. If there’s really anything that you could take away from this, just listen to the words this kind man spoke: “Just pass it on.” If a homeless person comes up to you asking for anything you can pass on, then offer to buy him or her a meal.

If you know your significant other is struggling with an assignment or studying way too long for an upcoming test, then buy him or her some flowers or ice cream (ice cream is much, much better). Or even if you have problems with your parents but know they miss you to death, just give them a phone call. Do something nice for a stranger, a family member or a friend. Just do something nice for another person, and I promise you, both of you will feel great after the deed has been done.

James Hardison is a UF English sophomore. His column appears on Tuesdays.