I met a wonderful woman on the subway. She was on her way home from a Lakers game and was clearly a huge fan, as she had all the gear and the glow that comes from a great win. She shared a story with me about her night at the game.
Having been a season’s ticket holder with her husband for many dedicated years, this was the first game she had ever gone to by herself. She thought about just staying home, but decided to go down to the Staples Center with the great intention of giving her tickets away in a random act of kindness type of moment. To her surprise, no one would take her tickets. The gift was too great and people felt it must be some suspicious trick.
Unwilling to give up, she made the choice to go inside and find two fans sitting higher up and offer to trade tickets with them. While grabbing a bite to eat she met a father whom she thought would be elated to give his child the experience of sitting in prime seats, but he declined. He also did not trust the situation. She kept on trying to give and it took until the second quarter for her to have a taker. A very lucky young man heard, and believed her when she said that she was at the game alone sitting in incredible seasons tickets seats and that she had an empty seat beside her available. He decided to join her and he was the most grateful person for the gift he had received. An ear to ear grin and a slowly whispered “Thank You” was the perfect end to her night.
We chatted passionately on the subway about the state of human nature. Is it that we don’t give enough so people aren’t used to receiving? Is it that scams do happen so often making us reluctant to trust anyone? Do we trust some people and not others based on appearance, age, or other factors? The way fellow fans reacted on that night left her feeling that a bit of the latter was true. Before we parted ways she revealed to me that she has wealth beyond comprehension including jewels, incredible cars, and a high heel shoe collection to die for! She stressed the importance of being kind to every single person you meet because you never know their story. We shared a big hug and I have been thinking about her story ever since.
Peter vT - @PvT says
Thanks for posting this. Another good story that makes one do this; “Hhmm”
I had the same experience at the Vancouver Christmas Market this year trying to give away a pair VIP tickets. After getting many mis-trusting glances, one man finally accepted, but then his partner (and/or wife) barked; NO! We’d rather wait here in line and pay”. He didn’t look to happy, which was kinda funny LOL. I just gave them the tickets and said; “If you’d rather wait here and pay, then why don’t you give them to someone else.” I looked back and saw that they’d given them to some young couple, which pleased me. But certainly ended up being a thankless job, this giving business. I’m just glad though that someone benefited. But crazy woman ended up being the giver? – Go figure, ha ha
nothingprofound says
What a disheartening and enlightening experience that must’ve been for her. But she got to share it with you, and you with us, and that’s the best kind of giving and receiving
Cathy Sweeney says
Such an interesting experience you had talking to this woman. Makes me wonder what I would have done if she had offered me the ticket. Pretty sure that I’d say “yes, thanks very much!” and then buy her beer.
Brie says
Thanks for your comments! I feel the same way as all of you. I think this type of thing would make for an interesting social experiment, hidden camera type of adventure.
zobop republic says
I can’t imaging why someone would be afraid to recieve something when the proof is right there in front you. No strings attached. People are too cynical…kinda like me perhaps. That’s what I get for living in the big windy city.
Good story, good picture. 🙂
Shauna Smith says
What a story.. It is sad that we don’t feel we can trust someone that has a giving heart. That is one special lady and its sad that it took so long to give away those tickets..
Please don’t trust giving because we don’t give as we should and they have heard so many stories of fraud that they can’t trust a kind giving moment like that woman giving her tickets to people.. She is truly a special person…
Thank you for sharing this.. What a great post!!
Andrea says
I absolutely loved this post! Gives us something to think about…
Mary Ellen says
Glad somebody finally took the ticket — gave her the gift of accepting her generous gesture. YOu can’t exactly call it a happy ending, with all the questions it raises, but I’m really glad she made that connection with somebody eventually.