I went to Publix tonight at Ormond Towne Square for some routine shopping—and witnessed something that truly stopped me in my tracks. In the midst of the usual hustle and bustle, I saw an act of kindness that I just can’t stop replaying in my mind.
There was an elderly man standing in one of the aisles. He was leaning down, trying to reach his shoe to tie it—but couldn’t bend quite far enough. He paused, struggling with one shoe. No help was offered yet; people were around, but absorbed in their tasks, pushing carts, looking at shelves.
Then came Gage, a Publix employee. He saw the man, and without hesitation, walked over. With a bright, genuine smile, Gage crouched down and tied the man’s loose lace. But then he did something extra: seeing that the other shoe also needed attention, he tied that one too. All of this done kindly, without any fuss, just thoughtful and caring.
I couldn’t resist—pulled out my phone and snapped a photo. Later, I asked the manager for his name, because I thought this deserved recognition. The name is Gage. Moments like this are so simple, but they carry so much weight. It’s the kind of kindness that doesn’t look for applause—it gives respect, dignity, compassion.
In a world where we so often see headlines of division, bad news, or people ignoring each other, this moment was a reminder that small acts do matter. A stranger helping another—and doing so with warmth.
If you were walking in that Publix tonight, you might have missed it—but that small moment made a huge difference for me. Here’s to hoping more people see, more people act, and we treat each other like human beings who deserve kindness, always.