Late one night many years ago, my wife and I were driving through a remote area when our car suddenly broke down. With no cell phones back then, we felt completely stranded on that dark, empty road. After what felt like forever, a young college student pulled over and offered us a ride into town. We tried to pay him, but he just smiled and said, “Just pass it on.”
His kindness stayed with us, though life eventually pushed the memory into the background.
Years later, that moment came rushing back. My wife called me at work and told me to turn on the news. On the screen was the same young man — now a doctor. But the headline wasn’t about his accomplishments. It was about his death. He had lost his life while saving others.
Seeing his face again brought tears to my eyes. I remembered his calm smile on that dark night and finally understood what “pass it on” truly meant. Kindness isn’t something you return to the giver; it’s something you keep moving forward.
Since that day, I’ve made a quiet promise to honor him by helping others whenever I can. Offering a ride, lending a hand, or simply showing compassion — each act carries a piece of his legacy. Not because I owe him, but because kindness is something we all owe each other.
