In The Beginning
This is a precious story of a middle-aged family man named Rob Edwards. He lives a simple but great life and has an amazing family to back him up. He is a dedicated husband and father. Cole, his eldest son had just completed his studies and was about to graduate. This made Rob even happier.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
Just like any parent, your child’s graduation day is a monumental achievement which should definitely be celebrated. But before that, Rob had to make a quick stop to the bank. Little did he know that his visit to the bank would lead to a life-changing experience for him.
Family Man
Rob lives in Florida with his family. He knows very well that he could not ask for more in terms of family life. He had the best wife and kids and they too, love him unconditionally. Through good and bad, they stuck up for each other and this was what has kept them going strong even if things weren’t looking too good.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
Like any father, he has a lot of dreams for his kids. He envisions that they find success in everything they do and that he promises them that he will be there every step of the way to guide them. His kids were his pride and joy and people around him know this for a fact.
Perfect Day
Rob woke up to a bright sunny morning. Everything was going so good and plus it was his son’s graduation day. So he went on his morning as per usual. He had breakfast with his wife and kids with whom he just celebrated 21 years of wedded bliss with and worked on a couple of house chores.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
Of course, it wasn’t any ordinary day. Cole was going to graduate and the excitement between all of them could be felt from miles away. Since Cole was the first to graduate among his siblings and cousins, this day meant a lot to Rob and his wife.
Achievement Unlocked
Rob and his wife had two kids, and Cole being the eldest, he was the first to pass high school. Rob was so proud of his son because this meant that all of the sacrifices he made, was all worth it. He did everything in his power to make sure that his kids would live their best lives.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
He was your typical family man. His children meant the world to him and he was not going to let any type of bad day ruin whatever plans he has for them. And plus, he was a very positive and happy person that he makes friends wherever he goes and that’s what his friends love about him.
Good Day
Rob got up as soon as the sun rose. The whole family was waiting for this day to come and he knew he had a lot of work to do before the ceremony. Before anything else, he made note to make a quick stop at the local bank to take care of a few transactions.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
After the few house chores he did, it was time to complete the errands he had listed if he wanted to make it in time for Cole’s graduation ceremony. On the way to the bank, he was happily humming to himself. But when he got there, a lot of people were lining up and waiting for their turn. But he wasn’t going to let that ruin his day. So he whistled tunes as he approached the entrance.
The Stranger
He was just about to hold out his hand to the door when he saw a woman who was obviously in a lot of hurry and was nearing the entrance of the bank as well. So he stood there and opened the door for her. It was a good day after all, and this small deed was the least he could do.
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The woman was also just about to reach for the door when Rob opened it for her. So she smiled at him and thanked him for opening the door for her. And even as they lined up at the teller, Rob had her line up first even though he was obviously the first one who got there. The woman found it odd because not many people were willing to give up their place.
Just Happy
Rob was feeling very positive and he was kind enough to let the woman pass and get in line before him. Of course, these days, you can hardly get anyone to let you go first so when the stranger experienced this rare form of kindness, she was very skeptical.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
There was still a lot of time until Cole’s graduation, so Rob wasn’t bothered in the slightest that there was a long line waiting for him at the bank. The woman first thought that the kind gesture was a joke and did not take it seriously at first. But when she saw Rob’s smiling face, she realized that he really did mean it.
Proud Father
Rob broke the silence between them because he also felt the woman’s apprehension towards him. “By all means go in front of me. Today my son graduates.” He continued, “I’m slowing down and want to savor every minute.” His excitement was radiating and he was glowing as he kept smiling.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
Rob’s friendly nature worked as an ice breaker. The woman thought that he wasn’t so bad after all. So they began to converse casually until they ended up talking about personal stuff. Rob told her about how proud he was of his kids and that he’d go through anything just for them.
Sweet Goodbyes
The both of them enjoyed each other’s company and had talked for most of the time they were held up in line so they had not realized that it was already the woman’s turn. She settled her transaction and was done in a matter of a few minutes. When she walked away, she looked back at him and waved.
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Because he was already friendly with the woman, he waved back and smiled. He thought that that would be the last time he would ever see her. Rob was happy to offer his assistance to her however small it may have been. But he had no idea that she was about to do something unexpected.
His Turn
It was Rob’s turn now and so he stepped forward and stood in front of the teller to get his transactions done. After a few minutes, he gathered his receipt and started to move away from the counter. That was when he felt something being slipped under his arm. He was shocked as he turned to see who it was.
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It was the woman who he had just helped. He was torn whether he should smile or scrunch his face in confusion. The man was going to speak but the woman turned her back and walked away hurriedly. Rob was so confused and he just couldn’t get why the woman would ever come back, let alone leave something with him.
Small Talk
As Rob had recalled in an interview, “We carried on additional small talk about being lucky to have made it before the bank closed – and the joys, fun and hard times of having an 18-year-old. I then stepped up to the teller and proceeded with my transaction.”
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In the short time that he had known and talked to the woman, it was clear to him that she was just as genuinely good. That was why he had no trouble opening up to her and telling her a little about his life and his past experiences as if she were an old friend.
Surprise And Confusion
Rob shook his confusion out of the way and looked down at the object that was now inside the crook of his arm. He was surprised to find out that it was a plain white envelope. Now his confusion grew, he was surprised to say the least and he wanted to know why she did what she did.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
But he remembered that she did say something to him while she slipped the envelope, but he could not remember because he was busy gathering receipts from his transaction and putting it away. He tried to rack his brain but it was to no avail. He just couldn’t understand what it was about.
The Envelope
He stayed in place for quite some time, not really able to digest the entirety of the situation. He looked back at the people standing behind him also with confused expressions on their faces. They had also just witnessed what happened and thought that was very sudden and so out of the blue.
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And then he realized that he needed to move. He was holding up the line and he did not want to inconvenience anyone who was patiently waiting for him. So he walked away and slowly opened the envelope. He really tried to remember what the woman said to him.
The Surprise
When he held the envelope, it seemed as if it was empty and at first did not want to think much about it. But because he remembered how the woman had to go back and slip it to him without him noticing, it must have been something really important that she had to return because of it.
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He did not want to take any chances and he was afraid that if he waited to bring it home, he might get in trouble. He had all these scenarios inside his mind so he just did what he knew he had to do. Once the envelope was open, he was shocked to find something he least thought of.
Finding Her
As soon as Rob saw the contents of the envelope, his heart immediately pounded in his chest. Maybe the woman was mistaken. So he immediately headed out the door and looked left and right to see where she had went. But she was nowhere to be found. He had so many questions in his mind and he didn’t want it to end like this.
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He searched the parking lot in hopes of catching her before she drove away, but she wasn’t there. He went back to the sidewalks and no sign of her. But when he was about to turn back and give up, he saw her again. So he shouted to get her attention, but she had not heard him.
Race Against Time
The woman could not hear him because he was too far away and that they were in an open area, so the noise from cars and people were hindering her from hearing him. She had parked her car across the street and was ready to shut her door. Rob had to do something.
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So with all he could, he ran towards her car as fast as his feet could take him. He then immediately knocked on her window which made the woman jump in surprise. But she had already knew what it was about. So she rolled down the window, waiting for him to speak.
Deserving
Rob was catching his breath and panting so hard. He felt like he ran a mile just to get to her. The woman didn’t speak, as she’d just waited for him to say what he wanted to say. After a few seconds, Rob spoke, “I can’t take this!” He held out the envelope to her in hopes she was just mistaken.
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The woman then smiled and got out of her car. Rob left a genuine impression on her and she knew she had done the right thing. The man standing before her was a good man and he deserved every bit of blessing thrown his way. When she spoke of the true reason why she gave him that envelope, Rob felt like crying.
Blessing In Disguise
Rob had not expected her to say what she did, because he had just thought that it was some kind of mistake or a joke. The woman said, “When you talk about your boy, you glow.” She further added, “You’re a blessing to him, I want to bless him too!” And with that, he was teary-eyed.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
He was clearly overwhelmed with emotions that he immediately hugged her. Knowing the woman in the short time that he did at the bank, he realized she also did mean it. So he thanked her every second he could and even asked for a picture together just so he can tell the world of her kindness.
A Great Day
When Rob and the woman parted, they both felt this huge relief wash over them and a sense of happiness from an experience that will last a lifetime. All Rob had to do was open the door for her and make conversation. This made him realize that everyone deserves this kind of pure connection if only they choose to be happy everyday.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
He then went home and as he drove, a big smile was plastered on to his face. He could not wait to tell his family all about the woman he met at the bank and how she was a blessing not only to him but to Cole whom she never even met. She was for sure going to make a huge difference to his son, especially.
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When Rob told his family, they too, were brought to tears and were heavily touched with what the woman had done for him and for Cole. And he was not about to stop there. He had asked for a picture together with the woman, and told her that he was going to share this to his friends.
Rob Edwards/Facebook
Rob shared how his day was already going good before meeting the woman and how his day got even better after meeting her. It was an experience that is rare nowadays. He expected a few comments here and there, but he did not expect the post to go viral. The Facebook Post garnered a lot of comments, likes and was shared more than a thousand times.
Words of Encouragement
People were also moved at the retelling of Rob’s experience, and especially the words that he had to say about the woman he just met. One friend said, “First of all kid, I can’t believe your boy is 18! Second, I’ve been thinking a lot about the transformational power of love and kindness. Our life is as a vapor…it is here and then it’s gone. Thanks for sharing your blessings…”
Rob Edwards/Facebook
The friend also added, “The whole point of life right here! And it could not have happened to a more deserving person. Great story Rob Edwards! And so well told, as per usual. When you write a book look me up. I reckon I got a few titles for you already!”
Happy Ever After
Rob felt like his whole perspective of kindness has changed so much after he met the woman. He said, ““I was so touched. I don’t know her name, I’ve never ever seen her before. But I will never forget her love. I asked to take a picture with her. And hugged her neck. We need more of this in the world today,” “…not the money. But kindness. I hugged a complete stranger today. My son who I love with all my heart was shown, love.”
Rob Edwards/Facebook
He also added a few things to drive the point through to his friends. “Many of you who know me know what I believe in. Sounds kinda familiar don’t it. It warms the father’s heart to love the son. I am blessed. Cole Edwards I’m so proud of you! To my bank customer friend. THANK YOU!”