"PIF" and a Muffler Shop

By the way, a few weeks ago, I was out of town with a problem with my car. A man at a muffler shop fixed it on the the spot at no charge. When I got home, I saw your email that it was National Pay it Forward day. Thank you for your inspiration, Paula Stone

"PIF" Applebee's and The Tooth Fairy

Pay It Forward

Tonight, I had the crazy idea to take the kids out to Applebee's Restaurant and then to our local $2 movie to see The Tooth Fairy.

With three loud (and cute) boys, we get noticed at restaurants. Some people smile, some people say the overused, yet polite saying, "You certainly have your hands full." I am sure there are others who whisper under their breath some choice words.

We were seated in the bar area of the restaurant with tables overlooking us on the next level. I had noticed one table right above us with a small baby, and I was thankful that we were near parents who may understand any noise or commotion from our table.

As we finished our meal, the waiter from the table above us came over and gave us a $20 gift card. He said it was from a gentleman who had been sitting at the table. We quickly looked around - the table was cleared and no sign of the people. I asked if he had left his name. The waiter just said he wanted you to have this and all he knew was that they were from New York.

My husband later said he had made eye contact with the man at the table. Other than that, no other contact.

Ryan and I were shocked. This had never happened to us before. Heck, I've never had a stranger buy me a drink from across a bar during my single days.

I asked Ryan to run to the parking lot to thank them, but we knew it was too late and it seemed that they wanted to remain anonymous.

I will take my opportunity here to thank these lovely people. Thank you, dear friends, for reaching out to us in your own way. We appreciate the thought, the kindness and the risk you took in carrying out the gesture. It made us as a family feel special.

And I already know how we will pay it forward.

Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward

Tonight, I had the crazy idea to take the kids out to Applebee's Restaurant and then to our local $2 movie to see The Tooth Fairy.

With three loud (and cute) boys, we get noticed at restaurants. Some people smile, some people say the overused, yet polite saying, "You certainly have your hands full." I am sure there are others who whisper under their breath some choice words.

We were seated in the bar area of the restaurant with tables overlooking us on the next level. I had noticed one table right above us with a small baby, and I was thankful that we were near parents who may understand any noise or commotion from our table.

As we finished our meal, the waiter from the table above us came over and gave us a $20 gift card. He said it was from a gentleman who had been sitting at the table. We quickly looked around - the table was cleared and no sign of the people. I asked if he had left his name. The waiter just said he wanted you to have this and all he knew was that they were from New York.

My husband later said he had made eye contact with the man at the table. Other than that, no other contact.

Ryan and I were shocked. This had never happened to us before. Heck, I've never had a stranger buy me a drink from across a bar during my single days.

I asked Ryan to run to the parking lot to thank them, but we knew it was too late and it seemed that they wanted to remain anonymous.

I will take my opportunity here to thank these lovely people. Thank you, dear friends, for reaching out to us in your own way. We appreciate the thought, the kindness and the risk you took in carrying out the gesture. It made us as a family feel special.

And I already know how we will pay it forward.

A Lift Up and "PIF"

Hi, I want to Thank You for the bracelets. It has been quite an enjoyment to see my children doing for others and giving their bracelets to people and explaining what the meaning of the bracelet means. I have myself brought tears to others for the deed I have done and given my bracelet that I was wearing to the person I have helped. I know that you sent me some bracelets already but I am down to the one bracelet that I am wearing. And after next Friday I wont even have that one anymore. I am part of a organization called Addicted to Hope......this week I am helping a family that is trying to get on their feet, that just moved into a home and out of a weekly. They have little furniture, so I am working with a organization called A Lift Up to provide them with beds and needed furniture. On this day I am hoping I will be giving my bracelet I have on to the either the husband or wife or maybe their child. Havent decided yet...but I will pray on it. The reason for this email was to give you an update of what we as a family have done with our bracelets. And to ask if possible if you can send more. I have alot of people that ask me where have I received my bracelet and I have explained the meaning and have told them about the website. On Pay It Forward Day, I posted about this day and alot of people on my friends list reposted on theirs and liked the concept of Pay It Forward. I think I have written alot.....I need to go now. Today here in Las Vegas is Stamp Out Hunger day with the Postal Workers. I need to go through my pantry and make sure that I have the food out by the mailbox for them to pick up! And also gotta get my family ready for family day....my son has a baseball game today! MAY GOD BLESS YOU !!! Vonyel

The "PIF" Circle....

Hello my name is Sylvia & few months ago I ran into a lovely woman who decided to extend her PIF circle though me! I was at a bad spot in my life due to some unfortunate things & I was trying to get back on my feet but it felt like every time things would start to look up something would knock me back down. Things were running smooth again until I found out the dental work I needed very badly was not covered completely by my insurance. I went back for my exam in tears after having a discussion with the receptionist about a payment plan. I knew I couldn't afford the amount they wanted every month to pay it off with out losing what I had managed to salvage of my life. I didn't want to start over again. I don't think I have ever felt so helpless and alone in my life. When I was done with my exam I came out & they called the next name. As the woman and I passed each other she haded me one of your bracelets & said "Don't pay it back. Pay it forward to someone else in some way when you can." I was completely lost until the receptionist told me that the full amount for my dental work had been paid in advance, then I understood. Because of this kindness my life is finally back where it needs to be. & I thank God every day for her & for your site & what all of you are doing! Yesterday I saw a man outside the store looking frantically for something. He had lost his wallet & didn't know how he was going to pay his rent. I helped him look & eventually we did find his wallet but his money was gone. I asked him how much he had lost & when he told me I handed him the money & my bracelet & told him the same thing my angel told me. The look on his face will never leave me! I feel like I have made a real difference in this small way. One that I can see & am really a part of. The idea of PIF is not new to me but it's amazing seeing it unfold in real life! Thank you for making all of this possible!