Do you know this man?

I don’t.

We didn’t exchange names. We didn’t shake hands. He probably doesn’t even realize anyone noticed what he did.

But I did.

It happened today, in a Fostoria Kroger checkout line. The kind of ordinary place where ordinary days unfold. People waiting with their carts, watching the total rise on the screen, swiping cards, bagging groceries—just another afternoon.

An elderly man stood in front of him in line. His clothes were simple. His posture a little weary. When the cashier gave him the total, something changed. He hesitated. Tried his card. Again. It didn’t go through. Maybe it was a tech issue, maybe he was short on cash. Whatever the reason, the result was the same:

He started to walk away.

Empty-handed.

No groceries. No help. Just the quiet shame of trying—and not being able—to pay for your own food.

And then, this guy spoke up.

Not loudly. Not for attention. Just enough for the cashier to hear:

“I’ll cover it.”

No questions. No hesitation.
He just did it.

Paid for a stranger’s groceries.

The older man paused, stunned. Then thanked him softly—like he wasn’t used to being seen that way. Like it had been a long time since someone stepped in just because they could.

It was a small moment.
But no act of kindness is ever small to the one who needs it.

I don’t know his story—this stranger in line. I don’t know his job, his name, or where he was headed after. But I know this: we need more people like him.

Because someday, it might be my parents. Or yours.
Someday, it might be us.
And on that day, we’ll hope that someone—anyone—is kind enough to say, “I’ll cover it.”

So thank you, whoever you are.

You reminded everyone in that store today that goodness still exists.
Not in grand speeches. Not in hashtags.
But in the quiet generosity of a person who pays attention—and chooses to care.