My untied shoelace changed my life. As I leaned down to re-tie it, I kicked away a few leaves. When I turned my head slightly to look where the leaves had been, I was astonished to see a rubber-banded wad of hundred dollar bills nestled in a little indentation in the muddy ground.
There was no moral dilemma. The money wasn’t mine. It had to be handed in.
A note inserted in the wad read, “This is an ARK, an Act of Random Kindness. Use it wisely.”
I’d been given permission to keep it. I counted the notes. Never before had I held so much. Since retiring, I had a comfortable income from my pension but lacked purpose. I decided what must be done.
The donation to UNICEF for the African famine led to an offer to volunteer. Tomorrow, I fly out to help the relief program. An untied shoelace changed my life.
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Ross's Writing Blog 
Ross Mannell
March 31, 2012 at 21:53
Before anyone asks, this is a work of fiction. I am not able to volunteer for such a worthwhile cause due to other commitments but admire those who can.
Liz B
March 31, 2012 at 22:11
I love this piece, even if it is fiction! The idea is a wonderful thought! Great take on the prompt!
Ross Mannell
March 31, 2012 at 23:17
Thanks for the comment.
It would be remarkable to be able to help in such a way. 🙂
Karen S.
April 1, 2012 at 04:07
So nicely done. We must keep the hand of giving to carry on…..Nice!
Ross Mannell
April 1, 2012 at 18:27
Thanks for the comment.
With the prompt being as it is, it touched on a memory. Finding money, I don’t feel comfortable keeping it unless it’s small change. I tend to hand it in but the prompt suggested life changing so the question was how could such a find change a life. The situation in Africa is real and would be life changing if someone did as in the story.
jfb57
April 1, 2012 at 04:31
Hi Ross!I really like this one. I follow a blogger who did a week of ARKs & had such fun! It is good to read one that ends happily all round!
BTW – thank you for your offer to do some extra 100WC. Could you carry on with those from 25. She has not internet until the middle of April. Many thanks!
Julia
Ross Mannell
April 1, 2012 at 18:30
Thanks for the comment.
As much of what now occupies my time involves volunteer and not for profit activities, I get the AK part but there is always room for the R when I meet new people in town for a holiday. A simple kind word or helpful information when needed goes a long way to cheering strangers.
I’ve already noted the number sequence starting at 25 and will comment on the children’s entries as long as needed. 🙂
Dreaming
April 1, 2012 at 05:29
Love it! Wouldn’t it be great if that really happened?
Ross Mannell
April 1, 2012 at 18:32
Thanks for the comment.
It would be a great way to change a life if anyone were able to volunteer in such a way. 🙂
anita
April 1, 2012 at 11:03
Awesome! Fiction or not, I loved the choice that you, the writer, made!
Ross Mannell
April 1, 2012 at 18:35
Thanks for the comment.
The handing in of found money would be my choice if finding a large sum. Given the permission in the note, the money would go to charity. Volunteering to help UNICEF would be a wonderful choice but it’s something I am unable to do. 🙂
Judee
April 1, 2012 at 19:30
This is such an altruistic tale. I want to believe there are those who would do this. Random Acts of Kindness should be passed on in one way or another. Your character is definitely different from mine!
Ross Mannell
April 2, 2012 at 08:31
Thanks for the comment.
The money would be true for me as I wouldn’t feel right keeping it and being given permission to use it wisely, charity would benefit but volunteering in that way is something I can’t do. We live in hope for those who can. 🙂
Viki
April 2, 2012 at 02:29
This was a very unique take on this. I loved the idea of the note being with the money. Great job on this centus.
Ross Mannell
April 2, 2012 at 08:32
Thanks for the comment.
I wanted the story to take a positive step. The idea would be very life changing if we could do it.
grannysueo3
April 2, 2012 at 05:45
Inspirational. Proves that one step in the right direction lightens the whole path.
=)
Ross Mannell
April 2, 2012 at 08:34
Thanks for the comment.
It’s sometimes those chance events that can make changes in our lives if we keep our minds and eyes open. 🙂
Jenny Matlock
April 17, 2012 at 00:57
Darn, I feel all shallow now.
I was thinking I’d buy some new underwear and stuff if I found it.
Sigh.
This was great Ross. I like the direction you went with this.