An Act of Kindness Demonstrates Great Character and Hope

People ask me how I stay positive in most of my reflections on the world. I can tell you at times it is a very tough process, but I believe we can usually rise above the negative news we read or listen to over the digital airwaves on a daily basis by forging ahead with the great acts of character that are demonstrated on a regular basis out there.

I therefore feel a responsibility when that opportunity presents itself to shine a light on it so we all can benefit from the warmth of those good deeds I know are out there. It is what makes this little piece of paradise we live on such a special place.

So when a great friend of mine and his wife brought this story to me about a “good deed” he was aware of, I asked him to put it into words. His words were more important than anything I could put to paper, for his passion, for this simple act of kindness was so overwhelming, but I assured him I’d help if he needed it.

This is my friend Ed Adams’ story about that simple act of kindness…

“My neighbor on Marco Island, Steve Basiakos, was preparing for a jet ski ride with his wife Gina a few months ago, and while doing so he placed some money and his cell phone in a baggie to keep it safe and thought he had placed it in the glove box of his personal watercraft. He headed out to meet his friends on Keewaydin Island and after spending several hours there they decided to head home. On their way they decided to visit a restaurant on the Isles of Capri for a little lunch. Upon finishing their meal Steve asked for his bill and realized he had put his money in the compartment on the jet ski and went to retrieve it, only to find out it was missing.

He was a little confused and wrote it off as a mistake for forgetting to bring his phone and money with him, which he surely thought he had left at home. Gina then called a friend who brought them some cash to pay their bill.

No panic, he heads home only to find no baggie, phone or money anywhere. Gina’s phone would ring a few moments later and Steve’s name came up on her caller ID. She turned to her husband laughing and announced, “you’re calling me.” When she answered the call a man’s voice said, “I’ll bet Steve is missing his phone.”  By then Gina was a little rattled and inquired as to who she was speaking with. The stranger gave her his name and inquired if they were home. Still confused she would inquire as to how he was in possession of the missing phone. The man then said I also have his money and I’m sitting in your driveway.

Steve proceeded out to the driveway to find a nice couple from the state of Maine sitting in their car. The gentleman got out of his car and introduced himself and his wife (Rodney and Ann from Falmouth, Maine). He handed Steve his money and phone and told Steve he found it floating off Cape Romano.

Steve was stunned, but invited the couple in to meet Gina, while they listened to their story about finding the baggie. Steve would explain, “I was nowhere near Cape Romano! I went through Caxambas Pass and turned due north to Keewaydin.”

It truly is amazing that a baggie with a phone and money in it could float the five miles or more until it was picked up by total strangers who went out of their way to return it. (Could be a good commercial for Baggies?)

I am so impressed with the honesty and upstanding character of this young couple who refused to take a reward from Steve and Gina, who pleaded with them to take some money for their troubles as well as gas. Instead they refused to accept anything, only commenting that it was the right thing to do.

During these times that seem to have nothing but turmoil and mistrust in our fellow man, I had thought this was a trait which may have been lost in humanity. I was wrong.

One afternoon Steve called them and invited them to dinner. They accepted and had a wonderful time, sharing great conversation and celebrating a wonderful new friendship while getting to know each other a little better. It also gave Steve an opportunity to extend his heartfelt thanks by buying dinner that evening.

Boy was I wrong. This only gives me hope that all is not lost, and we can rekindle the wonderful spirit that has made our nation so great.

God Bless them, God Bless our young, and God Bless America.