Kindness, caring alive and well

Jan. 17, 2019

Hearing about what’s going on in today’s world, the hostility currently taking over the government and the ill will, and even hatred, in the hearts of so many, makes one wonder if there is any respect or kindness left in the world. Then, at just the right time, confidence in the love and kind-heartedness of mankind is highlighted as it is in the following story.

 

Christy Ann Martinez-Arellano and her co-workers at Lakepointe Hospital in Rowlett had an unlikely delivery person when they ordered food through DoorDash a few weeks ago.

 

Arellano couldn’t help but wonder why a fragile-looking, elderly man, whose name she later learned to be Charlie McReynolds, was working as a delivery person. She estimated that he was 80 or more years old and became concerned when he asked for help to the exit. Once out of the building, she realized that McReynolds couldn’t remember where he parked his car and also noticed that he was short of breath from walking.

 

Arellano called the Security Department who came to help find McReynolds’ car, and as they waited, he explained that he was working with DoorDash to raise money for the copay for hip replacement surgery.

 

“I was amazed that he is 80 years old and trying to work to make money for a medical procedure,” Arellano shared on Facebook. “How sad is that this is the country we live in!”

 

He also shared that he had served as mayor of Forney for four years, owned a steel company for 30 years and had written several books.

 

When they found his car, McReynolds gave the guard one of his books, which he had signed, to take to Arellano.

 

“He was such a humble man and didn’t want to impose on me at all but he doesn’t realize the impact he made on my life! If only people these days were the same way, the world would be a better place,” she shared. “Thank you to Charlie McReynolds for the book and how you touched my heart!”

 

A friend of Cheri Stigler, who is the owner of PawPaw’s Sweet Shop & Cafe in downtown Garland, where McReynolds is a daily customer, saw the story on Facebook and contacted Stigler to see if the post was about her friend and customer, McReynolds.

 

Stigler contacted Arellano and invited her to the restaurant to see McReynolds. She also told Arellano how McReynolds had smuggled Bibles into China in his younger years and how he was and still is very generous when it comes to the needs of others.

 

Stigler’s description of McReynolds prompted Arellano to set up a Go Fund Me account to raise money for McReynolds’ insurance copay. Within a few days, $1,100, the amount he needed, had been raised.

 

With Stigler’s help, Arellano and McReynolds were able to get together at the restaurant where Arellano presented him with the money, a beautiful card and a can of popcorn.

 

Because of the kindness of others, McReynolds has now scheduled an appointment with the doctor and will have surgery soon.

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