Continuing an annual tradition, today’s Kokua Line column is devoted to readers’ expressions of gratitude for care and kindness shown them by others. “Mahalo” items remind us all to notice the goodness in the world, and to appreciate it. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mahalo

We went to Shige’s for dinner Nov. 7 and we saw a young soldier sitting a couple of tables away, eating all by himself. With the holidays near, it’s a lonely time without family around. Wanting to do something nice for our military, we called the waiter over and said we would pay for the soldier’s dinner. As the soldier got ready to leave, the waiter informed him that his dinner was already paid for by someone in the restaurant. “Really? Someone paid for me?” The look on the soldier’s face was so heartwarming. Then when the soldier left, the waiter turned to us and said, “Your dinner has been paid for, too.” The waiter said a couple at the table next to us had overheard our plan to pay for the soldier’s dinner and decided to pay for our dinner and the soldier’s! The waiter said that it’s like a pay-it-forward but backwards. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. We don’t know who the couple was and they left before the waiter told us about their gift. I hope they will find this story. I wanted to share this because not all news is bad. Good things happen too. — Mahalo, Yvonne

Mahalo

Many thanks to Misty, who upon being informed that I had locked my keys in my truck, took me to my house to get my spare key, then back to my truck. To top this kind act, she refused to let me pay her for her trouble. She relieved me of my problems and restored my faith in people. She showed me that goodness and kindness still exist in this world of ours. I can’t thank her enough. — Mahalo, James

Mahalo

I am 97 years old and must walk with the aid of a walker. I am very grateful to TheHandi-Van for its excellent service in providing transportation when I need help, in a most caring and competent manner. My hope is for their services to continue! Thank you again, Handi-Van! — Ina M.

Mahalo

Thank you to the person who found my set of house keys at the H&M store in Kapolei on Nov. 13 and turned them in to the cashier’s desk. I backtracked all of my shopping efforts of the day worrying that I would never see my keys again. Thank goodness there are still honest people like you in the world. — Mahalo, Barbara G.

Mahalo

Thank you very much to the young lady (my guardian angel) who found my Citi Visa card at Costco Waipahu on Nov. 1. When I was ready to pay, I couldn’t find my card and frantically retraced my steps looking for it. I was overwhelmed with relief when I saw this angel hand my card to a worker by the checkout stand. I did not get her name, but please know that I thanked God for her honesty and integrity. May God bestow many blessings upon her. — A most grateful senior

Mahalo

“These guys are good!” No, not the marketing line used by pro golf. I’m talking about those at Straub radiology. Recently I had a CT scan there. They explained the entire procedure exceptionally well, and made me comfortable and at ease throughout. Indeed, “these guys are good!” — Paul Hughes, Kaneohe

Mahalo

Last month, while returning home about 9:30 p.m. on the Likelike Highway, we inadvertently drove over some road bumps and ended up with a flat tire and damage to a right wheel. Three wonderful people came to our aid. B.J., Derek and Mari all worked together to get our car safely out of the way, change the flat tire and tighten the wheel. Thank you Mari, Derek and B.J., such wonderful, unforgettable, giving young people. We really appreciated your kokua. — Gratefully, Ed and Ruth

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