A kindly man helps a frail elderly woman who is struggling to cross the street every day and, to his surprise, she leaves him a valuable legacy after her death. George Tandy walked over to the subway station every morning at 8:00 am on his way to work. On the way, he went past a lovely old building from the 30s with a doorman and a carpeted walkway!

The pedestrian crossing was about 100 meters down from that building, and that is where he saw Doris Danquist for the first time. Doris was trying to cross the street, but she hesitated, and the cars zoomed past. George came closer and saw that the old lady was looking anxious and that her eyes were full of tears. “Excuse me?” George said gently. “Are you alright?”

The lady nodded. “I’m fine,” she said. “It’s just… I can’t seem to cross! The cars… They’re so fast! I’m frightened I’ll get run over.” “Well, how about I help you?” George asked. “You grab onto my arm, and we’ll cross together, OK?” The woman wiped at her eyes and smiled, and for a second George could see what she had looked like when she was young and spry. “That would be so kind! Thank you!”

George took the woman’s arm and the two crossed the street together. When they reached the other side, the lady gave George a peck on the cheek. “Thank you, young man!” she said. “What’s your name?” “I’m George, George Tandy,” he said smiling. “And yours?” “I’m Doris Danquist. It’s wonderful to meet you,” the lady said. “It’s rare to meet a true gentleman these days. Your wife is a lucky woman!”

George’s smile faded. “My wife passed away a year ago,” he said softly. “It hasn’t been easy…” “I’m so sorry!” Doris said. “Do you have any children?” “Yes,” George said. “Three. Two girls and a boy. They are my joy. If it wasn’t for them, my life wouldn’t be worth living.” “I know how you feel,” Doris said. “I lost my Albert five years ago. My children and grandchildren keep me going.”

“Well, Mrs. Danquist,” George said smiling. “It’s been lovely chatting, but I have to run or I’ll be late for work!” And with a smile and a wave, George ran off to the subway. Two days later, at the same time, George saw Doris waiting to cross. “Hey, Mrs. Danquist!” he said smiling. “Want to cross with me?” Doris smiled happily. “George!” she said. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. I’d love to! And please, call me Doris!”

“All right,” Doris said. “It’s been a long time since such a handsome young man made a date with me!” George burst out laughing. “And I’ve never had such a shameless, charming flirt!” George and Doris would cross the busy street arm in arm every few days after that. George eventually confided in Doris and sought her advice on parenting his teenage daughters.

“I had to sell both the car and the house,” George admitted. “As a result of my wife’s medical bills. I, like the other dads, am unable to drive my daughter to soccer practice. It’s not easy to persuade them…” “Give them some time,” Doris advised gently. “They’ll see how much you care about them and how hard you’ve worked.” Doris’ gentle wisdom comforted George, and his conversations with her became the highlight of his day.

George then went a week without seeing Doris. He began to be concerned. Doris saw her friends at least three times per week. What had happened to her? The next morning, George stopped to speak with Doris’ building’s doorman. “Please excuse me,” he said. “Mrs. Danquist is a friend of mine, and I’m concerned about her. I haven’t seen her in a long time…”

“Oh,” the doorman cried, looking very sad. “I’m afraid Mrs. Danquist passed away. It was very sudden.” George was devastated. “But…” he said. “Last week she was fine!” The doorman sighed. “It was a big shock for us all, especially the family. By the way, what’s your name?” “George Tandy,” George said. Why do you ask?” “Oh,” the doorman said. “Mrs. Danquist’s lawyer asked me if I knew a George Tandy and how to contact him. Apparently, Mrs. Danquist left you a bequest.”

“Me?” gasped George, astounded. “But why?” When Doris’ lawyer contacted him a few weeks later, George understood. Doris had left him her late husband’s mint-condition Lincoln!”Mrs. Danquist said that you’d understand,” the lawyer said, as he handed over the keys and the car’s papers to George. George accepted with tears in his eyes. “I do understand,” he said. “Mrs. Danquist was a wonderful, kind soul!”