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'People are really good': World War II veteran, wife surprised when stranger pays for groceries

Patriot-News - 1/2/2019

Jan. 01--On the last day of 2018, Chuck and Ruth Kline said they normally wouldn't shop for groceries in the middle of the afternoon, but because the Lower Paxton Township couple had to purchase some items for a friend's funeral, they stopped at Giant on Linglestown Road in Susquehanna Township.

The World War II veteran said he and his wife were standing in the check-out line when a "pretty, young lady" allowed them to go ahead of her. And, if that wasn't kind enough, he said, she also paid for their groceries.

"We really are senior citizens," 84-year-old Ruth said. "When we got to the car, I realized I didn't get her name, and Chuck, he realized that he didn't get her name either."

Chuck said they want to "formally thank" the mystery woman, who noted his U.S. Navy hat he was wearing.

"We just lost one of our friends, and his funeral is tomorrow, or I wouldn't have been in Giant at such a busy time," Ruth said. "To run into this angel, that is what I call her, she couldn't have come at a more beautiful time in our lives to show us that people are really good."

Chuck said he estimates the bill was $50. He added he doesn't know what compelled the mystery giver to pay for them.

"It could be the time of year, the season, and she's a very kind, giving person," the 91-year-old said. "Or, the fact that her husband serves in the Navy. Also, the fact that we are elderly. My wife uses a cane and she was struggling when she stands any length of time. All that together shows the type of wonderful person she is."

The Klines said the woman lifted their spirits. Ruth said the woman told them it was a "blessing" for her to pay for them.

"It was an act of kindness," Chuck said. "It left us with a feeling of appreciation. There are bad things that happen on a daily basis, but there are really some wonderful people around you all the time."

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