When I was 16, I was on my way to school when the “low tire pressure” light turned on in my car. Now, at 24, putting air in my tires feels like the easiest thing in the world, but at 16, I’d never learned how to. I didn’t know how to figure out how much air I already had, how much I needed, how to set the machine, or the correct way to hold the nozzle.

There was a car behind me, waiting to fill up their tires with air. It was around 8 am, so I figured he was in a rush to get to work. I moved my car over and told him to go ahead, that I’d be a minute. Instead of moving his car, he said, “Here, here, let me show you.”

Mind you, it was POURING outside. I, fortunately, had my raincoat on, but he did not. Not only did he fill my tires for me, but he also took the time to demonstrate how to do it myself next time. I guess I expected him to be annoyed by my taking so long, but he was nothing but patient, kind, and understanding.

I still think about him from time to time. What was probably nothing to him is the very thing I think about every time I fill my tires with air. His act of kindness may seem small, but it went such a long way. I think teenagers often receive eye-rolls and impatience. He gave me the exact opposite. I hope he’s doing well, wherever he is.