Old Widow Can’t Pay for Groceries, ‘Angel’ Pays and Only Asks to Pray for Him in Return

Angels walk among us, often doing simple good deeds that change lives forever. One widow panicked when her credit card was denied at a grocery store. However, help was closer than expected.

Eighty-nine-year-old Marilyn Oettinger lost her husband in July 2022. The year was tough on the older woman, who did her best to stay positive. However, an unexpected incident in an Auburndale Star Market caught her off guard.

She did her shopping, going along with a few other senior citizens and getting everything she needed. Her bill came to $109, but something went wrong when it came time to pay.

Her Card Was Canceled

Marilyn's card was declined, and she was left red-faced and embarrassed. The older woman had no idea what to do. Her husband had always accompanied her to the store in the past.

Recalling the September incident, Marilyn's daughter Margie Oettinger stated: "There [my mother] was. Confused, flabbergasted, embarrassed."

The moment stunned Marilyn and she couldn't stop thinking about it. Shortly after completing his good deed, the kind man disappeared without any fuss.

It turns out, the older woman's card was canceled two days before the shopping trip. The bank account linked to the card was registered in Marilyn's late husband's name, which justified the cancelation.

Help Was Standing Behind Her

Thankfully, a Good Samaritan was behind Marilyn in the grocery line. The unnamed man rescued the woman without thinking twice. "Don't worry. I'll take care of your groceries," the man, who Margie described as an "amazing person," told Marilyn

The Kind Stranger's Unexpected Request

Marilyn only accepted the kind stranger's offer because she planned to pay him back for the expense. However, when the woman tried to get his name and details, he refused, asking for something unexpected instead. Margie shared:

"He said ... 'Just say a prayer for me.'"

The moment stunned Marilyn, and she couldn't stop thinking about it. Shortly after completing his good deed, the kind man disappeared without fuss.

The Family Tried to Locate the Man

Shoppers were at a loss for words following the encounter. One woman admitted the story gave her chills, while another person added that it made them happy hearing about someone doing good without wanting anything in return.

The experience undoubtedly touched Marilyn and her loved ones, and they vowed to pay it forward in the future. They also tried to find the do-gooder online to express their gratitude again. Margie said:

"We're trying to find him. And even if he doesn't want to come forward, we're hoping that he'll know that we're incredibly grateful."

The Online Response

The family said multiple prayers for the "angel" who helped their mom when she needed it the most. His compassion was worthy of praise, and many netizens agreed:

"Love Star Market. An employee did it for me and one of my kids when I left my debit card at home. I was in tears this August in mass somewhere. I paid it forward."

- (Raven hair Rock Godess who loves Foreigner 53) September 6, 2022

"Whoever that angel is that paid for that elderly woman's groceries deserves that same care right back and hopefully, there are many more occurrences like this happening throughout this country. That kind of care is very much needed."

- (G L) September 6, 2022

"Thank you for sharing this. God bless you all."

- (Angela Almeida) September 6, 2022

"Nice to know there are still some very caring and generous people in this country. God put this angel in the right place and at the exact right time to help this elderly woman."

- (Holly Dee Rodier) September 6, 2022

"Such an amazingly kind person. There are some really good people in this world."

- (Joyce Julius) September 6, 2022

The world would be a much better place if more people acted like the kind stranger from Star Market. His simple gesture meant the world to the widow. Not only did it save her from the situation, but it also put a smile on her face.

Well done to the unknown stranger, and may we endeavor to be more like him. Have you ever helped someone through a random act of kindness? Please share your story with us!

Click here to read about another heartwarming act of compassion. A group of firefighters saw a mother and her kids playing outside—it stopped them in their tracks. They couldn't drive past without assisting the family.