Seems like whenever you see the words “Florida man” in a headline, what follows is typically the most bonkers set of events you might ever hear. “Florida man” has become a meme now for that reason.
Usually, “Florida man” headlines are about the eccentric or bizarre. But not this time.
Florida man with no arms uses his feet to stab a tourist with a pair of scissors https://t.co/bD80jPIujb pic.twitter.com/0ujNkcWarO
— Florida Man (@FloridaMan__) August 17, 2022
A kind stranger made the news in Tampa, Florida.
Unlike other “Florida man” headlines, this one didn’t involve feeding an alligator, stabbing someone with a squirrel, or injuring someone with a burger. And yes, all of those are from actual headlines.
Saw this man sitting by himself at a Waffle House in Midway, Florida.
So I said hello and asked him what he was doing with that money. pic.twitter.com/UY2uBW7hXE
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) July 9, 2022
Twitter user and Florida resident Kevin Cate encountered the star of this story in a Waffle House branch.
Cate saw a curious-looking man at a nearby table.
He told me that since 2014, he’s been handing out $1s and $5s to strangers, here and elsewhere.
So of course, I ask him about it.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) July 9, 2022
Cate saw the man sitting alone in his booth, seeming very busy with the notes and dollar bills he had.
It was a peculiar scene, so Cate had to check it out. Just who was this man, and what was he doing with all this money and the notes?
Well, turns out he was attaching the money to the notes.
And given the volume of notes and money he had, it didn’t look like they were for his relatives. Of course, Cate was getting even more curious.
So Cate asked him what all this was about.
The man told him that he was handing out $1 and $5 bills to people he met here, and any other place.
This was a peculiarly nice revelation. This man was just sitting here and handing people money because he wanted to. But why?
He said he’s given away more than $13,000 to strangers, kids, and people he meets at Waffle House (his favorite) and elsewhere.
And they all come with that note you see in the picture. He copies and cut these out every few days.
Obviously, I ask about the note.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) July 9, 2022
The answer: because it feels nice to do something for other people. That’s all the reason he needs.
It isn’t just Waffle House where he does this. He also does it in pretty much any place he happens to be eating. And while $1 or $5 dollars aren’t a lot on their own, they could definitely brighten up someone’s day – especially if received from a kind stranger.
You could buy something to eat for that money. Perhaps a little treat for yourself if you need one.
He told Cate how it all started. It was after his mother passed away, and her last words to her son were “Love everybody”.
It says “love every body.”
Why?
He told me those were the last three words his mother said to him.
And he says it to me again.
She didn’t say “I love you.”
She said “love every body.”So that’s what I’m doing.
Loving every body.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) July 9, 2022
In fact, the man has been doing this since 2014. He writes “Love everybody” on the notes containing the money, before handing them to people.
“She didn’t say “I love you.” She said “love everybody.” So that’s what I’m doing. Loving everybody.” – he said when clarifying to Cate
Through all the years of doing this, the man (who chose not to share his name) has given away around $13,000 to strangers now.
In a world where we spend every waking day listening to negative news and worrying about the future, it’s a welcome change to hear stories like this.
Response to this couldn’t be any more beautiful. Thank you. ❤️
If you have time, read the replies. People are sharing their own stories of “love every body.”
To media, yes you can use this.
Lastly, while he was alone, clearly his mom’s love is still with him and now all of us.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) July 10, 2022
Indeed, quite a lot of replies to Cate’s tweet make specific mention of this. We’re tired of hearing about all the bad in the world. Let’s hear about the good in the world for a change, why don’t we?
Wow you have no idea how much I needed to read this. So much time spent doom scrolling on Twitter and feeling so sad and helpless about life. I forget the joy I have felt from helping those in need. This is what I need to be putting my energy into, spreading love and kindness ❤️
— VickiLynn307 (@Juju307Mama) July 10, 2022
Head on over to Kevin Cate’s Twitter thread where he shared the story. Please make sure to share this article as well!
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