I was remembering today, my move across the country, and having my truck's gas gauge on empty... as I drove up the highway, reasonably late at night, I saw an exit that said gas. HOORAY! I'm saved! I got to the gas station with a sinking heart: Long boarded up and closed. Got back in the truck and started up the highway. Engine coughed, I panicked. I spied a farmhouse on the other side of the highway fence with the lights on. I parked the truck and clambored across the thankfully not busy highway. Knocked on the door, and when the a woman answered, I stated that I had run out of gas and the gas station was boarded up. Did she have a gallon or two that she could sell me? Amazingly, she directed me to the barn where there was the usual red gas can with 5 gallons in it. She said to use the whatever was in there, and just return the can. Refusing my money.

Ironically, of course, there was a fully functioning gas station at the next exit, but I'll never forget her kindness. I wish I had thought to take down her address so I could have sent a thankyou card.

You can't control someone else's behavior... only your own. That being said, I tell everyone I don't carry money, but I always have a charity apple or orange in my car or backpack to give to someone who's hungry.