With so much going wrong in the world, we have the story of a young man who did the right thing. He's 16, modest and surprised he's getting so much attention for giving someone a little help and respect.
Just north of Glendale, in a modest apartment, Joshua York sits at a electric piano playing "Amazing Grace." He knows his way up and down a keyboard, but not too many other places.
"I have a little bit of vision," York said. "I can see lines colors and objects."
But a grocery aisle is a blur, a place where York is lost. He's legally blind and unable to see without the amazing grace of a stranger, 16-year-old Kroger employee Colin Coleman.
"It was the best thing to do," Coleman said. "I have to take care of other people."
In the middle of Sunday's shopping rush, Coleman, already busy stocking shelves and gathering grocery carts, stepped in to help out.
"He was very talkative, very friendly," York explained. "He looked as if it was both part of his job and he just wanted to make sure I got what I needed."
Coleman guided York through the aisles and his shopping list.
"At the end of the day, we need to understand that we are all on the same level, no matter what, so we treat each other exactly the same, with respect," Coleman said.
Ashlee Fujawa was shopping at the same time.
"I see two people helping each other," she said.
Fujawa, director of public relations for Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, was so moved, she snapped a picture and put it online, wanting everyone to experience.
"He (Coleman) just showed a bit of respect, a lot of kindness, which you don't necessarily see a lot of. It was very touching," Fujawa explained.
Coleman's help, York said, helps him and other visually impaired people shop independently.
"I would say thank you for going out of your way and helping me out," he said.
The Kroger store said thank you to Coleman in big way. Its customer service award, usually shared by an entire department, for the first time was given to an individual.
Coleman started working at the Kroger at 65th and Keystone just 6 months ago. He says he's been surprised at all the attention for his act of kindness.
"I never thought it would get this big. Basically, it is an everyday thing," he said. "Come in, do the best that I can, try as hard as I can and work as hard as I can."
"We need more of that. We need to point out when we are great to each other because then we will all be great to each other in all that we do," Fujawa said.
