What do you say?

I'd say it was your lucky day!

You handled it beautifully! There are easily a half dozen lessons abot how to behave commenably within your short post. Thank you for taking time to share it with us!

Elder and the younger showing love and respect the world and you making it all possible make my heart happy. The best read all morning. Thanks for posting.

Sometimes the best response is simply to accept the kindness graciously, as you did, because those men may have genuinely wanted to help and likely felt good being able to do so; if you're still thinking about it, a sincere “thank you” was enough, and you can honor their generosity by paying it forward in whatever way you're able when an opportunity arises.

It's nice to read a story like this instead of "I nearly got knocked down by inconsiderate goons."

I'm disabled, and I used to be almost resentful when people would open doors for me. In all seriousness, I need practice at that. But I've learned to simply say, 'Thank you," or "Wow, the VIP treatment. Thanks!" or some such.

@methel We find Little Blessings like that when we least expect it! Last weekend I was struggling to get out of a store with a basket of items. I use a cane. Reaching my car, a gentleman walked up and offered to help me load everything. I accepted his offer, and told him that he had "earned his gold stars for that day!" It made my day, and I hope it made him feel good too. We learn to pay it forward in little ways.
Ginger

Another thing is that when people have acted charitably toward me (and this was true even before my disability), I'd do something charitable going forward. An extra twenty in the collection basket, or an offer to help someone else, or putting extra effort into just being kind and supportive to others (sometimes that was the hardest thing to do, misanthropic grouch that I am).

I often say that if each one of us tried to make things at least a little bit better, think of the cumulative effect!

Your story touches me deeply. These simple kind acts are such jewels. I'd tuck it away in my psyche and pull it out when I needed a reminder of the beauty that is still there in the world.

The "thank you" and enjoying life's small assurances that there still are good people in the world is enough.

It may feel odd taking generosity, but what I do when I am blessed is just play it forward.

@methel -- That was your lucky day, M!

Sure that turned you into "Merry Methyl" for the rest of the day. Good job.

All the best, MM!

/LarryG