A favour not repaid

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 at 17:09

ThreadID: 153184 Views:639 Replies:1 FollowUps:1

Noel P4

Travelling south on the Stuart Hwy on 18th June 2015. I was helped by a gentleman towing a van...he had spare fuel and a strong headwind had reduced my range dramatically...I was on a motorcycle, had used my reserve. He gave me 20 ltrs to continue to the next servo...where I BOUGHT HIM A CUP OF COFFEE for his trouble...but I didn't pay for the fuel. Days later I cringed with embarrassment but I had no name or contact for him. I'm still ashamed of such basic neglect.
There are other parts to the story so if anyone can complete the picture I'd like to pay for the fuel...at today's prices, and, thank you again.

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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 at 21:27

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 at 21:27

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Noel, sometimes moments slip past us and only later do we become aware that something could have been dealt with differently. I recognise your regret…. it has happened to me also.
But you did show your gratitude and it is very possible that your gentleman did not expect compensation. He acted with compassion and possibly offered the fuel as a gift to someone in distress. His reward was that he had the opportunity to care for someone in need and to have it reimbursed would have diminished his generosity. regretfully, you may never know.
I do know that quite often when I have done someone a favour and they insist on compensating me, I feel that I have been robbed of the satisfaction of my magnanimity. Do not feel ashamed.