Paying It Forward

12 years ago

We just had an interesting experience that really amazed me. Nothing to do with cooking.

My daughter is interested in photography. She's been using my film cameras, going to the local darkroom, learning and developing her eye. She wanted a digital SLR. We decided on a used Nikon D200, which is an older model that was fairly high in Nikon's range when it was introduced. It accepts Nikon's manual focus lenses, of which we have many, has full manual control as well as all the auto-everything bells and whistles, magnesium body, weather sealing, etc. It was the backup camera for a lot of pros. So, dearest daughter saved her money from garage sales, selling her old books, busing tables at a friend's restaurant, etc and eventually she had $500. The camera body, used, is about $600 without lens at used camera dealers, about $600 with a basic lens on Craigslist (but, after corresponding with some Craigslist sellers, I suspect some of the latter are stolen) So I said I'd pay for half of it, and started looking for a good used D200.

I went on an Internet forum that I've been on for a long time (10 years), stated the above, and asked for advice on how to check out a used digital SLR. I got a lot of good advice. I also got an email from someone on the forum - saying he had a D200 that he no longer used, having moved up to the latest D3, and he'd been meaning to pass it on to a young photographer. My daughter could have it for the cost of shipping. $27 and three days later, my daughter received a box with a virtually-new D200, a lens, all manuals and accessories and extra batteries, original packaging, not a scratch on anything.

She is thrilled and is working on her thank-you letter right now.

We're going to talk about putting the camera money toward her car in a year or so (digression: I have in mind a Mk 1 VW Rabbit cabriolet, I'd make it a project car and fix it all up, while she spends the first year in a pre-dented beater tank of a Volvo or something. We'd do daddy-daughter days at the autocross races, she can learn to strap on a helmet and power slide, threshold brake, oversteer, recover from spins, etc. Eventually she'd be allowed to graduate from the beater.)

I've never had anything like that happen before. I guess this is "paying it forward". I'm awed.

Just wanted to share something that really surprised me.

Comments (11)

dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
12 years ago
Nice story. Thanks.

I enjoy reading nice happenings in life to start my day.

dcarch
doucanoe
12 years ago
Wow, what a generous gift! Yes, there are definitely some wonderful people in the world, in spite of all the bad out there.

Having been the recipient of some generous gifts from forum members right here, I can attest to the generosity and goodwill of people.

Photography is fascinating! I hope your daughter enjoys every minute with that "new" camera!

Linda
Related Discussions
Solstice sowing and paying it FORWARD!!!
Q
Comments (55)
Hi, Carrie & Shore - we don't actually have a house yet, but we're working on it - saw a couple of good ones yesterday, but still want to do more looking. Carrie, I thought SC was nice for the brief 3 1/2 months I was there - but a better opportunity arose in AL, so off we went! I like AL too, though, so far - I'm pretty easy where I go, as long as I have a place to garden :). Shore, I'm not going anywhere for Christmas - my DD, whom we haven't seen since last Christmas, is flying over from "across the pond" on Christmas Eve - what a nice gift!
...See More
Paying Forward Generosity
Q
Comments (3)
I love to pay it forward but more hands on. First pass plants and seeds around to neighbors and friends, It makes your whole neighborhood look better. :O) and I love it when someone I know buys a new house, be it new built or new to them, First thought through my head is giving them loads of plants, seeds and divisions. I guess it just keeps the circle going, when someone ask me what they can share with me usually I tell them to do like me and find someone that needs plants too when they have extra. Pattie
...See More
Please help me 'Pay it Forward' ... Very small time commitment.
Q
Comments (3)
I will be more than happy to do some squares, just let me know where to send it. my email is mama40@gmail.com I could also send a blanket that I have finished if you are interested... this is a great thing you are doing, congrats to you for a wonderful job and caring in a special way. It is young people like you who make a difference, great job!!....
...See More
PAY IT FORWARD!!
Q
Comments (20)
Hi Beth - I'm in - I will send an envelope to you and include my garden web username SASA if you still have some to give! I'm having success with some cuttings that another garden web member sent me way back in April!!
...See More
dedtired
12 years ago
Thanks for that great story. Nice to know someone cares more about encouraging a young photographer than making a few dollars. I know I feel better when I give something to some who I know needs or wants it and will put it to good use.

John, you would like to spend time with my DS #1, who races a Porsche. Might be confusing though, since he is also named John.
compumom
12 years ago
How nice is that? Actually, it's a story that warms my heart and reminds me that there are generous people out there --beyond the CF! Thanks for sharing!
mustangs81
12 years ago
Very nice lessons here for your DD. She sounds like she is going to be a winner in life.
sally2_gw
12 years ago
Thanks for sharing your story. My mother was a professional photographer, and my dad worked along side her as his avocation. They had a great time together with it. I hope your daughter gets as much pleasure out of photography as my parents did.

Sally
dgkritch
12 years ago
There ARE wonderful people out there. What a nice thing for your daughter. Hope she enjoys the "you-know-what" out of the camera and maybe she'll pass it along someday too.

Deanna
annie1992
12 years ago
I agree, that's a very nice thing indeed. I've also been the recipient of some extremely generous gifts here at CF, it's nice to know that kind of person is everywhere and a good reminder of the innate kindness of the human spirit, if you look for it.

Good luck on the driving, I remember the first day Ashley got into a car and just drove away. I stood in the driveway and realized there was absolutely nothing I could do to help her, to stop her, to make her safe. It was awful.

Did that help? (grin)

Annie
coconut_nj
12 years ago
What a great person to do that for her. I particularly love that this happened after she had done all those things to make the money herself to buy one, or most of one. A great reward for her industry. Bet she writes an awesome thank you letter.

I'll skip commenting on the car thing. It will be here soon enough. Smiles.
loves2cook4six
12 years ago
Lovely story. And a small way to PIF (Pay-it-forward) is to try a daily RAK (Random act of kindness).

Little things like paying for the coffee for the person behind you in line, buying military personel a meal, putting money towards the groceries of the person behind you in line.

My kids and I have tons of fun trying to come up with ideas for unique RAKs but we are not too inventive.

Your daughter could PIF by taking portraits of people who would otherwise be unable to afford this luxury. What about baby pictures at an inner city hospital?

Here is a link that might be useful: Truly inspirational story about a charity that was started as a PIF
Bizzo
12 years ago
Awww! That brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing that story with us! I'm so excited for your daughter!! And I love that the first owner wants to support a young artist! What a way to practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty!!!!