Back in early August, my 6-year-old son and I visited Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo from Richmond, B.C.

While we waited in line to participate in the long line to “feed the giraffe for $5,” we started talking to a lady and her son who were behind us. We talked about the great zoo, a tour we had been on and the fun we had the day before at Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way. The lady had said they lived near there, which is why I am writing to this paper.

When we got to the front of the line, I handed the attendant my $5, and said my son was going to feed the giraffe, and that I was just going to take pictures. The attendant explained that I also needed to pay because it was access to the deck, not just the actual feeding.

I had a Canadian $20 bill and credit cards — not another $5 U.S. bill. I tried negotiating with the attendant without success, and I began to send my son up the ramp while I would wait behind.

Before either my son or I could take a step, the lovely lady we had been talking to handed me a $5 U.S. bill and said I could not miss it. She insisted I take her money so I could get the photos and share the experience with my son. I thanked her profusely.

Now almost a month later, her generosity is still at the forefront in my mind. I hope she will read this and know this kind gesture will never be forgotten.

Shannon Taylor, Richmond, B.C.