Friendship between young girl and grocer sparks a movement to recognize kindness
In the produce department of the Publix in Fort Myers, Florida, a friendship was formed.
Rachel Smith has shopped at this grocery store for years, stopping by every Saturday. She told Good Morning America she was drawn to the location because "there was always such a culture of kindness."
No one embodied this more than Gilnet. A grocer at the store for several years, he was always happy to run into Smith and her daughter Fiona, now 6. When she was a toddler, "I noticed her beginning to recognize him, and then eventually going out of her way to look for him," Smith said. After Gilnet taught Fiona how to high five, she gave him the nickname "High Five."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Gilnet recognized their special bond, and on Fiona's third birthday in 2019, surprised her with a gift: her first bike. "She loved it so much," Smith said, adding, "He's priceless to us." Because of COVID, the family's regular grocery trips had to stop, and during that time, Gilnet was transferred. This week, after two years, Smith tracked Gilnet down at his new store, and brought Fiona to visit. The pals were thrilled to reunite, with Fiona running up to Gilnet for a hug.
Smith posted videos of Fiona and Gilnet on social media, and has received several comments from followers talking about the "High Fives" in their lives — people they met during childhood who left a lasting impression. Smith told GMA these stories and Gilnet have inspired her to start a charity. It will be called "Who's Your High Five," she said, and aims to spark a movement where "people can submit stories about people who've positively impacted their lives the way he's positively impacted ours."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Get physical at these 8 hotels that feature 8 different sports
The Week Recommends After you check in, it's game time
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Make a splash at these 8 refreshing water parks
The Week Recommends Cool off while having a blast
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
A guide to Fort Myers
The Week Recommends This city is often considered the gateway to sunny southwest Florida and boasts plenty to see and do
By Dominic Kocur Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
7 bars here for your spring thirst
The Week Recommends Seven cities. Seven exciting drinking destinations.
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Why baby boomers and retirees are ditching Florida for Appalachia
The Explainer The shift is causing a population spike in many rural Appalachian communities
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published