In a world where bad news seems to dominate the headlines, stories of hope and kindness can be a welcome respite.  And for one California man, his kindness is getting rewarded, more than he could have ever expected.

Ron Nessman, a former truck driver, was captured on video rescuing a baby in a runaway stroller, from oncoming traffic. It was a scene straight out of the movies.

Nessman, a former truck driver, had been homeless since the tragic death of his girlfriend in 2018. Recently, he had been staying with his sister, and found himself in the right place at the right time when he witnessed a woman’s stroller rolling backwards towards a busy roadway.

Sitting on a bench outside a car wash in Hesperia, still in his interview clothes after a job interview with Applebee’s, Nessman sprang into action. Security footage captured the heart-stopping moment as the woman tripped and fell while attempting to catch the stroller. Nessman managed to run in and grab the stroller just before it rolled out onto the street.

I was just thankful I was at the right place at the right time,” Nessman said.

Nessman seconds after he stopped the baby stroller from going into traffic. Photos from YouTube

“I got nephews and nieces, and I couldn’t imagine something like that,” he said. “I knew I could get it and I got it and I’m thankful for that because I really wouldn’t want to see the end result if I wasn’t there.”

Nessman’s heroic act quickly gained attention, with the video going viral on social media. Netizens hailed him as a hero and expressed their support, hoping that he would receive recognition and even a job opportunity. Little did they know, Nessman’s act of bravery caught the attention of Applebee’s, as well.

A few days later, Nessman received a call informing him that he had landed the dishwasher position at Applebee’s. Emily Canady, the general manager of the restaurant, clarified that Nessman earned the job based on his qualifications and not solely because of his heroic act. She expressed her confidence in Nessman, stating, “He’s a great guy and he was a great candidate, and he’ll definitely fit with us here in Team Victorville at Applebee’s.”

Nessman, filled with gratitude, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity given to him by Applebee’s, remarking, “It’s really cool.”

Nessman recounts the moment he saw the stroller rushing toward a busy street.

Nessman also said he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he hadn’t tried to help. He said the poor woman suffered knee injuries after falling.

She tried everything she possibly could to get up. Her knees were bleeding when I got up to her. She was still shocked and she was crying.”

Nessman is thrilled to start working again and he is happy that it will be in a fast-paced environment. “I gotta come to work tomorrow and I can hardly wait to start doing what I do, you know what I mean? It’s going to be a good feeling” he said.

This heartwarming story also demonstrates the ripple effect of good deeds. The outpouring of support from online and the recognition from Applebee’s show the power of compassion and selflessness, and how it inspires others to do better.

Though there were some people who wanted to set up online fundraisers for him, Nessman refused, saying he wants to earn his own money. It was enough, he said, that he found a new job that will help him get back on his feet.

“I decided to get right,” he said. “If you want something different in your life, you do something different and that’s where I am at today.”

For a look at the heart-stopping rescue, watch below.

Sources: People | The Guardian | My Positive Outlooks