During March, I write daily with the Two Writing Teacher Slice of Life group sharing bits and pieces of my life. Sometimes, the "slices" are really "sips."
I stopped going to Dunkin regularly a while ago; however, every once in a while, after a fitful night or after an intense workout, my car finds its way into the lot seeking a Jolt of Joe. Yesterday was one of those days and the fact that I found 4 singles in an old purse headed to the trash seemed to justify my actions.
There was a customer in front of me pawing through her purse. I assumed she was in search of a means to pay for her coffee but there was a panic in her movements suggesting something more was at stake. I must admit I felt a bit of annoyance in the moment before my Lenten promise to do "acts of kindness" stopped that annoyed sigh in its tracks.
"I've got it," I said to the cashier putting my found-cash on the counter. "We've all forgotten our wallets," I chuckled to take away the tension. She nodded her gratitude as I ordered my own cup, this time whipping out the Visa card.
She was still standing there as I prepared to leave, so I queried if she was ok. That created a watershed moment where the tears rolled and I suggested we sit down in in one of those comfy plastic chairs designed to be easily disinfected. She was quiet for a minute and then whispered, "He called to tell me he was being deployed. I'm a mess."
The headlines flashed through my mind as I reached across the table, mom-to-mom. There were no words needed. There was nothing I could do to make the situation easier. However, I am sure we both needed a Jolt of Joe, at that moment, in order to get through that moment.
10 comments:
Oh, Anita, what a great save, when you remembered your acts of kindness commitment. Wow. What an apropos Lenten plan in this day and age. I'm so glad you were there for her, to hold her hand. And I hope our representatives in Congress will stop this before it becomes a full out war.
It's a time when we all need to be there for one another. Your kind act matters!
You really do not ever know what people are struggling with. Your kindness was needed at that moment. God bless you and this poor woman.
Actions fell into place for you to be there with your act of kindness. Your story will stay with me all day. I always think 'found money' is emarked for a special purpose! :)
Diane (newtreemom)
A moment of grace. A moment that will forever be cherished in two hearts and multiplied in heats touched by the retelling.
Thank you for your kindness and your courage to reach out, Anita. 🤗
A moment of kindness, and the world is a better place. If only this principle would operate on a global level, there would be no need for deployments. Naive , but true. Bless you big time.
If only we could all be so caring and compassionate. I think it is safe to say that she needed hand holding more that the coffee. Glad you were there for her. arjeha
Anita,
This is a gut punch. It truly hits hard as it makes me remember my own boys being deployed to Iraq in yet another act of evil justified w/ lies.
Wow, Anita! You were in the right place at the right time for this woman who clearly needed the care that you gave. What a wonderful, kind move on your part to reach out and pay and then sit down and be there.
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