This is not the most populous state, but it is the most densely populated. There are trains running into the big city, but cars rule the crowded roads in the 'burbs.
Rising prices meant I noticed the Speedway's relatively good one and decided to join the line. I noticed the guy attempting to manage six cars at six pumping stations coming and going. At first. he appeared to be limping but as I got closer I realized the bottom of his shoe flapping in spite of its duck tape wrapper. When I finally reached the front of my line, I asked for a fill of regular and gave him cash, to save a few cents on each gallon. "Fifty dollars regular?" he confirmed as he started the pump. I noticed his gaunt look.
I let my mind drift for a bit, wondering about his world and why his shoes were dragging as you do when you are not the pumper. He returned with change and I suggested he keep it. I guess tipping has been impacted by rising prices as you would have thought the dollar was new Nikes. "You don't have to, Mama," he offered it back to me.
I wanted to say, "Seriously, I cannot justify buying a cup of coffee when you need shoes to work," but I just nodded and let my mind drift to the impact of rising prices on real people in the real world. It's possible he has new shoes at home and a 401B, but I would not bet a tank of gas on it.
9 comments:
Anita, I'm also left wondering so much these days, with the costs of everything rising and people having to work harder and skimp more to make ends meet. It's nice to see folks giving in a world where everyone is taking. And the metaphor of filling our tanks by helping others is so clear here - - I love this!
This is a beautiful small moment...and example of paying attention to others. I think the flapping shoe/limp is unfortunately a really apt image for many people right now. Pumping six cars at once might be as well. As we drove to and from Baltimore this weekend, we listened to Theo of Golden. It, too, is full of gestures, small but so significant. It made me wonder if I was doing enough. Conclusion: no. Not yet anyway. Thanks for capturing this moment.
~Humbleswede
I didn’t know that there were still people pumping gas anywhere! Those shoes and your noticing and noting are poignant.
Flapping shoes, pumping gas, trying to make ends meet. Sitting in an office, Signing documents tat make the rich richer. Something is wrong here. arjeha
(newtreemom)
Kindness. It makes a difference.
I could imagine those flapping shoes flapping. Anita, that was the kindest gesture! :)
In these difficult times, I think it's so telling how we treat strangers -- noticing that suffering is universal and in a simple gesture, you can demonstrate that we have more in common with one another than our exteriors may present. Thank you for this thoughtful slice, Anita! Giovanna
Anita, your slice on gas is troublesome and sad. The cost of gas in VA is now at $4 but I get my gas at BJ so it is only $3.72 or so. I often think back on those people who pumped gas for me. It was a pleasure since I have trouble doing it myself. Seeing a pumper with flappy shoes would upset me also. Your kindness is noted.
I am so glad you did this, Anita! (New Jersey, like Oregon, still provides the gas pump job). Income inequality, stories we fail to see and/or appreciate, the way we're all in this together tho we might forget that at times...all these thoughts from you.
Post a Comment