After mass this morning, sandwiched in between a doctor appointment and a dentist visit for yet another decaying tooth (note to ya'll... always brush your teeth... even if it seems so much better to crash in your bed with a giant Diet Coke and a bucket of Reeses) I ducked into a local grocery store to follow up on school donations for Friday's Kids' Dash.

The cashier with the mohawk and tattoos told me, yet again, that the accountant was not there.

"When will she back?" I inquired of her.

"Tomorrow," she grunted, quickly turning back to her coupon and condom scanning.

Tomorrow... tomorrow... the sun will come out tomorrow..., right? "I have TWO days to get fifty more dollars worth of gift cards for our school," I grumbled to myself.

I simply smiled and thanked her. It's not her fault, of course.

On my way out the door, a very dirty man asked me what I needed the money for. I told him.

"L.A. schools..." he muttered. "It keeps getting worse, doesn't it?"

I nodded my head. "Well, at least my kids are getting an education," I smiled. "How are you?" I asked back.

He must have been pleased that I asked, for he followed me out to the parking lot and pulled out a wallet loaded with about 500 dollar bills. (No joke.)

"Take a dollar," he offered, waving a five at me.

"I can't do that!" I said, staring at his dusty car and ripped seat covers.

"Sure you can!" he offered me. "My wife and I like to help out."

I paused, at which he added, "For the kids."

I took it and said thank you.

It was indeed a reminder that giving, no matter how little we have, is such a gift. And while the money will be given to my kids' school, clearly it is I that is getting an education.
 


Comments

flutter link
09/30/2009 22:02

I just love this

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RedStacey
10/01/2009 08:40

Funny thing about gifts, they're no good unless you accept 'em! What a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
His Girl Amber link
10/02/2009 16:40

such a cool story. amazing what happens when we slow down and talk to people.

thanks for reminding me to do that.

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