Paying it Backward
After all my whining in the last post, I got hit smack in the gut with kindness. Imagine the scene:
Late afternoon on a blustery, suburban Chicago day. I've decided to take a field trip to the latest Starbucks in hopes of clearing up some of the muck in my brain. Taking my rightful place in line, I contemplate the Venti versus Grande. When the bartista politely asks, "What can I get started for you?"
I decide, "Grande Skim No Whip White Mocha please." I can almost taste the sweet chocolate in my mouth. My aching throat and head agree. White mochas make the world go round. And late work days pass more pleasantly.
The blonde perky cashier smiles as she hands back a receipt to the woman in front of me. Stepping forward I thrust my debit card in her direction.
Her impossibly grin grows even larger, "You're all taken care of sweetheart."
I can feel myself blink at her. Three times to be exact. And my uttering confusion obvious.
"She," the cashier cranes her neck in the direction of a woman shuffling out the front door, "took care of it for you."
"Really?"
"Yes," still thrilled with sharing this delightful news, the cashier giggles, "Do you know her?"
I watch charitable woman climb into her gray Subaru--barely lifting her head in the direction of the glass wall of the coffee shop. "No, unfortunately, I do not."
"Then consider this your lucky day."
"Or in the unbelievable kindness of strangers and karma." A grin tickles my lips, "Or just perfect timing."
*****
To the woman who paid my Starbucks coffee tab this afternoon: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I know it was only a small gesture of kindness, but to me, on a day like today, I desperately needed a pick-me-up (in more ways than one). And THAT gesture? Well, it was exactly what I needed. I cannot thank you enough.
Late afternoon on a blustery, suburban Chicago day. I've decided to take a field trip to the latest Starbucks in hopes of clearing up some of the muck in my brain. Taking my rightful place in line, I contemplate the Venti versus Grande. When the bartista politely asks, "What can I get started for you?"
I decide, "Grande Skim No Whip White Mocha please." I can almost taste the sweet chocolate in my mouth. My aching throat and head agree. White mochas make the world go round. And late work days pass more pleasantly.
The blonde perky cashier smiles as she hands back a receipt to the woman in front of me. Stepping forward I thrust my debit card in her direction.
Her impossibly grin grows even larger, "You're all taken care of sweetheart."
I can feel myself blink at her. Three times to be exact. And my uttering confusion obvious.
"She," the cashier cranes her neck in the direction of a woman shuffling out the front door, "took care of it for you."
"Really?"
"Yes," still thrilled with sharing this delightful news, the cashier giggles, "Do you know her?"
I watch charitable woman climb into her gray Subaru--barely lifting her head in the direction of the glass wall of the coffee shop. "No, unfortunately, I do not."
"Then consider this your lucky day."
"Or in the unbelievable kindness of strangers and karma." A grin tickles my lips, "Or just perfect timing."
*****
To the woman who paid my Starbucks coffee tab this afternoon: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I know it was only a small gesture of kindness, but to me, on a day like today, I desperately needed a pick-me-up (in more ways than one). And THAT gesture? Well, it was exactly what I needed. I cannot thank you enough.
