I keep a bunch of re-usable tote shopping bags in my car. By having them with me, I can run into a store, and always have them with me when I need them.
Recently, I was rushing around getting things done on a particularly icky day. I dashed into the grocery store, picked up what I needed, and raced to the check out line. I was standing in front of an elderly lady in line. As I handed my totes to the checker, the lady said to me:
"I wish I could remember to bring my bags with me, but I always seems to forget them when I leave the house."
The check-out lady smiled and said to her:
"Sally, it's okay, you walk here, it's no big deal if you forget them."
"But I ALWAYS seem to forget them." Sally continued, real frustration shadowing her face.
I said to Sally, You can have a couple of mine."
"Oh no!" she said "I couldn't".
"Of course you can," I said, "I have plenty of them."
"Could I pay you for them?" Sally asked.
"Absolutely not" I continued, "It would be my pleasure."
By this time, I was all checked out, so I started bagging Sally's items myself into a couple of my tote bags. Sally and I walked out of the grocery store together into the rain. I asked:
"My I offer you a ride home today? It's really rainey out."
Sally smiled gratefully at me and said: "That would really be nice."
We both piled into my car, and as I started the ignition. I asked Sally for her address and she gave me one that was only 11 blocks away!
As I drove Sally home, we chatted about my Yorkies, what we were making for dinner that night and her recipe for pot roast. When we arrived at Sally's apartment, I carried her bags to her door and said my good-byes as she thanked me over and over again.
As I drove home, I realized that I had gotten more out of my chance meeting with Sally than she probably did. I was rushing through my day routinely thinking about the next item on my list that had to be completed. After meeting and talking with Sally, I drove home in a happy and relaxed state of mind.
We have an untapped wealth of knowledge and wisdom in our seniors that we barely acknowledge. So, next time you are standing next to that sweet little old lady or man, I suggest turning, smiling and saying "Hello". I know that I have incorporated that into my routine, and the smiling, knowing face that says "Hello" in return makes my day better for it.
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