I ran by Walmart yesterday for some roasted chicken. That's one of Jordan's favorite meals. I picked up some French bread, a salad, and a few other things.
I got in the express lane behind a woman with two small children -- one in her buggy, and one hanging on to the side.
When the cashier totaled up the purchases, the woman was short. She was so embarrassed because she'd put enough money (she thought), into her pocket and left her purse in the car.
She bolted from the line saying she'd grab the money.......when I asked the cashier how much she needed, she said 27 cents.
I'm not sure if something bigger was at work here, but I reached my hand in the pocket and I had exactly 27 cents in change. I put the money on the counter and the cashier called after the woman. She was very appreciative. I told her it was nothing and it really was nothing.
I told her that someone had done the same for me recently (OK, it's been several years, but time is relative, right?).
Anyhow, that's not the interesting part of the story -- the cashier was a young woman in her early twenties. She was overweight, she had red hair and freckles, but she had an inner beauty that showed through. She seemed to glow with an inner peace that's elusive to most folks.
She had an interesting name and when I asked her about it, she said that her mother was a fan of soap operas and had named her after one of the characters.
The name sounded Italian, but I was pretty sure her linage did not come from Italy. I told her she looked Irish. She smiled. I told her that Jilda and I had gone to Ireland several years ago and that all the girls were pretty like her. She flushed slightly, but she smiled and said thank you.
I may be wrong but I'm guessing she doesn't get called "pretty" enough. We've all read too many magazines, watched too much TV, and seen too many movies. We measure beauty against images that have been air brushed, face lifted, tummy tucked, botoxed, and made up by makeup artists who make more money than our teachers and nurses.......
I didn't intend for this to turn into a rant but it's something I felt needed to be said.
Y'all have a great Wednesday. I think I'm going fishing.
+++++++++
Phil Campbell - Vote Here
I got in the express lane behind a woman with two small children -- one in her buggy, and one hanging on to the side.
When the cashier totaled up the purchases, the woman was short. She was so embarrassed because she'd put enough money (she thought), into her pocket and left her purse in the car.
She bolted from the line saying she'd grab the money.......when I asked the cashier how much she needed, she said 27 cents.
I'm not sure if something bigger was at work here, but I reached my hand in the pocket and I had exactly 27 cents in change. I put the money on the counter and the cashier called after the woman. She was very appreciative. I told her it was nothing and it really was nothing.
I told her that someone had done the same for me recently (OK, it's been several years, but time is relative, right?).
Anyhow, that's not the interesting part of the story -- the cashier was a young woman in her early twenties. She was overweight, she had red hair and freckles, but she had an inner beauty that showed through. She seemed to glow with an inner peace that's elusive to most folks.
She had an interesting name and when I asked her about it, she said that her mother was a fan of soap operas and had named her after one of the characters.
The name sounded Italian, but I was pretty sure her linage did not come from Italy. I told her she looked Irish. She smiled. I told her that Jilda and I had gone to Ireland several years ago and that all the girls were pretty like her. She flushed slightly, but she smiled and said thank you.
I may be wrong but I'm guessing she doesn't get called "pretty" enough. We've all read too many magazines, watched too much TV, and seen too many movies. We measure beauty against images that have been air brushed, face lifted, tummy tucked, botoxed, and made up by makeup artists who make more money than our teachers and nurses.......
I didn't intend for this to turn into a rant but it's something I felt needed to be said.
Y'all have a great Wednesday. I think I'm going fishing.
+++++++++
Phil Campbell - Vote Here
I kept reading thinking any minute now he is going to tell us her name...any minute now ...any what you did not share her name....and I agree way toooo much judgement on the outter and let the beauty within been seen and acknowledged!
ReplyDeleteThe 27 cents was meant to be so you would have an opportunity to brighten the cashier's day. People with red hair and freckles are very special and unusually beautiful and kindhearted.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lola
Sounds like you and universe were in sync.
ReplyDeleteI work at a pet spay and neuter clinic, a lady was short on her charges, and a gentleman stepped forward and paid her surgery bill.
ReplyDeleteWe were all very impressed, he said he was just passing it forward, I liked that idea...
Yes, red-headed and freckles, they have a genuineness about them.
You made me smile :)
~Jo
Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteI see people like the pretty lady very often at the cash out.
ReplyDeleteLast was a young man with two small kids.All he bought was bread chicken bones and cheapest packet of cookies which one of the kids immediately 'arrested' when it went through.Although tried couple of times his card kept declining.He was all upset and the kid wouldn't let go of the cookies;(((
How can you that seeing those tears and situation .not do anything.
Think will forever avoid job as a lady on cash-out..
Let us know how fishing went.And although our school has over 30000 votes the other one is still running away with 50000 more.Vote people vote..
You made two women's day today!! First the one who left her purse in her car and then the cashier! You are a true gentleman!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
What a beautiful story. I am sure that you made her day. We seem to judge beauty these days by the cosmo looks of hollywood. It is so refreshing to find a person who recognizes true beauty. I love both parts of this sweet story
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when you are aware of the times you are right where you are meant to be, in sync? What is money anyway but something we all share so realizing the 27 cents wasn't just yours to hang onto (it wouldn't matter what amount) shows your growth spiritually. Very great post. I can only imagine the joyful seeds you planted for the red head cashier, and I hope she passes along that joy to others.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story :) I like it when things comes together like this - and it makes you feel good inside doesn't it? Have a lovely Day!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, you made that cashier's week, I know. And, I suspect, the young Mother's too.
ReplyDeleteLess than 4,000 in it now!
Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart..Oh the stories I have about that place..I could have a blog called "Wal-Mart, The Things I've Seen, Heard, Laughed At"...Well, you are a kind soul and a true gentleman..or is that gentlemen?..Oh, heck, all I ask is could you please stand behind me at the counter?
ReplyDeleteYou dear dear man are a pay it forward person. I think that's one of the many lovely traits I've garnered from your blogging that I appreciate in you!
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Loved this story, the part about the 27 cents in your pocket gave me cold chills, the good kind. I think this was one of those "God winks" moments.
ReplyDelete