One of my favorite stories to tell on myself is of the time during the summer when I was shopping at Ralph's. I was wearing my yard work clothes, clean but stained, and not carrying a purse. I almost never do, since working as a gardener and water treatment plant operator developed the habit of carrying keys and money in my pockets. On my way out of the store I had my purchases in a plastic bag, reused of course, and as usual, stopped at the trash can to check for bottles or cans. As I was reaching in for the bottle on top I heard a voice behind me say, "Do you need this?" I turned around to see a young man, 20 or so, with a 20 dollar bill held in an extended hand. How could he know that I have a job, a car, a house, a pension plan, CD's and IRA's, and discretionary income. I didn't want to discourage the impulse. The next time he feels it the person he offers money to may truly need it. So I just said, "No, thank you. I'm fine." "Are you sure?" he asked. I reassured him that I was. But how kind of him.
Oct. 2008
No comments:
Post a Comment