Yesterday was an extremely wonderful day. We went on one of our infamous family road trips and I got to share a valuable experience of generosity with my Kiddos and a stranger.
We stopped at a gas station to fill up, grab some grub and drinks. I had noticed an older gentleman enter the convenience store before we did.
I've seen this elderly guy walking around town. He seems so lonely. Every time I see him my heart aches for him. He isn't very clean or well groomed. He is one of the "forgotten".
I noticed that he was looking at the coffee and so I walked over to the cashier and I told her, "Whatever the old man gets I'll pay for." She looked confused. So I pointed with my chin and said, "Whatever he gets, I'm buying." She said "Ok."
My youngest heard part of the exchange and I explained to him that I intended to pay for whatever the old guy was going to get. He was awed and immediately went and told his siblings what was going on.
My Hubby came in and we all finished our brief shopping spree. The older man got to the counter just ahead of us and the cashier looked up at me and I nodded my head.
She explained that we were paying for his coffee and sandwich and he looked so confused for a few seconds. I walked up and told him that we were paying for him. He was so moved especially after my youngest walked up to him and shook his hand.
Everyone in that little store was teary-eyed. As I payed, I noticed that the old guy had walked away from us. He wasn't being rude, he was discretely wiping the tears from his eyes.
That moment in time will stay with everyone who was there.
It was a simple gesture of generosity that seems to occur more often at this time of year than at any other part of the year.
It is sad how many of the "forgotten" are ignored until the "Holiday Season" brightens our spirits.
That simple $6 charitable moment may not seem like much to alot of people, but it was a life changing moment that I do not intend to push aside and only repeat once a year.
I intend to find other ways to spread love, compassion, awareness, and harmony throughout the year.
For my Kiddos to be there and experience that moment was a priceless example of generosity and "Living My Path".
For that older gentleman, it was an unexpected moment of compassion and recognition.
For the witnesses, it was an example of how we need to be aware of and remember the "forgotten".
For me...it was an affirmation!
Blessings and Love to All!
A.F.
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