Happy Friday, friends! I have been debating whether or not to share this story, mostly because I didn't want anyone to think I was sharing merely for applause or kudos. I made the decision to share because I want people to be inspired to listen to "that voice" or "their gut" a little bit more. I think the world would be a much greater place if we did that instead of questioning it. What seems to you like a small, inconsequential action, could mean so much to someone else. So, without futher ado, here's how a few minutes of people watching turned into an act of kindness....
I took the girls to the grocery store on Monday. I would rather go to the grocery store alone, but since it's still summer, I didn't have much of a choice but to bring them. I always park in the same general area, near the lone sidewalk in the middle of the parking lot. The reason why I park here is two-fold: 1. I park here so that we can walk on the sidewalk straight to the door, instead of through the parking lot.
2. I park here so that I can remember the general area where I parked.
So, I parked the car, got the girls out and the three of us start heading for the store when I notice this older couple who seem to be pretty confused. They are both looking around, the gentleman is pressing the key fob and walking on either side of the parking lot next to the sidewalk. It's quite clear they forgot where they parked. I thought to myself, it was no big deal, they would find their car and be on their way, but as I continued walking, something wasn't sitting right.
In And Out
The girls and I enter the store and walk to retrieve a shopping cart, all the while I am watching this couple out the front window. The woman is looking in the same few spots and the gentleman is still going up and down the sidewalk, looking for his car on either side. I pause a few seconds longer and then look at the girls, who are also watching, and tell them we have to go and help this couple. We turned around and walked back outside.
Excuse Me, Sir...
I walk up behind the gentleman, asking if he needs help. He doesn't respond. I notice that he is wearing hearing aids. I gently tap him on the shoulder and ask if he needs help. His wife comes over and they explain what I already knew, they can't find where they parked their car. She remembers entering near the welcome sign, but their car is simply not there. I ask if he can press the button, but there is so much noise in the busy parking lot, we can't hear the beep. He is starting to believe his car is long gone so I am trying to alleviate his fears by letting him know that the same thing has happened to me (on several occasions) and it ended up being that I had just parked somewhere different than I had remembered.
Happy Ending!
After things had quieted down in the parking lot, the gentleman pressed his key fob again and we heard the beep! I noticed that the sound came from the other side of the parking lot, so we start heading over. Low and behold, there was his silver Chevy, across from the other entrance to the store, where there is also a welcome sign. I could see the relief on both of their faces, even though they mentioned feeling a little silly for forgetting. I reminded them that it happens to all of us, from time to time. The couple thanked us for our help, we all said our goodbyes, and then the girls and I headed back into the store to get our grocery shopping done.
I really hope this moment sticks with the girls. I want them to always remember that no matter how busy they are, there is always time to help someone out who needs it, even if it doesn't seem like it's that big of a deal. I want them to remember to trust that voice inside of them that is trying to guide them to do the right thing.
What a beautiful act of kindness! Thank you for sharing this, and for setting such a wonderful example for your girls!
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