He was a scrawny kid in his early 20's buying 1% milk and a frozen dinner.
At the point of payment, he swiped his card - nothing.
He tried another card.
Then another.
When the third card failed, the woman behind him - who'd been patiently watching the situation unfold - stepped forward, debit card in hand.
"Allow me," she said, swiftly swiping her card and paying his bill.
"I have the money," he protested weakly.
"I've got it," she said.
"Are you sure?" he responded.
"Yeah, just pay it forward someday, okay" she said.
"Okay," he said. He thanked her, and mentioned something about an upcoming baby shower.
Then he was gone. Embarrassed, perhaps, that he needed help at all. Maybe relieved that a stranger was so willing to help.
What happened before me today at the local grocery store was transformative. As it occurred, I wondered how I could have been so selfish and self-centered these last several weeks. I felt a sense of release - like anything was possible when given the right circumstances. That good people abound.
I cried all the way home.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Photo 2 - Monday, April 9, 2012
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| Riverfront walkway between Hartford & East Hartford CT River in rear - Monday, April 9, 2012 |
