A Gift To Remember
Photo Courtesy of Osman Rana
“It doesn’t always take much thought or effort for a gift to leave a permanent impression.”
In last week’s article (click here to read it), choosing the right gift was discussed along with a request to comment about gifts you had either given or received that left an incredible impression. Originally, I had planned on telling a story from a Christmas 16 years ago but as so frequently happens, those plans changed.
Just this week, I was blindsided by an unexpected gift which will never be forgotten.
Last Thursday, I rushed to the grocery store to pick up a few, last-minute items before a friend came to visit. As the cashier rang up my things, we had a friendly chat. The conversation continued after I paid and he said something that reminded me I had forgotten milk. I scurried to grab it then rushed back but this time, got into a different line.
Another gentleman stepped just ahead of me but fortunately he had only a few items. I set my milk on the belt and placed the divider which separated our groceries. He was bantering with the some people in front of him and I wasn’t paying much attention but did happen to overhear him say something about people not having the Christmas spirit. Then he looked at me and said, “Merry Christmas, I’ll pay for your milk”.
My initial reaction was that he was just making conversation. After all, he was dressed in tattered clothing and I didn’t want to put him out so at first I declined his offer. Then he reached over and removed the divider from between our items. The cashier proceeded to ring up his groceries and did the same with my milk. Then the gentleman looked at me and said, “You’re good to go!”
I was stunned.
Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. I wanted to tell him, “please no, it’s okay” but that would have only negated his charitable, Christmas outlook. I thanked him profusely, shook his hand and that of the young man with him, and couldn’t stop smiling as I wished him a Merry Christmas.
I have no idea who he was, his name, and will probably never see him again but one thing is certain; his kindness and willingness to spread joy will never be forgotten. It was only a gallon of milk but the goodwill he showed that day defined how we should be not only at this season but throughout the entire year.
For months now, I have been posting articles which are intended to be thought provoking and inspirational. However, if I had one wish for Christmas, it would be that any one of these posts would inspire someone as much as that gentleman’s gift did me.
I look forward to your comments and my thanks to Osman Rana for the beautiful photograph. Find out more about him by clicking here or visit his website at: oranaphotography.com.