Forgive Me, I Have Too Much

We had a  lovely evening.  Dinner with our cousins, the food was delicious.  I only hope they really enjoyed the lemon meringue pie I made, but who knows, people are polite.

All day I knew I was running out of cigarettes.  I went to the store twice.  I racked up some serious bargains for the little girls in our family both times for christmas next year, but I didn't buy cigarettes.  I didn't know why I slacked off, until late tonight.

On our way home from a great dinner I reminded my oh-so-grumpy spouse that we needed to stop off on our way home.  It was midnight and he has to work tomorrow and he's tired, I can't blame him.  (Note to self, open the vent in the office since he's working from home tomorrow so he'll have a warm office.  Ok.  Done.)  And so we did, at the same Get-Go we always go to.  I went in.  There was a young man behind the counter, Brandon.  I made small talk, as I always do.  It was -5 below zero when I went in.  Tomorrow morning it will be between -9 and -11.  Here is the conversation:

Me:  It sure is cold out there.
Brandon: Yes it is
Me:  When do you get off?
Brandon: 6am
Me: I hope you have a hat and gloves
Brandon: I don't, but I'm more worried about the homeless Vet who lives in our parking lot.
Me:  What do mean?  He lives here?
Brandon:  Yes, he lives in the white station wagon.  He comes in for coffee every day.  He lives in his car.  I'm really worried about him in this weather.
Me:  I'll be back.

I paid for my cigarettes.  I came home.  I grabbed a blanket, hats, gloves, scarves, some cash (about 5 bucks) I had in my purse and an old Get-Go gift card that probably had about 3.00 on it.  I drove back.  I gave Brandon a brand new Scarf and Glove set that's been sitting in my closet for about 2 years.

Brandon: Is this for me?
Me: Yes.  I have other things for the man in the car, show me where he is.
Brandon:  (As he points to a remote part of the parking lot) He's right there.  Is this really for me?
Me:  Yes.  You stay warm in the morning.

I left the store and drove to the car he pointed out.  I knocked on the door and a man opened it.

Me:  This is for you, keep warm.
The Vet:  If people keep giving me things there won't be room for me!
Me:  I don't care about that.  I care that you're here tomorrow.
The Vet:  Thank you
Me:  You're welcome, and here (as I gave him the money) you get some breakfast in the morning.
The Vet:  Thank you!  I will!

I drove back to the Get-Go.

I wanted to do 2 things.  1.  I wanted to thank Brandon for the opportunity to help someone.  (when I went in, Brandon was already wearing the scarf I gave him tied around his neck.)  And 2.  I wanted to fill out a comment card.  I know that this is how people working at the Get-Gos and Giant Eagles get recognition.  No comments, no recognition.

I talked to Brandon.  I told him I was grateful that he let me know about the Vet so I could help.  Brandon just kept thanking me for the scarf and gloves and telling me how worried he was about the Vet.  How the Vet is wearing sandals and is a size 9 and how he's sneaking some shoes from his dad tomorrow because his dad is a size 9.  How he's worried about that Vet, he's told a couple of customers about him, but he doesn't know if anyone is helping him.  I turned the conversation to Brandon.   He told me about his niece Buffy and his nephew Chance that he is helping to raise.  He showed me their pictures, cute little toddlers.  For a moment we were two people just sharing.  It was beautiful.  I am grateful.  I am grateful that I could do something kind for two people.  I am grateful that I shared something with them.  I am grateful that as I go to sleep tonight I will be praying for two people that maybe need some help.  But I am truly grateful that when Brandon and I were almost done talking this is the conversation:

Me:  Brandon, I know it's hard for you.  Sometimes you do so much and wonder "When is it my turn"
Brandon: (interrupting and pulling on the scarf I gave him)  This is my turn.  Sometimes people don't realize it's the little things that make a person feel big.  Thank you.

And all I'm left with is:  Thank Brandon.  That was a big thing you did for me.  You reminded me that people can be beautiful.

Please, go out into the world, my friends, and be beautiful.