The Big Red Box of Cookies

It is such an honor to be entrusted with the Kindness Activist funds.  When we see a way to use some of them to spread kindness, well, it makes my heart sing.

Tonight we spied a golden opportunity.  We were at Trader Joe’s doing some grocery shopping.  As we were checking out, I spied a woman in line with a small hand-held basket of groceries.  She was managing that with one hand, while her other hand carried what I consider to be a holiday tradition – the big red tin of cookies.

If you shop at Trader Joe’s, you know the one.  It’s far too big for a family of 2 to get through, but we buy one every year.  I mean, they are tasty! 

I whispered to David, “Look, she is getting the cookies!  Let’s buy her groceries,”.  So, we stuck around a bit until she was called to an open register. 

I walked up and greeted her.  “Hi!  I see you are buying one of our favorite items, those cookies!”.  We exchanged a smile.  “I run an organization that spreads kindness.  We would like to pay for your groceries tonight if you don’t mind,” I said.

The look on her face!  A moment where she was most certainly thinking, “Did I hear what I think I just heard??” and then a quiet question, “But, why???”.  “Because!” I explained, “We like to spread kindness!”.

So, while the cashier rang up her order, we talked all things Trader Joe’s.  she was stocking up on the same frozen Indian meals I like to eat for lunches.  She had a bread we have never tried and explained which cheese I should get to put on it.

And when all was rung up, I put in the credit card.  She was so very thankful and grateful.  From the looks of what she was buying, I am guessing she lives alone.  She was a bit older than me – maybe in her late 60s.  All of her items fit snugly into one brown paper bag. 

She thanked me again, then off she went into the night, her smile never leaving her face.  I am hoping that she went home, ate some of the tasty bread with cheese, and will break open the gorgeous red tin of cookies before bed time.  Maybe she will eat cookies and drink tea… 

I know that when she does, she will smile again and remember how good the kindness of strangers feels.

Kindness Activist Funds spent:  $47.92