Postponing the To Do List

It was a sunny, warm autumn day.

A day that started slowly – catching up on emails, playing “my games” (Connections, Wordle, Strands, and Wridges – gosh when I write that out I see I play a LOT of games).  Moseying around the house.

But when it came time to get busy, I was ready to GET BUSY.

I even wrote a to do list (and managed not sit it down somewhere and lose it!).  On the list:  Walgreens, bank, post office.  Three tasks that can be completed on foot – perfect for a nice day.  List in hand, bag on shoulder, off I went.

Walgreens was the first stop – fail.  The product I wanted was triple what I knew it would cost other places.  No thanks.

Bank – slow as molasses, but got what I need to do done.

Next up was the post office.  Only, instead of walking the short way, I backtracked a block to walk the long way.  I did this because I knew that walking that direction, I might well pass a person experiencing homelessness who I am intrigued with.  They write notes and tape them onto buildings and I have only been lucky enough to meet them once – usually I just stop and read the myriad of cryptic notes.  Anyway, I knew if I went the long way I might see them.  It was lunch time and I planned to ask if I could buy them lunch.

But before I could get very far, I spotted something.

A cell phone in a pink case sitting on a bus stop bench.

Oh my…  I felt weird picking it up.  I didn’t want anyone to think I was stealing it.  But I looked around and the only person nearby was a man who was already talking on a phone, so obviously the one on the bench couldn’t be his.

I picked it up and opened the case.  There were 2 old photos inside.  The phone was locked with a PIN, so I couldn’t just open it up and see the contacts list to find “brother” or “boss” or “friend” to call. 

 

But then I saw the paper…  A little recipe/notecard was tucked inside the case.  It was filled with handwriting – name, then number.  Name, then number.  I recognized it as the system many older ladies use (we have a friend who does the same exact thing). 

Hmmm, this recipe card held the clues I needed!  I stood at the bus stop a while, hoping that the owner would come rushing back to get their phone.  When they didn’t, I got to work.

First – examine the card.  Is the first name the person she (by this time I felt the owner was a she) was closest to??  I didn’t know how to pronounce that name though.  I was not sure what nationality the name derived from, but I was hoping that whoever I called would speak English so I could explain the situation easily.  I scrolled down to a female name and dialed…

No answer.  Of course no answer – the incoming call was from a strange number!  They thought I was spam or a telemarketer.

So, I left a voice mail.

Called another number on the card, no answer.

Left a voice mail

Called another number, no answer.

Left a voice mail.

And in between my calls, the mysterious cell phone kept getting TEXTS.  Text after text after text.  A new text popped in every 90 seconds or so!  Texts about car insurance.  Texts about a home owners insurance policy.  Sales texts.  Random texts.  This poor woman gets a lot of texts!!

I could see the texts pop in but couldn’t click on them to read them.  But I did notice that they were all addressed to the same person:  Faina.  “Dear Faina” this and “Dear Faina” that. 

I left basically the same voicemail each time.  “Hi, my name is Susan.  I found a cell phone at a bus stop in Arlington, Virginia.  It has a paper inside with a list of names and numbers, and you are on it.   I think the phone belongs to someone named Faina.  Do you know her?  I have the phone.  I don’t want to leave it at the bus stop because I am afraid someone will take it.  Please return my call.  Thanks.”

In between leaving voicemails, I came up with a new tactic:  FACEBOOK.  I posted the photo above in 2 local Facebook groups and asked if anyone knew a woman named Faina and that I had found her cell phone.

This sweet comment came in on one of the posts: “If it's the same lady I am thinking about, she walks up and down the Pike a lot. She comes to our restaurant (The Celtic House) a few times a week. You can leave it with us if you like and we can pass it on to her, I see her almost every day.”

Ah-ha!  Celtic House!  That is near the bus stop!!  I felt like a Private Investigator piecing this story together bit by bit.  Faina.  Woman.  Senior Citizen.  Popular with scam texters.  Takes the bus.  Likely lives near Celtic House…

More phone calls to numbers on the card.

More voicemails.

As I was deciding which name to call next, my phone rang!  A call back!

Only, the man said he did now know anyone named Faina.  Boo!  (Why did Faina have him on her list??)

I left 11 voicemails. Yup – Faina had a LOT of names and numbers on her little card, she wrote on both sides.

Finally, another call back!  And this woman KNEW Faina!  And was very, very thankful I had found the phone and kept it safe.  She gave me Faina’s address.  I was right!  She lived only a few blocks from where she got off the bus.

I took a minute to tell the woman that Faina was getting texts.  A LOT of texts.  And it seemed like they were trying to scam her.  I wanted to make sure someone knew and could help the woman so she didn’t get tricked into sending money somewhere.

I told the woman on the phone that I would walk home and get in my car, then drive to drop off the phone at Faina’s apartment.  On my walk home, Faina’s granddaughter called on FAINA’S phone and I answered it (didn’t need a PIN to answer).  I explained the situation and she, too, was very relieved.  She explained that her grandma has some memory issues, and I warned her about the texts, too.

When I got home, I found some tiny cupcakes that a kind donor had left for the Little Yellow Free Pantry.  Faina needed some cupcakes!  Poor woman was probably having a bad day, what with having lost her phone and all.

I drove down Columbia Pike toward her house, and that’s when I saw her:  FAINA!

She was walking ON THE PIKE because the sidewalk was torn up with construction.  I do not know HOW I knew it was her, I just DID!  I felt it!!!  I wished I could pull over and holler her name, but because of the construction I couldn’t, so I parked at her apartment and went in.

I explained the situation to the ladies at the front desk.  “Oh, FAINA??” they said, “She JUST left!”.

I KNEW IT, y’all!  I just knew that had been her!!  I confirmed what she looked like, left my car parked in the apartment lot, and headed off on foot to find Faina!  I was on a mission!  Me, the pack of tiny cupcakes, and Faina’s phone, hot on her trail!!!

But I didn’t see her.  So, I rushed back, jumped in the car, and drove down Columbia Pike looking for her.  I thought maybe she was at the bus stop checking to see if her phone was there.  Nope.  Couldn’t find her.

But…  I had the clue about a restaurant she frequents…  I pulled into the Celtic House parking and went in.  I asked if they knew her and if she was there.  They did know her, but she wasn’t there at the moment.  DRAT.

Defeated, I returned to the apartment, still hoping maybe Faina had gone home while I had been out hunting.  But the front desk ladies said no, she was not back.   I wrote a little note for her (including my name and number) and left the phone and cupcakes with the staff.  They said she often stops to talk with them and they are friends with her, which made me happy.

That was all around 2:00 PM. 

Then at 7:19 PM, my phone rang…

You guessed it, FAINA!

Just as I had been afraid to mispronounce the name on her handwritten note, she mispronounced mine.

“Slisa??” she said.

“This is Susan,” I replied.  “Is this Faina??”.

YESSSSS IT WAS!  She called to thank me for finding and returning her phone.  She was so sweet!  She wants me to come visit.  “I am not working, I have time,” she said.

I have time, too, Faina.

The laundry may not get done.

The sheets might not get changed.

Several items may not get checked off of the eternal to-do list.

But I have time.

Time to connect.

Time to make a new friend.

Time to be kind.

Because if I do not take time – no, if I do not MAKE time for moments such as this – how meaningful will my life be?

I am grateful to have a perspective of kindness.

Of caring.

Of slowing down when the opportunity presents itself.

I will make time to go meet Faina.  I will talk to her, maybe bring her more treats.

Because that is what life is.  A series of moments.  Of strangers.  Of tiny cupcakes. 

And of connections.

Attitude Adjustment (By Way of a Can Opener)

 You know those days when everything, and I do mean everything, gets on your nerves?

 

I was having one of those today.

 

Logically, I know the main reason for it:  I TAKE ON TOO MUCH.  It is overwhelming.  I can’t do it all, can’t keep it straight.  Things fall through the cracks.  And I “fail”.  At least in my view I fail.

 

Logically, oh that good ol’ logic again, logically I know that it is not failure.  I am simply overwhelmed, have bit off more (far more) than I can chew.  No one could keep up the pace and not drop some balls.

 

Logically.

 

And yet I keep trying.  Keep adding to the to do list (then losing the list).

 

So today was one of those days.

 

What was bothering me was the PANTRY.  It is really busy right now, and each time I went out to check it I would find something annoying.

 

First – expired stuff.  Like – fruit bars that expired in 2024.  You don’t want to eat ‘em??  Neither do the people coming to the pantry.

 

Next – dog COOKIES.  Yes, a pack of cookies that looked just like “human cookies” but in the fine print were for dogs.  In a pantry that serves everyone – people who do not read or speak English, children, people who cannot read at all.  DOG TREATS.  No.  I don’t want a guest eating a whole pack of dog treats.

 

Then – a POT and a PAN.  No matter how many times I explain in various social media groups that we do not, that we cannot, accept things other than food and toiletries, people persist.  They put things in the pantry that they think would be helpful to others – bags, plastic silverware, books, a pen yesterday, empty take-out serving containers, plates, bowls, clothes, shoes…  Often it is things that they do not want to throw away, so they put them in the pantry or on the little shelf underneath it that is meant to hold the basket while we fill up the shelves.  And we just can’t handle it.  I don’t know how to explain that it is not our mission.  We can’t be the one-stop-shop.  And we most certainly are not Goodwill.  So don’t leave various stuff here (I always insert a “please” after this rant…).

 

So, steaming mad, I marched out to pick up the pot and pan that someone had left.  And I was confronted with…

 

BROKEN GLASS.

 

Big chunks of thick broken glass, and many, many tiny shards of it, on our sidewalk and in our lawn.  It looked like maybe the person who left the pot and pan also tried to leave a measuring cup or a drinking cup and it shattered on the sidewalk.

 

The same sidewalk that, in just a couple more hours, school kids would be walking down and riding their bikes on. 

 

So, instead of eating lunch on my short break from work, I swept up glass.  And I did it with a very bad attitude, cursing under my breath. 

 

I stomped back in the house, knowing that I had to get back to work.

 

Then the doorbell rang.

 

I opened the door to find someone I hadn’t met before.

 

“Is David here?” they asked with an accent.

 

And instantly, I knew.  I am not sure how I knew, but I knew.  This was the pantry guest that David told me about a couple of weeks ago.  David explained his country of origin and that he lives in his car.

 

“No, David isn’t here, can I help you?” I asked.

 

“Oh, umm, I was just wondering…  If you had any food??” they asked sweetly.

 

“You are _____, aren’t you?” I asked.  HOW I remembered their name I have no idea.  I can barely remember anyone’s name, and somehow this person, someone I had never met and only heard a brief story about 2 or 3 weeks ago, THEIR NAME I knew.

 

They smiled.  “Yes, yes I am.”

 

“David told me about you!  Let me go get you some food.”

 

I filled a bag with things that I knew could be eaten without cooking, plus some snacks, treats, and drinks.  And I put in one of my very favorite special items to hand out.

 

I presented them the bag and pulled the special thing out.  “See this?  I love these.  They are really good!” I explained as I held up a summer sausage. 

 

“Oh yes!  You cut and eat, right??” they clarified. 

 

Yup.  Cut, eat, and yum. 

 

I was rushed to get back to work, but really wished I had more time to talk.  “Hey, do you have a can opener??” I asked, knowing that some of the cans I had given them were not flip top.

 

“No…  No.  But I will use a knife,” they explained.

 

“No!  No.  Seriously, we have can openers!  Let me go grab you one!”.

 

They were so kind, so sensitive.  They didn’t want to take a can opener.  “Leave it for others,” they said gently, wanting to be respectful.

 

“Well, just know that we have more than food.  So if you need ANYTHING, come here and ask, ok?  Clothes.  A coat or hat for winter.  Boots, shoes.  If you have a need, we might be able to get it, so come ask,” I explained as they smiled.

 

They asked about a computer to use to help with a job search.  I pointed out the library just down the street and explained I think anyone can walk in and use a computer.

 

“You can leave that heavy bag of food here if you like.  Go down to the library, use the computer, and come back and pick it up,” I offered.

 

“Oh no, no.  I have the car,” they reminded me.

 

Ahhh yes.  They live in their car… 

 

“Oh that’s right – you have a car.”

 

“Yes ma’am, my car is running on hopes and dreams,” they said.

 

Hopes and dreams.

 

Those fuel their vehicle.

 

Heck, hopes and dreams fuel the world, don’t they?

 

The guest left.

 

I closed the door and turned to go back to work.

 

Tears in my eyes.

 

Hopes and dreams in my heart.

 

And a renewed sense of purpose.

 

 

 .

A Heart Full of Pumpkins

My heart is full, and autumn has officially begun in my world.

Kindness Activist held a PUMPKIN CELEBRATION today, and it was, in a word, glorious.

Did it solve any “real” problems?  No.

Did it end world hunger?  Again, no.

But it DID bring together a community in a unique way.  It gave folks an opportunity to celebrate the season.  It gave new volunteers a chance to help out and spread kindness. 

And pumpkins were the stars of the show.

Hard to choose which little pumpkin you want...

Ohhhhh pumpkins.  I have picked up, transported, and carried pumpkins so many times in the last 24 hours that I may well turn into a pumpkin!  With events like this, it is always impossible to know how many people will show up, which makes it hard to purchase needed supplies.  But we did a bit of math and calculated that we needed 100 small pumpkins/gourds, and 50 bigger ones.  For the bigger pumpkins, we divided the 50 into some BIG ones (more expensive), some FANCY ones (also pricier), and some “regular” old traditional pumpkins (on sale!).  The plan was to give each family one big pumpkin, and each kid age 13 and under could also take one small one. 

Sweet neighbor

We had lots going on!  We had:

-         Pumpkins to choose from

-         Snacks, including homemade cookies from the delightful Duffy, a neighbor who bakes for the Little Yellow Free Pantry and offered to make a special batch for this event.

-         Halloween/Autumn/pumpkin themed books to read aloud

-         The “Penrose Aldi” – a miniature play version of an Aldi’s check-out stand and lots of pretend groceries to purchase.  The check out stand has a belt that MOVES (when the cashier spins a handle) and a scanner that lights up and beeps.  This is fancy, people.

-         Hot cocoa, hot apple cider, and hot coffee

-         Candy and other snacks

-         A raffle with 5 prizes

-         Sidewalk chalk

-         Teeter totter

-     Tattoos (don't worry, the fake kind)

-         On-going 30 second dance parties (every time someone hits the button, loud techno music blasts for 30 seconds)

-         And a super cool craft: guests could paint or color a paper pumpkin or leaf.  The talented Jessica cut out lots of those shapes for the event using her Cricut.

Young artist at work :) 

Like I said, it is hard to know how many people will show up.  I always try to steel myself to be ok if it is just a handful, but this time people came!  Like, we were CROWDED!

Because of a threat of rain, we sat up the Aldis and food on our covered porch.  We had the craft table in the yard, but a back-up craft table was ready on the porch in case it started to pour.  The day was gray, but we only got a tiny bit of drizzle once during the whole 5-hour event. 

Penrose Aldi is OPEN for business!

It was so fun to chat with neighbors!  We caught up with old friends and met new people.  I was delighted to have a couple of kids be brave enough to read stories aloud to younger visitors (and was so glad that I had time to sit on the steps and read some books aloud myself).  Whatever you do – do NOT push that button…  That was one of my favorite stories of the day.

Stories on the steps - I loved hearing these

The artwork people made was amazing!!!  We laminated most of the pumpkins and leaves and tied them to our fence (a few kids wanted to take theirs home).  They look so cute on the fence!  And it is fun to know that the young artists will likely walk or drive past our house and be proud to see their pieces on display. 

Just a few of the painted leaves.  I was too busy to take a lot of photos, but I want to get one that shows the whole fence - it is so pretty!

We gave away the majority of the pumpkins and gourds but still have some left.  And that’s a good thing, because it has allowed us to surprise some people as we were cleaning up.  One man walked by and said hello.  We explained that we had a pumpkin party today, and he gladly accepted our offer to bring a pumpkin home with him.  Another couple pulled over and parked near the pantry.  That often means someone coming to get food, donate something, or perhaps pick up something that we have offered.

But this time it was different.  These people were going out of their way – pulling over and walking up to our house – to thank us.  They weren’t thanking us for today’s event - I don’t think they even knew we were hosting something today.  But they were thanking us for the work that we do in the world.  For spreading kindness.  For being a beacon of hope.  “I drive by your house often on my way to yoga,” the woman said.  “And I drive by all the time on my way to work,” the man chimed in.  They expressed how good it makes them feel to see what goes on here.  Then the woman held something out to me.  “Here, I would like to give you this.  Thank you,” she said.  I looked down at what she had handed me and saw it was money.  I didn’t look at how much it was but I thanked her for being so kind and pitching in.  She said that she appreciates the work that I do, and she hopes others in the community do, too.  We gave them a pumpkin (it was the theme of the day after all) and they were on their way. 

When I peeked at the denomination of the bill I realized:  this complete stranger just gave me $100…  Heart.  Melt.  It reminded me of another time that same exact thing happened when a new to me (at the time) neighbor pulled over a few years ago and did the same thing.  People are so kind.

We sat down to pull out the winning names for the raffle and ANOTHER car pulled over – this time right into our driveway.  David walked over to greet them and see what they needed.

I couldn’t hear the conversation, but the two of them were talking for a long time.  Eventually they walked over and I met the man.  He, too, drives by our house often.  He explained that he just “gets a vibe” from our home.  He asked a friend who lives near us just what this yellow house on the corner was.  “Oh!  That is FRIENDSHIP HOUSE!” they explained to him.

Isn’t that the sweetest?  We’ve heard our home called other things – Kindness House being the most common.  But I didn’t know that in some circles it is known as Friendship House.

He thought we were a business.  In fact, he asked David if we were open.  “Well, this is our house, not an office.  So yeah, we are always open,” David told him.  The man sat down on our steps and we chatted a long time.  He asked (as many people do) if this was all part of a religious organization. 

That’s a really common assumption, and I understand why people think it.  Churches, mosques, and synagogues are most often the groups that work to feed, clothe, and care for their communities.  I explained to the man that people of all faiths are welcome here and indeed, were present at the event today.  He asked some hard questions, like, “Why do you do what you do???”.  Those are tough ones to answer in the moment.  But I guess an honest answer is - because I couldn’t imagine not doing it.  Not talking to strangers.  Not laughing with children.  Not going out of my way to be kind.  It is just who I am.

If our legacy can do anything, I hope that we can demonstrate that one needn’t be a religious institution to spread kindness.  To have open arms.  To be welcoming and supportive.  You can be just ordinary people who have chosen an extraordinary path.  You can just be “Ms. Susan and Mr. David” and make a big impact. 

I honestly thought about cancelling today’s Pumpkin Celebration.  It was supposed to be a really rainy day, and we’ve been busy lately and I am tired.

But I am so glad we forged ahead.  Seeing the smiles, watching the painting, listening to stories being read and smelling hot cocoa…  It was worth the effort and time. 

Simple yard sign - speaks volumes

We aren’t making a huge difference in this world.  But today we did good.  We spread joy and kindness.  One pumpkin at a time.

The young man in blue made the sign hanging behind him.  He and his mamma worked hard on it, and he was SO PROUD when I complimented him on his art.  

Total Kindness Activist funds spent:  $465.47

When I asked a young volunteer to put this sign together, she had to report:
"Ms. Susan - we have a problem...  You do not have a letter "K"...".  In my haste, I suggested that a letter "C", though a bit unusual, might work.  Lucky for me that volunteer's mom (my friend) had the same letter set at home!  She loaned me a "K".  You would think an organization whose name starts with a "K" would have one...

What a pumpkin head

Just be kind.  Cuz, why be anything else?

Five Guys with a Side of Kindness

Oh so tired.

If there is an award for “non-employee staying at a Five Guys restaurant for the longest period of time” I most certainly won it today.  I was at Five Guys from 1:55 pm to 8:20 pm.  Whew!!

But what a grand event it turned out to be!  A neighbor who works with Five Guys corporate reached out a couple of months ago and asked if Kindness Activist would like to hold a fundraising event at the new restaurant in Arlington.  It is a historic location because they built it in the same location as the very first ever Five Guys.  Of course, we said YES to a fundraiser.  I mean, we love finding creative ways to raise money to spread kindness, and who doesn’t love Five Guys food?? 

I have seen schools and sports clubs advertise these events at restaurants but had no idea how it worked.  I asked lots of questions – could I bring cake to share with guests, what times could it be, how did the percentage split work, would take-out orders count…  We set a date for a Sunday afternoon in September, then the store emailed to apologize and explain that they learned the events had to be during the week.  We chose a date (September 25) and the hours stayed the same as we had arranged for the weekend date – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

As the event grew closer, I realized the times were not ideal…  It was a THURSDAY, and most people would be at work during those times (or commuting).  Oops.  But I had asked so many questions already…  I decided to just go with the flow, not rock the boat, and test it all out so I could better understand the whole concept.

Today I put on my Kind is Cool shirt and packed a roller bag of things to do.  I told David, “I don’t think there will be many people.  I am looking at this event as a day to learn the ropes, and to have 4 hours of free time to sit and get things done!!”.

Only, I was wrong.  Oh so wrong.

The first person must’ve walked in around 2:10.  I saw her even before she came in the door.  She peeked inside, changed her mind, and started walking away.  But something made her turn back…

I thought I may have recognized her as a pantry guest.  I gave her a big smile, which she returned.  We exchanged pleasantries about how lovely the weather was and she made her way over to my table and sat down.  I realized I did not know her – but I would soon.  We talked for a good 20 minutes.  She told me several sweet stories.  As we talked, I folded colorful sheets of paper I had brought. I planned to make LOTS of Daily Polls for our street corner today.  I thought that would be a fantastic use of time – getting ahead on that task. 

I think I finally asked her what she planned to eat.  “I haven’t had any food since breakfast!” she declared.  “Do you serve turkey burgers??”.

Ahhh – she thought I worked there!  It was quite funny.  “I thought you were folding menus or something,” she said.  I invited her to come sit back down as they prepared her meal and we continued our conversation.

Then the first “official” guest came, a very sweet neighbor.  She joined my new friend and I at the table.

And I can confidently say – there was not a moment of “silence” or slow time after that.  There was a steady stream of people – far more than I imagined.  It was fun seeing so many neighbors!  I got to talk to many, many people.

Two people who wanted to attend but couldn’t sent donations.  They asked us to use the money to treat someone to a meal.  Challenge accepted!!

 

At first, we thought we should use it to buy food for people experiencing homelessness.  Only, there didn’t appear to be anyone in that situation around the restaurant at that time… 

 

Then we thought treating someone at the bus stop would be great – but if you were waiting for a bus, you might not want to go inside to order a meal…  You might miss your bus!  We considered buying meals and walking down the street a bit to give them to people experiencing homelessness in another area where we felt they would certainly be.  But really – half the fun of eating out is getting to pick what you want to eat, right??  It didn’t feel “right” for us to choose and just drop the food off.

 

So, we got the great idea to offer meals to people getting OFF the bus.  An intrepid crew of 3 kids and 1 adult went out to choose the first person!

 

It didn’t take long for them to walk back in.  “We found someone!!” they said.  And sure enough they had.  It was a woman who looked like she was probably coming home from a day in the office.  She was delighted to be treated to a tasty meal!! 

 

As we waited for her dinner to be prepared we chatted about Kindness Activist and the work that we do.  She was very interested and hopes to get involved in future events.  She asked if she could take a selfie, because she wanted to post about her wild experience of getting off the bus and being surprised and delighted by kindness.

 

Surprise!!  Free meal for you!

Next up was 2 young men.  They were a bit confused about what was happening – why was Five Guys giving them free food?  We explained the fundraiser, and the generous donors who wanted to buy strangers meals.  They both ordered very carefully, not wanting to spend too much of the money.  It was very sweet.

 

It's your lucky day - free dinner!

Next up was another woman.  She was so happy!!  “Is it my BIRTHDAY???” she asked incredulously.  Nooo – but it is your lucky day!  That meal used up the donated funds and so we thought we were done with spreading kindness (while at a kindness fundraising event!).  But we were wrong.

 

Because I looked out the window and saw a man who looked exactly like the “target audience” that we had thought we wanted.  He was smiling in the sunshine.  He may have not had shelter.  And he looked hungry. 

 

I rushed outside before he could leave and asked, “Hey – would you like a hamburger and fries??  They are really tasty”.  He gave me a big smile and said yes, yes he would.  So, in we went.

 

The line was a bit long at that point and I told him it would be a few minutes before his turn.  “Mind if I sit here while I wait?” he asked.  “Sure.  I will hold the place in line,” I told him.

 

And he sat right down on a seat.  A seat in that clean, air conditioned, nice restaurant.  A seat that he probably usually would not be allowed to take. 

 

Moments like that humble me and make me consider my privilege.  I can pretty much walk into any establishment I like, order something – anything, maybe just a soda or cup of coffee.  I can cool off.  Use the wifi.  Go to the bathroom…

 

I can.  But many cannot.

 

As he sat and rested, he called me over.  He had been studying the menu.  “Do you think I could get a BLT instead?” he asked.  “Yes sir, a BLT sounds delicious!  What to drink?”.  He said he didn’t want a drink.  “No drink???” I asked.  “Hey, how about a SHAKE??” I offered.  Ahhh - now a shake got his attention.  He examined the shake menu and decided vanilla was in order.  “Want whipped cream on that?” I asked with a grin.  He flashed a mischievous grin and declared, “Why yes!”.

 

When it was almost my turn to place his order, a neighbor came up and handed me a $20 bill.  “For his food,” she told me.  No – I explained that we would buy it with kindness funds.  “No, no, I want to”.

 

Kindness begets kindness.

 

When the man’s food was ready he picked it up and headed out.  I was in another conversation at the time so didn’t get to say goodbye. 

 

Another neighbor and her 2 daughters came in a bit later and as I greeted them I explained that man outdoors had just been treated to a delicious meal thanks to someone’s generosity.  The woman teared up.

 

“My daughter…” she said, pointing to her young girl.  “My daughter…  We saw that man outside, and my daughter asked if we could buy him some food.  But it is so hard.  You know, to kind of assume someone’s situation and that they need food…”.  She wiped away tears.

 

What a beautiful connection.  And such a true sentiment.  It is difficult to find a way to ask that won’t be offensive or belittling.  And sometimes the ask is not accepted.  In fact, that happened today.  One beautiful neighbor asked someone who looked hungry if she would like a free meal, and the person declined.  It’s awkward when that happens, but that can’t stop us from being open and kind.

 

Another person cried today, too.  Who would’ve thought that an afternoon in a burger joint would bring tears, but it did.  A neighbor was standing looking at the menu and I greeted her and asked how she was.  At first, she gave the usual, pat answer of being fine.  Then she confessed that actually she wasn’t fine.  That it had been a very hard day.  “Hey, I had that kind of a day just yesterday,” I told her.  I don’t know her well enough to know if she is the hugging type, but I couldn’t help myself.  And as we hugged, I felt her cry. 

 

Some days are hard.  Hugs are good medicine.

 

All afternoon people came and went.  They chatted.  Some drew pictures for the Five Guys bulletin board.  Some gave suggestions on how we could use the funds raised.

 

Neighbors met neighbors.  They sat at tables and dined together.  They told life stories.  They shared the experience.

 

I thought it would be quiet.  I thought I would “get things done”.

 

And I did get things done. 

 

Not the things I packed into my little bag.

 

But the things that NEEDED to be done.

 

Laughing.

Listening.

Talking.

Giggling.

Hugging.

Caring.

Eating.

Serving.

And being kind.

 

Speaking of kind, the restaurant extended the event an additional hour.  I am not sure when we will find out how much money we raised.  But I know one thing – however much it is, it is enough.

 

Christina, the neighbor who works for Five Guys Corporate and
reached out to see if we would like to have a fundraiser

Because the kindness shown today was incredible.  People being patient with lines.  Being patient with new restaurant employees.  Being open and brave enough to sit with strangers and talk. 

 

And people showing up.  Supporting this little thing called Kindness Activist. 

 

The work continues.  I came home to find a box of pantry donations on the porch, and the Amazon person delivered 5 more as I sat on the porch to write this story. 

 

The boxes can wait until morning.

 

Tonight - I will rest.

 

And think about the beauty of a community coming together for kindness. 

 

And burgers.

 

Don’t forget the burgers.