Looking for Momentum

Ever have times when it is hard to put one foot in front of the other and keep forward momentum?

That’s a rhetorical question - don’t feel the need to answer it.  I think we have ALL experienced that feeling.

I had it today, and a couple of chance encounters at the Little Yellow Free Pantry brought a little spring back into my step.

I was getting ready to put some things in the pantry when a woman got out of a parked car next to me.  I saw she was holding what looked like a coat, and she seemed to start off walking towards our house.

Not gonna lie, I thought, “Noooo!  We stopped taking donations for Project Warmth over a week ago!  We do not have SPACE for any more coats!”. 

But I took a quick breath.  I talked to myself (as I so often do) and said, “Susan, stop.  She is doing something KIND.  She is pitching in.  You know IT TAKES A VILLAGE.  Smile and accept this donation with grace,”.

So, I smiled.

“Hi!  Is that something for Project Warmth?” I said, gesturing to the front of our house.

She looked at me with a blank face... 

“This?  Oh, no!” she smiled.  “I don’t live around here.  This is a coat for my friend’s DOG!”

Ahhhhhh…  Embarrassing!  You see Susan, it is not all about you!  Not everyone who parks on this street is bringing something for one of your projects. 

“But, do you live here?  Is this your house??” she asked.

“Yeah, sure is.”

She took a step closer to me.  She looked me in the eyes. 

“It is an honor to meet you.  I have sent photos of the things you do at your home to people around the world, literally, around the world because I am an ex-pat.  I just love what you all do.”

There.  A spark.  Kind words of encouragement.  Fuel to give me the oomph to keep going.

“The warm clothes in front - I love it.  It’s amazing.  The sign encouraging people to take things if they are cold.  So personable and humane,” she said.

I babbled on about Project Warmth for a couple of minutes, we reminded each other of our names (hers is Jules 😊 ), and off she went to bring her friend the dog coat.

I felt better. 

Still had a headache.

Still moving in slow gear.

Still concerned about oh so many things.

But I felt better.

And then…

Just as I closed the little doors to the now full pantry, a couple I didn’t know rounded the corner.  The woman saw me and got a big grin.

“CAN I HUG YOU???” she asked enthusiastically. 

We hugged.  It was nice.

“I am in the same Buy Nothing group as you!  I got a table in there!”.

Connection. Community.  HUGS.

I grabbed a drink for her and the person she was with and got them both a little snack from the pantry, then they continued on their walk.

Such simple gestures.  Taking time to stop and talk.  Being brave enough to ask for a hug.

Simple.  But grand.  And oh so appreciated.

Our house this evening.  Peace sign from the holidays still up - but peace never gets old, does it?