I am curious if there is a place for me to post a little acknowledgement to the kind woman who just paid for my groceries when my card declined at the Country Grocer in Lake Cowichan.
She didn't hesitate. She simply stated "Pay it forward".
Medium height, long, blonde hair, svelte, and powerful enough to gracefully manage her four children, under age 10. She doesn't know me. I don't know her, but I am deeply touched and immensely grateful to her.
I had thought the highlight of my day was going to be the conversation I had with her kiddos. I had asked them what they enjoy about Halloween and if anyone had ever played tricks on them. I shared a brief story about a time I set up four paper bags for 'treaters' to reach into (with permission from parents, of course).
Bag 1: treats for my adorable dog Rosie; Bag 2: a delicious and organic gala apple; Bag 3: loonies and twoonies; Bag 4: pumpkin guts (and a complimentary wet wipe). It went really well.
When she quickly moved the line along by paying my tab, I became emotional and lost for words. It's already awkward when you forget your pin, over-shop, or forget about that bill you just paid, but when you have to start putting things back and the line up is growing -- the pressure is mounting.
I would have felt gratified by my interaction with her and her children, but that she went beyond, I am compelled to ask that this story be published as evidence of the kindness that exists in this little community.
Paying it forward isn't just about me paying her back in some creative way. Paying it forward is about me coming up with a way to turn her action of care into a movement that will do the same for others in this community.
She has initiated a game of Community Wellness Tag and I'm it. New to the community, I'm thrilled to play!
Is there space in the local paper(s) for stories about local random acts of kindness, guerrilla good, sharing cheer or expressing gratitude?
Thank you for considering!
In the Spirit of all living things,
Christy Konschuh
Lake Cowichan