Pay It Forward

I stopped by the grocery store after work last night to pick up the usual dinner items for the remainder of the week. Hummus, chicken, broccoli, etc. As I shopped, I reminded myself to relax, there is no reason to be in a bad mood. I had a little of a rough day yesterday but nothing really to complain about. Does that happen to you? Do you talk to yourself while you are at the grocery store?

As I paid for my items and exited the store with three large brown paper bags in my hands and walked to the Jeep, I thought to my self innocently, it would really suck to fall with all these groceries. Within a split second, I stepped down off the curb and went tumbling to a ground like a dryer full of laundry.

First thing I thought when I hit the pavement….is anyone looking? How big of tool do I look like right now?Second, my knee really stings. Thirdly, my groceries are ruined. It is really amazing to think about all your thoughts that compile in a split second. That’s for a later post.

As I slowly stood up and gathered myself, this young lady, probably about 5 years old than me came running up to me. She put her hand on my back and asked with great concern if I was okay. For a second, I thought to myself, easy lady I got this under control and don’t need your help. Damn, I can be too proud sometimes.

Then she asked if she could help me with my groceries to the Jeep and at that point I just let everything go. I politely nodded and accepted her gracious request.  It felt surprisingly good to accept the help because I tend to have the, “I can do it all mentality.” She finished helping me to the Jeep, and I repeated again and again to her, thank you so much, I really appreciate it. She looked at me with thoughtful eyes and said, no problem and to have a wonderful evening.

I got into the Jeep and drove away, still thanking that kind women in my mind for helping me. Funny how the universe works. It can remind you when you are least expecting, that humanity is still kind and loving and that it’s okay to not carry the weight of the world on your shoulders all the time.

After I got home I took a couple of pics for evidence. The brown bag ripped completely up the side and I scraped my knee pretty good, although I did notice I need to do a better job shaving the knee. Eh, details. I put some hydrogen peroxide on the scrap and had an immediate flash back of when my mom would bandage me up as a little girl. Thanks mom!