I had to purchase a portable air conditioning unit today. My house to become unbearably hot, and given the rising temperatures and I knew I had to take action.

I initially traveled to an appliance store nearby; as it was yet early the lot was nearly empty. I had done my research prior to leaving the house, selecting just the right unit for my purposes.

My circumstances have dictated a need for frugality; I don’t often purchase unless it’s absolutely necessary.

As I arrived at the store, I approached an attendant at the counter: “Pardon, but could you please help… I’m having a little trouble.”

Do you know I selected had already sold out; prove it was by far the best purchase available. I settled upon an alternate unit, though far too heavy for one person to move.

I waited as the young woman finished with a customer. “Hi,” I smiled. “is there anyone here who might have a moment to help me.”

She rolled her eyes, irritated and said “It’s right there in front of you. What? You want me to carry it for you?”

“But it’s just a little heavy…” I try to explain.

“Well I guess you’re stuck then,” she offered rather curtly.

I walked to my car and called another store within the area. A gentleman named Ron was only too happy to help.

When I arrived, he smiled, “Miss Lemieux, how are you? I’ve got it already boxed and ready for you at the front.”

He took his time, opening the box to explain installation. “Now, if you have any troubles you just give me a call.”
he grinned.

Another young man for the rest corded me to my car making sure the unit was moved without my worry.

When I arrived home, a group of teenagers were soliciting door to door. “You need some help with that?” they called out, eager to lend a hand.

Within 15 minutes the “too big for just one to move” unit was neatly placed and installed.

All at the kindness of a few gracious strangers.

I even tried to pay them, but they refused; “My Mama raised me better than that,” the youngest returned.

As they left of their way, I thought about the young woman from the original store. So often we are tempted to respond ‘in kind’, when in fact – a little more kindness is what we need most of all.

I grabbed a few dahlias from the garden, placing them within my favorite frosted blue vase. I pulled a card from my desk drawer, and began to write. When finished, I packed up and returned to her store.

She was standing alone at the counter, her eyes fixed in a stare. I reached out, touched her hand and said, “It seemed like you were having a bad day.”

When I handed her the flowers, she began to cry; “My oldest brother died Tuesday in an accident in Kansas…” She went on to explain how she needed to work to earn the money – if there was any hope at all of making it back home.

An older gentleman standing just behind me, stepped forward with wallet in hand – offering what little he had. “It’s not much, but it’ll do in better hands.” Soon after, others in like followed in due course.

Had I not returned, this ripple of kindness would have ceased. Worse yet, the true lesson would have been lost.

Though the reaction may be tempting, to what end does it serve? Particularly, when we already know the energy we wish to share.

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness,” reminds author, George Shaw. “Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.”

And so, my darlings, a simple wish for today – that we may allow the space for kindness to prevail.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️