One given when I come to the states is a trip to Walmart to stock up on items I either can’t get in Mexico or that are cheaper here. Yesterday, Marti and I were supposed to go out to dinner but when she arrived to pick me up, she asked if I’d mind if we went to Walmart instead.
There was a family–mom and dad with two little boys and a baby girl in front of me in line at checkout. They had two cart absolutely full of groceries plus school supplies for the boys as school starts next week. The baby was in a carrier right in front of me and we started flirting. She held her hand out to me and I shook it. She had a darling big plush toy and I was saying how cute it was. She just kept “talking” to me.. no words, just gobbledygook, and smiling and holding her hands out to me and we kept holding hands and flirting with each other.
I told her I liked her toy and asked to hold it. I hugged it (it was sooo soft and cuddly) then gave it right back. The mom said they were from the Philippines and came because her husband’s mom arranged it. I asked where they worked, etc. She was a nurse in Veteran’s hospital. Then the mom took the plush animal and put it on the display beside the cash register, saying she just gave it to the baby to keep her busy while they were shopping but they weren’t going to buy it, it was too expensive. When the mom wasn’t looking, one of the little boys took it off the display and gave it back to his little sister. So sweet. He said to me, ‘She wants it.”
Long story short, I bought the toy and gave it to her. We’d traded names earlier and before they left, the mom told me they were going to name it Judy! Such a fun time. The mom and dad both gave me hugs before they left.
For Cellpic Sunday
Judy,
Your act of kindness is exactly what Dr, King meant about becoming a “beloved community”, in which we see the humanity of each person and reach out to give joy to another human being. You touched my very soul with this post. Thank you for reminding me that we can still bring the Kingdom of God to earth through our loving actions. That isn’t religion, it is an act of abundant grace that is not limited by religious doctrine, but by the size of our hearts.
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That is so cute Judy. What a lovely gesture 😊
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You just made me cry, so sweet! 😊
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I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! I saw a nice father and son at Walmart yesterday? I asked Dad if I could buy boy a treat. The little boy was shy and took a bit to choose. I know I enjoyed it more than he did!
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We are paralleling a bit here, Ibeth.
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Judy that was very thoughtful of you. And I don’t think they’ll ever forget you. When the little girl is older she’ll learn about you, too, and it might change her life.
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I am just fascinated by babies and small children.. especially the ones that are interested in engaging with those outside of their family on their own.
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Heartwarming when connections are made like that. What a little cutie and cool that her brother spoke up on her behalf.
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I knew what you would do before I got to the last paragraph X
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What a lovely encounter Judy. They’ll always remember you
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As I’ll always remember them. Such a sweet family.
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Awesome
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What a cool story! Thanks for sharing.
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