There’s a kid I see most mornings who sells newspapers outside by the subway. He’s there early to meet the truck, the driver tossing them on the sidewalk like a bale of hay.
He’ll come into Starbucks at 5 to wait, while I sit sipping my coffee. 21 if he’s a day, quiet, polite, never asking for a thing. I’ve tried to treat him more than once, but he always says, no thank you, I’m fine, never wearing gloves even on the coldest day, vigilantly selling those papers wrapped in a hoodie and a tattered gray parka.
Today, I watch as Kim, the tiny Latino barrista who is oh so cheerful at this time, brings this young man a bag where he’s sitting.
Well, the smile on his face breaks all records. Remember when you were little and made pictures of the sun? It always had a huge smile on it…this is what I think of, watching, as he opens the bag bringing out a tall, hot drink with a slice of lemon pound cake.
I’m covert observing, not wanting to embarrass either of them, and for me it was an omen, because I had just had a self-punishing moment berating myself for the random little things I do for others.
No one cares, I decided tearfully. Stop playing saint…do everyone, especially you, a favor.
But when I look at this self-possessed lad all aglow because someone he clearly likes thought of him, I see, little things do make a difference….and could very well, quietly, change the world.
SB
So sweet and thoughtful! I like their lemon pound cake too! You will never stop being kind. It’s who you are.
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It’s actually the only thing I ever eat there. Love the frosting…:)
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Do not ever feel bad about doing things for others unless it is harmful to you or someone else. I only add that last part as some people go so far as to literally spoil someone and ruin them in some ways and others give so much they suffer needlessly.
You are a good person. I have noticed that over the months. It’s one of the biggest reasons I still continue reading your blog. Well, that an you are one beautiful woman…I meant to whisper that…did I?
Scott
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That’s a nice thing to know, thank you. I’m into random acts of kindness, learned it from my grandfather who was the kindest person I’ve ever known. I see, I respond. I melted when she brought him breakfast. It was the first time I ever saw him accept anything. It was wonderful to watch. A real St. Teresa moment…:)
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Putting the hand of friendship out and helping another has actually helped me just as much probably. Maybe more. I still don’t like that saying of it being a selfish ‘program’. I don’t think it’s contrived. I believe that as human beings our natural inclination in nearly all cases for the majority of people is to do the right thing.
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Let’s hope that’s true Coyote.
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People will criticize you no matter what you do 😅
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I know that’s a sad fact, but it still hurts. sigh
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We keep fronting up. Smile sister. We can’t lose
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You’re so funny…all the way from Australia…:)
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As the Irish say…. is this a private fight or can anyone join in? 😆😅
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That’s funny too. Never heard that.
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I have absolutely no Irish ancestors either
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You never know.
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I love the Irish lads who come here to play footy and I loved the Irish I drank with over there. Great lovers of song and verse. They also understand poverty and alcoholism. Resilient people. The women are saints very often.
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Like the phrase…resilient people.
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You wouldn’t be doing anyone a favor if you stopped being who you are and doing what you do for others!
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That’s a good point. I just see how quite often it’s perceived as a weakness. It’s a strength, I know that, but my feelings get hurt…sigh
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Perhaps today is the day he’s twenty-one?
Another uplifting tale, Susannah, thank you.
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They have a special language. He’s a light-skinned Latino boy so we have no idea of their history together or apart. Maybe they’ve known each other. But they both have lovely manners. So refreshing.
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Susannah, never stop bringing sunshine into this world. Often the smallest act can have the biggest impact.
Pookie, our children, and I used to deliver gifts and meals on Christmas Eve day to elderly shut-ins. Most of them thought we were Meals On Wheels, despite being told of our coming ahead of time. MOW doesn’t deliver on holidays, so they were happy for the treats, but what they were hungry for the most was our visit and company. People just need to know that some cares, that someone sees them.
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I know that. I even need attention at times feeling all alone the way I do. People want to just know you see them.
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Please don’t change! People like you a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh of air. You make a difference and don’t let anyone or yourself tell otherwise! Sending hugs and blessing! 🙂 Thank you for this story that makes me still believe in people and peace! 🙂
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How kind are you. I’m humbled by this. Really!
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Amen Sister!!! Damn that lemon pound cake that I loved up until the dat they posted the calories.
I smiled at the thought of those childhood smiling suns in the sky overlooking my little house with one apple tree and a flower….good times.
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Yeah, what’s up with that, calorie posting business? There are just some things a girl does not need to know. Right Top?
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Absolutely!
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I think I’ll tool down and get myself a slice. Life’s short after all.
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Can you feel the envy ….
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YES….LOL
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