Going to Walmart is not something I usually enjoy. In fact it is something I attempt to avoid. But I was in need of a few things and rural living limits your options.
This trip turned out to be one of the coolest parts of my day. I was waiting in line to check out when the woman in front of me reached down to pick up a penny from the floor. She turned to me and said, “It’s from 1975, that’s the year I was born. And it was head’s up.”
I replied, “That must be good luck!”
She smiled and said, “I hope so. I just found out that I have a tumor on my brain.”
Her eyes filled with tears and her voice cracked on the last few words. I felt the heavy weight of sadness for another person’s hardship hit me square in the chest. I mustered my my most convincing smile and said, “I know it’s good luck.”
The cashier chimed in, “Finding a penny heads up is always really good luck. It must be double good luck that it’s your birthday year too.”
A woman from the line next to us added, “It must be a good sign.”
“It’s definitely a good sign.” the other cashier agreed.
The gentleman behind me stepped forward and clapped his hand on her shoulder, “I’d say it’s a sign that everything is going to be just fine.”
The woman stood beaming, surrounded by strangers who were beaming back. Everyone was joined in the common goal of putting their energy into making this woman feel that everything was going to be ok.
I stepped forward and gave the woman a hug and wished her luck. Several of the other customers and our cashier followed suit. The woman thanked us all with damp cheeks and a beautiful smile and then went on her way.
It was a moment in time where each person was touched by a stranger’s story and felt compelled to offer support and kindness. These things happened more often than you think. And each occurrence is precious and beautiful.
Carnival Ninjas 