Today we have guest blogger Mike Henneke, a former editor for the Albany Democrat-Herald and a father of five. Mike and I used to work together in the D-H newsroom. He’s a good guy and a very talented writer. This story may help keep the Christmas spirit alive. Thanks for sharing with us, Mike!
The woman in line: The young woman ahead of me clutches some money in her hand and nervously watches the cashier scan each item. She plans to purchase about a dozen small food items and about $25 worth of clothes. She wears a black tank top, dark hair and can’t be older than her early 20s.
It’s not long before the girl realizes she can’t pay for everything and asks for some food to be removed from her bags.
The cashier painfully removes some food items one by one, then at the girl’s behest, gives them back. I watch with interest, with a checkout nightmare blog brewing in my head. The clothes and some food are set aside to be returned to the store.
“I’m so bad at math,” the young woman stammers as the cashier realizes there’s still a difference of $12 to settle. The worker patiently begins searching through some other grocery bags to see if there’s anything else that can be returned to make up the difference.
I turn to a well-dressed lady to my left in line and give her a knowing look. Can’t this girl add? It’s a look that says we’re in this checkout nightmare together.
It was then the well-groomed older woman teaches me a lesson I will never forget. She reaches into her purse and hands some money to the cashier.
“Here, see if this will help,” she says with a smile.
It’s a $20 bill. The young girl’s mouth drops open.
“I’ve been there before,” the other woman says.
“Now that’s really cool,” I spontaneously exclaim out loud with a big smile on my face. The woman adds an additional $10 just to make sure.
By now we find out the younger woman is behind on her rent with her boyfriend. Christmas may not be so merry this year.
The cashier rings up all the original food items and clothes she was planning to purchase from the beginning. The boyfriend returns to the line in time to see everything unfold. He looks embarrassed.
When his girlfriend tries to return $12 in change to her benefactor, the older woman pauses and then gives it back.
“Take your boyfriend out for dinner. Merry Christmas.”
The grateful couple say thank you and eventually walk off together with their bags.
I think of the $800 kicker check burning a hole in my pocket. We have our own struggles but I could have helped. I missed a chance to make a difference.
I turn to the woman putting items on the belt.
“Thank you for teaching me a lesson,” I tell her.
Former Sunday Editor Mike Henneke has accepted a job in Billings, Mont. You can read his blog – Is This Mike On? – in its new home by clicking here.
Thanks for sharing Mike Henneke’s story. It is a story with much human understanding and insight. And it certainly has a lesson for all of us – not only Mike. Isn’t it all too easy to look the other way or get irritated when someone can’t make what we others judge as their obligations? Instead of helping and making a difference. Very brave of Mike to be so honest.
I agree wholeheartedly, Otto. Thanks for the comment, I’ll make sure Mike sees it.
Awww….that is so touching. I wonder if the well-groomed woman in the story was involved in other random acts of kindess over the holidays?
Thanks for commenting, Barrie. I wouldn’t be surprised if that woman was one of the “angels” the media talked about who paid off strangers’ layaways before Christmas.
Once again a wonderful share. Thank you Mike for sharing. It reminded me of the many acts of kindness my parents would bestow on to others.
When my son entered grade school, Dad would come pick him up after school. He noticed that a lot of the children and families didn’t seem to have the things we needed. He went to the office at one point and talked with staff and found out who the families were that were struggling. Every year Dad and Mom would adopt one family and provide things for them through the year, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinner. Dad raised beef so this meant the families would give at least a 1/2 of beef if not a whole beef to help sustain through the year.
Mmm, sorry for the rambling, lol.
Again thank you Danita for the heart warming stories, they are all so wonderful.
You’re welcome, Debbie. I know some pretty amazing writers, don’t I? So nice they are willing to share their personal stories.
In all times, but especially now, it’s important to remember that there are those of us who are truly hurting for money for the most basic of items.
Great story by Mike! Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s true Katie. I’ll make sure Mike sees your comment.
Hey …this is Sweta(from India)..thanks for sharing..Its amazing how sometimes a stranger can touch your life with a simple act 🙂
So true. Thanks for the comment Sweta.