THE GENEROSITY OF STRANGERS...

I am constantly amazed...no, blown away by the Generosity of Strangers. I have had some beautiful experiences during my illness - but the ones that I treasure most are when someone unknown to me does something thoughtful and kind without any gain for themselves. Isn't that true Charity?

I'd like to relate a story that happened to me yesterday. I was out with my Mom on my first official Field Trip and we had gone to the Pharmacy and then stopped off at the Safeway on Golf Links and Wilmot. I was too tired from the Pharmacy to go into Safeway with my Mom - so I stayed in the car. We parked near Marco's Pizza (a new Pizza place in town and it smelled yummy!) and I remembered that my mom had gone in there a week prior and had asked if she could purchase some of those little plastic cups and lids (the kind you might put extra marinara sauce in). The man there had given her about 50 little cups and would not allow her to pay for them. Kindness #1.

The reason we needed these is because once something like sour cream or cream cheese is opened - it has to be separated so it is only used / opened once...to prevent germs. So, we were very grateful for the 50 we got. The plan was to wash them out and re-use them and then I started thinking...is that going to work? I was concerned that maybe we wouldn't get them clean enough and I CAN'T get any germs or an infection at all. That would be really detrimental (sp?) to my recovery.

So, while I was waiting for my mom...I decided to go into Marco's Pizza and ask if I could buy a full sleeve of cups and lids. The owner was there and he was really sweet. I think I scared him at first when I came in with a mask on. I explained that he couldn't catch anything from me - but I could infact catch something from him. He smiled and asked me what I had. I told him, "Aplastic Anemia" it's rare and not fun! He asked if it was terminal...I said, "Yes, if untreated...but I am being treated for it and things are looking up!" I smiled even though I'm sure he couldn't tell. My breathing became more labored as it does when I talk or exert myself and he asked how he could help me. I asked him if I could purchase the sleeves and he said, let me see what I can do. He came back carrying 2 sleeves of each item and put them in a bag and placed it on the counter. I was so surprised! That's a lot of cups and lids...I asked him, "How much do I owe you?" He smiled and said, "Nothing...it's my pleasure! Merry Christmas and I hope you start feeling better soon." I said, "Really, I can pay for them?" He said, "No - Merry Christmas!" Kindness #2.

I thanked him and turned around and walked back to the car. As I started to get into the car the tears were already streaming down my face and onto my mask. I was a mess! I had just been witness to a pure act of kindess! I was overcome with emotion and overwhelmed by such a simple and kind act. I couldn't stop crying. I saw him in his store front window watching me and I'm sure he must've been thinking....why is she crying. But - my feelings could not be restrained. How beautiful, how perfect and how whole is my faith in the goodness and generosity of strangers. People do want to help...there is goodness in the world and in the hearts of man. Ahhhh! It was exhilarating and refreshing! God Bless that Pizza Shop and the Owner whose name is Tony.

Kindness #3:

TUCSON RESIDENTS: Visit Marcos Pizza on Golf Links and Wilmot. It really did smell good inside and when I can eat regular food again - I'm going there. Show support to a small business owner with a big heart! Thanks! For those of you who don't live in Tucson, I'm sorry...this was something I just had to do. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!! :)

Have a great day - Practice Random Acts of Kindess and you will receive Senseless and Overwhelming Beauty and Charity as your reward.