It Costs Nothing

Because of the Covid Virus I have been shopping at 6 A.M. when I actually go to the store to shop for groceries.  It is still dark when I leave my house.  I have a handicap placard so I am able to park just a few feet from the door of the store.  I shut the car off and put my mask on.  I have been vaccinated so I guess I’m wearing it to make others comfortable.  When I entered the store, to my relief no one, not one single person was wearing a mask.  I had mine off within a second.  I decided to make my shopping trip a game.  I challenged myself to say good morning to every single person that came within a reasonable distance.

First in the door was a man about my age.  When I said good morning he almost looked shocked but he returned a rather dismal good morning back as a reply.  While the lady in the Deli was slicing my pastrami I stuck up a whole conversation!  She is a lovely woman and had the biggest smile!  I spoke with three young men while they were stocking the cereal aisle.  They also seemed shocked someone was talking to them.  One of them, with his eyes turned downward, actually seemed to be looking to see if anyone was watching him smile at me. 

When I was looking for a pair of “cheater” glasses another woman was also looking for a pair.  Behind her about ten feet was another customer, who when she noticed me saying hello to the woman close to me, turned and went down the next isle instead of walking by us.  In the vegetable section I struck up a conversation with one of the fellows arranging the potatoes.  I said I was sad to see the season for the “Holiday Grapes” had already ended.  The are my favorite grape of all time.  It was interesting there were probably six or seven people in the vegetable section.  All were listening and all were smiling as we spoke.  I nodded at two of them as I left the isle. 

Waiting to pay there was one lady about my age in front of me.  When I said good morning to her, she thanked me by saying.  “Good morning to you too!  Thank you so much for speaking to me.  I feel so invisible now!”  I wanted to reach out and hug her but I didn’t.

The checker and the bagger were my last two contacts.  Both were happy to return my good day wishes.  I had on a mask for the comfort of others.  I will wear my mask again but remove it at every opportunity! When I went into the store I was determined to be a blessing to someone.  In fact, what I did allowed so many others to bless me.  I’m doing what I’m suppose to do to be safe but I see no end to the fear I see in so many others around me. I want to do what I can to change that.  I want to live in joy!  It costs noting to be kind.  It costs nothing to be interested in others.  It costs nothing to say “good morning.”  It costs nothing to simply speak.

 

This was 2020 and it's still True! But the dogs sleep better now!

 

 Christmas night at 5:00 I stepped down crooked on my ankle.  It is now January 12.  My ankle is still black and blue and yellow and green!  Just yesterday I bought a walking boot at Walgreens.  It seems to make it feel a bit better.  Right now I'm pretty much doing nothing during the day but sitting on the couch.  I've got a couple beading projects ready to start, maybe tomorrow.  Doing nothing during the day makes sleeping thru the night almost impossible.
     We have two dogs who sleep in our bedroom.  One, Piper. is ten.  She is great.  She would sleep thru the night with no problem.  Our other one is Skeeter.  Skeeter is ten months.  Skeeter is the problem!  Skeeter wants to go outside about every two to three hours.  She was doing better but has come back to this.  We are not happy!
     Last night at 9:30 Skeeter jumped out of bed.  Before she could even bark at Larry to let him know she wanted out he had thrown the blanket off himself and was walking her to the door.  He tried to quiet her barking to keep her from waking me.  Five minutes later they were back.  At 1:30 it happened again.  Again Larry hushed her and took her out.  This time, as they were coming back into the house, Piper jumped up and ran to the door.  Poor Larry, as he thought he was coming in he had to go back out again!
     Then again at 4:00!  This time both dogs jumped up.  Larry joined them, hushing them as they made their way to the back door.  A few minutes later Larry gently pulled our bedroom door shut.  He went into the living room, made himself a cup of coffee, and turned on the television.  Me?  I went to sleep.
      I have seen the saying above several times.  When I woke up this morning it came to mind.  Larry, knowing just how uncomfortable I have been, has been cooking for me, rinsing dishes for me, bringing me treats and drinks when I ask, and trying to ensure I get to sleep at night.  The more the dogs wiggle and bark the harder he tries to shield me from their noise.  I can't even express how much I appreciate all his help.
     I remember when we first me in 1965.  He treated me like a princess.  When we married in 1968 he treated me like he cherished me, like I was the most important thing in his life.  I realized last night he still treats me like that.  He still comforts me, he still honors the vows we both made.  I could not have asked for more in a husband.  He still makes me feel special.  I love the song..."I'd Choose You Again,' by the Forester Sisters.  I thank God often for putting the two of us together.  I'd still choose him again!