The above photo was taken after the following experience. I rolled up to the local baker to get a morning donut and drink. As I slid over to the register to pay, I heard a man call out in Spanish, saying something that neither I, nor the Korean girl behind the counter could understand. We both said, "No Espanol.", to which he replied, "No pay, no pay." The girl says, "What?", and he says, "No pay. I pay." She pauses and asks, "Are you sure?" He nodded, stood up from his chair in the corner, and walked over beside me. I looked at him with a smile and asked, "Why?" He smiled back, shrugged his shoulders and said in broken English, "Dunno,.....it's okay." I thanked him over and over again, then snapped the above picture.
I don't know his name, but he will live forever in my memory. Not for covering my donut and drink, but for the thoughtful gesture that reminds me of the man, father, husband, and human that I want to be. I try to be this person all the time, but it can get away from me. I try to teach this principle to my 'Lil Gal, and live it day by day. In the hustle and bustle of everyday grind, this was a simple reminder of how I want to live. I look to pay it forward and do something nice for someone in the next day or two. Then, I'll try to be that person every day after.
I challenge you to do the same.
J.
