Encouragement....

(below is a letter I sent the editor of our local paper, but wanted to share here as well)

In a day when we are overwhelmed with bad news articles from around the globe and people seem to busy to slow down and observe others around us, it is nice to know that there are still people out there who would take the time to remind us of simpler times. Times when men held doors for ladies, or children used their manners, everyday and everywhere these were things we did and I think somehow we took for granted that these values would be with us always. I see more and more each day that this is not true, but I am encouraged when these values surface again.

Take for example, today in the grocery store where I work. An older lady was behind a younger gentleman in my checkout. The lady was humming to herself as she began to place her few purchases on the belt. The gentleman turned to her and offered his assistance, the lady beamed graciously but gently declined. The gentleman, not to be dissuaded, offered the lady his collector points because he had left his collector card at home. This time the lady graciously accepted. When I had finished checking out the gentleman’s groceries, he turned again and offered assistance one more time to the lady, she in turn again declined his help stating she hadn’t much but that he was ever so kind to offer. When he had gone the lady turned and asked if I knew the gentleman’s name, to which I said no. Sadly the lady watched as the gentleman hurried out the door, turning again to me she said I wish I could thank him some how. I suggested writing the newspaper. She thought that was a good idea.

You see this simple gesture of help and the gift of the collector points “blew” this lady away (to use her words). I know neither customer, but found it extremely heart warming to know that chivalry once thought dead is not quite gone from our society. Being raised on the mainland in a rather large city, I realised the act of chivalry to be more and more elusive. Here in Newfoundland however, it seems to be alive and well, at least for these two people it is

In closing then, I too would like to thank the gentleman (you know who you are) for being so kind to that dear lady and to the lady for being so gracious to want to let the gentleman know his kindnesses were truly appreciated. And finally I would like to thank both these souls for brightening my day.