Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Groceries And A Whole Lot More

After feeding Maddie goldfish and yogurt for breakfast, I knew a trip to the grocery store was not only necessary, but dire. I try to be as fast as I can, each time I have to go to the grocery store. Which is why I try to go without Maddie, as often as possible. My goal is always: Get in, get the stuff and get the heck outta there.

Today was no different. I knew what I needed and I knew that if I made it home by 11, I would have enough time to catch up on my recorded shows, before I had to pick Maddie up from school.

As I was racing through the aisles, I saw a man in his 50's walking with his father. His father was obviously having a difficult time keeping up, but his son was being extremely patient. The older man was probably in his 80's and had to hold on to the shelves, just to walk. His son shuffled along beside him, not rushing him and always there to help him along. The father would often push his arm away and tell him that he could do it himself. Not in a mean way, just prideful.

I kept seeing them the entire time I was shopping. I couldn't help but be impressed. It was amazing to me, to see such patience and caring.

They were leaving at the same time I was. By the time I had loaded my groceries and pushed the buggy to the corral, they had barely made it out the door. The son was having to hold his dad's arm, every step they took. I walked as fast as I could to them- there was no way he would make it to the car.

"Can I stand here with him, while you go get the car?"
"Are you sure? Thanks. He can hold onto this. If you could just stand with him, I would really appreciate it."

He ran to his car, while turning around a few times to check on his father. In the meantime, two other men offered their help, and we all kept him company, while waiting for the car. He told us he had just gotten out of the hospital, after 1 month. His soon came back and explained that it was really 4 months.

I wished them both a Merry Christmas and went back to my car. As I drove off, I wondered if I had it in me, to be that patient and loving if I was ever put in that position.

I'd like to think so. But I'd also like to think that my mom or dad would just let me go by myself.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

You would be amazed by the amount of patience one can have when it comes to taking care of his/her parents! It is not something that someone looks forward to doing, but unfortunatly it happens, and sometimes sooner than we think!

Anonymous said...

What you need to think about is not what you hope your parents will let you do, but what Maddie will do for you--Advice from an older mother

Amy said...

The fact that you took time out of your day to help a stranger in need shows that you are patient and loving. It's a wonderful story, and sweet act of kindness.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I have to ask, did the kernel of corn EVER come out?

Rachel said...

Amazing girl. That's beautiful. You are a special person, and you probably have no idea what an impact you made on that man.
Wonderful.

Website Content and Copy: PBJinabowl.blogspot.com, 2007-8.
Blog Design by JudithShakes Designs.