Went grocery shopping today. Had my list, was maybe a quarter of the way through it, which brought me to the chips isle. For the last several months, I have noticed a new guy stocking chips. Not The Big Guy who has been there since we moved up on the mountain, and with whom I passed inconsequential conversation just about every time I was there. He was Big, with a capital B, scruffy blonde beard, gentle giant sort of nature. Just an all around nice guy, always willing to help or chat. So today I asked New Guy--"Where's the big guy been? Haven't seen him in quite a while."
"He passed away. Pneumonia."
I never even knew Big Guy's name, so why did it make me so sad? I guess because he seemed young--younger than I am, at least. And it was unexpected, even though carrying that much weight couldn't have been healthy. He once told me (we were talking about chip consumption in general) that they moved $30,000 just in Frito Lay products every month. I know he didn't drink, because I tried to recommend this gawd-awful peanut butter flavored whisky I'd found. I know he was willing to help lift the heavy kitty litter for me (one isle over) when I'd had surgery and under lifting restrictions. But I never knew his name.
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. Just wanted to say; if you get a chance, say something nice to the people that are "incidental" in your life. Nobody is forever.
Yes to saying something to the incidental people in our lives. ❤️
ReplyDeleteDixie, don't you love when a comment re-posts itself repeatedly? Hope all is well with you. I'm getting back to the dolls, finally. Beginning with 8 mini Izzies. If you want me to try out your pattern, email me--I'd love to see it.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a downer. It's a reality of life and it is good to be reminded not to pass an opportunity to say a kind word to people around us when the opportunity arises. You never know how much it might mean to the other person.
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks ago, my father in law told me that a distant male relative was taken to the old age home. They live in a tiny village and the population is elderly. FIL is 85 and one of the few who still drives a car. He was grumbling because he would now be expected to taxi the man's wife to the old age home for visits.
I scolded him to do it with a glad heart, and to take her flowers while he was at it; imagine how lonely and distressed she must be feeling. Sadly, three days later she passed away at home from a stroke. He never took her flowers or drove her to the old age home and I could see the haunted look in his eyes when he told me. I wish I never said anything because there's no way to fix this. I've been thinking about it every day.
Dealing with old people continuously, I see how childlike they become in their outlook. I sometimes think they've already given all there is to give and don't even have a kind word left. I hope I don't become selfish and closed off from people when I get to that age. I will certainly try not to!
Megan, I think your sweet spirit will still be as loving in old age as it is now. Maybe your FIL will find motivation to reach out more, and be blessed by it.
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