That Feeling When Someone Keeps the Light on For You
It’s Tuesday lunchtime. The liquor store is bustling. I’ve come in for a bottle of cheap corruption and a few packets of sin.
I approach the register and shout, “Joseph!” His eyes light with recognition. I shake my head and tell him I would’ve come in last night, but it was close to closing time by the time my day was done.
I collect my things and walk toward the door and he shouts, “Next time call me, I’ll stay open for you.”
And I shout back no that’s okay, and he shouts yes, yes he will, and I walk to my Jeep suppressing a smile, feeling like I’ve just had an exceptionally meaningful human encounter.
___
When was the last time someone’s small gesture made you feel totally seen? And was the gesture from someone you’d expect it to be from, or from someone like Joseph – who you didn’t even know cared about you until they filled some need you didn’t even know you had?
xo
🤗 Here’s a hug for anyone who knows the store clerk’s name. Bonus hug if they know yours, too.
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My dad taught me to always speak to the custodians and secretaries of the world as they run it. I make a point of saying hello and sometimes more to any service person to let them know I see them and appreciate them. When I'm a regular I always ask for a name so I can say hello in a better way when I arrive.
Your kindness is appreciated by all you encounter and they will be kind to others in response. That's the power of seeing and caring. Thank you for the beautiful story.
You received his kindness and played it forward and I am grateful for your gift.