WILD WEDNESDAY

Today was a wild weather day! It started out overcast teasing us as we waited for the snow, which snuck in, starting out with a few flakes then increasing with brisk winds, to the point that I could not see the house across the street. Now it has changed to sleet, and evidently, I hear changing to all rain; heavy rain.

The store in the early morning before the “Wild” started, was busy, not just so-so busy, but wildly busy, I was one of those shoppers but didn’t purchase milk, eggs, and bread. For me, it was Tin Roof Sundae ice cream, vanilla Vienna cookies, and a bag, a big bag of chips. Oh yes, I can’t forget a pint of blueberries to add a little something good to my diet.

 As I ran out to my car, which was across the parking lot right next to the exit, an older gentleman asked if  I was getting ready for Thanksgiving. I said, “Not yet.”  Maybe, he thought I had a turkey in my bag?  Little did he know that it was three treasures to soothe the, “It’s too early for snow!” day.

Since I am a nice person, and since I ask God to put me in a place of need every morning,  I decided to take a few minutes, to listen to the gentleman who apparently needed to talk.  Now let me set the scene. He was straight across the driveway (for lack of a better word) from my car. He stood at the rear of his car, and I stood next to my car by the passenger side, shivering; since I did not have the warmest of coats on, and had forgotten my little Navy gloves.

I prepared myself with a quick prayer that went like this. Dear God, please let him say what he needs to then guide my words to help him in some way.

Well, this gentleman, who I think was about eighty, shared his story about a woman he met on a website dating service. After one date, he bought and surprised her with a new car in her favorite color. He even had a big pink bow put on it. A week later he bought her a beautiful piece of jewelry. Three weeks later she was gone. She had gone back to her husband. A husband he knew nothing about. His heart was broken.

I think my mouth was hanging open as I listened to this gentleman. I really wanted to hug him, but all I could do was stand there and hope that God would provide the words. After a minute or two, I said, ” I am so sorry. Sometimes things happen that we do not understand. Sometimes when a door closes a window opens. Hang in there.” He thanked me for listening and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. I returned the sediment then got into my car as he headed towards the store.

I must admit that the elderly man touched my heart. Although I was not close enough to see his eyes, I could feel the pain in his voice.  I just hope he will find the happiness that he is looking for.

 Yes, It was a wild weather day, but it turned out to be a good day. I bought comfort food to get through the storm and hopefully brought a little peace to a gentleman who desperately needed it.

And now for a nice bowl of ice cream and two cookies. I think I will save the chips for another day or maybe not.