Several years ago, I stopped by the local gas station to pick up a pack of cigarettes. I was in a hurry. I was a single mom. I believe I was rushing into work, after having dropped the children off at daycare. I was stressed. I was always stressed then. Life was dark and unhappy and lonely and full of uncertainties. I asked the cashier for a pack of Marlboro Lights as you were standing behind me in line. I sensed that you were there, but I didn't notice until later that you were older, probably in your 50's, and that you had a pleasant, open face. After I paid for my purchase, I quickly turned on my heels to head out the door. You put your hand on my arm. You looked directly into my eyes and you said "You are SO beautiful." I paused and I stammered a "thank you" and headed off to work. A smile crept onto my face. It made my entire day. In fact, considering it's been at least four years and I still remember the exchange, it had a profound and lasting effect on me.
When I was a child and heavily involved in church, someone once told me that angels walk among us. We might never recognize them as angels, because they appear in human form, just like us. I was fascinated by the idea. Now, as an adult, and an atheist, I don't believe in such things. But you bent that disbelief just long enough for me to question and ponder it. And I decided, that if not an angel, then you at least appeared in my life, ever so briefly, to confirm that kindness is not dead. It is alive and well and it is thriving in places you'd least expect it. Thank you for that.
Love, Rae
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