From the Heart
I watched as she scurried from the kitchen to a table, table to cash register, grabbing the coffee carafe to refill cups. She smiled as she spoke to customers yet her eyes told me she was worried that her customers wanted more than she was able to give at that time. That could affect her tip.
I watched as some gave her “the look.” We all know the look that says … you are not taking care of me the way I want you to take care of me.
She worried that her best was not enough. I looked at her eyes. They told me what she was thinking.
As she approached our table. I said, “There is only one of you. I see that you are doing your best. I see that you are overwhelmed. Take a deep breath. I appreciate how hard you are working to take good care of us.”
I saw her sigh. She simply said, “Thank you.” At that moment she needed a little kindness.
I watched the young mother in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. Her toddler was running round exerting the energy of well, a toddler. Her baby was obviously fussy and not feeling well. She looked tired.
People would look up from their magazines with “the look.” It told her she was not measuring up … so she thought. She tried to calm both her toddler and her baby while she waited. Someone needed to calm her.
I smiled and voiced my thoughts, “This motherhood thing isn’t easy. I remember it all too well. It always seemed I was juggling babies and schedules. I dealt with moods and emotions, both theirs and mine.”
I saw her smile. She knew someone recognized and affirmed her feelings. She was tired and overwhelmed. She needed to be shown a little kindness.
I have become more aware of people who just need a helping hand as well as those who need words of comfort. Life is hard. If we take the time to recognize when others are struggling, we can make a difference.
It’s just simple acts of kindness. It does not take much effort or many words.
Recently I watched as my grandson, Matthew, walked over to an older gentleman getting out of his car. I recognized this man as someone who often eats at Ginger’s Café on Fridays when we are there. I know he suffers from arthritis and struggles to walk with a cane.
It was one of those icy mornings. Matthew asked if he could walk with him. The parking lot was a bit treacherous. Matthew had him take ahold of his arm as they slowly walked inside. It was snowy and windy and icy. Matthew could have easily dashed from his car to the door. But he didn’t.
I was so proud of Matthew. The man smiled and thanked him. He told Matthew he was a fine young man.
I told Matthew I was proud of him. He says, “Grandma, I just try to do the right thing.”
That day I was reminded of the importance of just trying.
Actions do speak louder than words, yet words do matter. Perhaps we need to do both. Perhaps we all need to do more of trying to do the right thing.
I do know I have a grandson who will remind me … both with his actions and his words.