The Basket Lady

Basket Lady has met some wonderfully kind and giving individuals over the past couple of weeks and I’d like to share my joy with you about two of Dot’s every day kindness angels.

Up and out the door one morning dressed in warm clothes and a fleece jacket, wanting to feel the cool air and gaze upon the sunrise; I walked down Lincoln Avenue as happy as Pooh bear going on an adventure.

The outdoor temperatures were barely above freezing by the time I stopped in at the Mexico Circle K to get a hot cup of coffee. My fingers and hands were numb. I’ll admit that the fleece jacket had pockets but I “had” to insist on hanging my arms free and loose by my side so that I could swing them to heat up my cold limbs and to increase my stride. I did try to keep my hands in the pockets but warm hands slowed the walking to a turtle’s pace and that just didn’t work for me.

As I entered Circle K, (former Dead River), I blew on my hands and shook them to get the circulation going in my fingers again. Mary Lou was standing at the cash register and when I stepped up to pay for my coffee almost shouted, “My hands are frozen. I forgot to wear my gloves.” Mary Lou said, “We’ve got gloves here, why don’t you buy a pair?” “I don’t have any more money.”

A tall lady standing in line behind me, wearing work jeans dressed like a farmer was humming sweetly and overheard our conversation said, “Go over there and pick out a pair of gloves and I’ll buy them for you.” “Oh, thank you for your thoughtfulness but that’s alright, my brain just got a wakeup call from my fingers to wear gloves on cold mornings.”

The tall lady persisted and then Mary Lou joined in as they urged me to go over to the rack and pick out a pair of gloves. I gave in and picked out a pair of black fleece gloves and brought them to the checkout counter for Mary Lou to ring up. I asked the tall lady to tell me her name and she replied, “I’d like to be nameless.” She waved good-bye to Mary Lou and walked out the door humming sweetly.

Friends, the day started out with just the simple pleasure of going for a walk and to gaze upon a beautiful sunset and ended up with two kind every day angels that put a smile on my face and warmed my hands and heart.

To Dot’s every day kind angels, thank you very much.

Everyone who contributes in any way toward our happiness and well-being deserves our gratitude and respect.

Kindness not only counts but it adds up! We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas!

Until then, smile and live in the present.