Hindsight is 20-20. Or in this case, hindsight is $20.
I was boxing my groceries at Save A Lot on Saturday, at the long counter that runs across the front of the store, under the windows. At the next bagging station, an adult woman and her elderly mother pulled up their cart. The old lady was trying to help with the bagging.
"No, Mom. That's mine. This is yours here. See?"
Old Lady agreed, and bagged the other items.
"That's it, Mom. That's the money we have. I barely have enough to get gas this week. I'll find some way to do it."
At that instant, I thought of going over to them and handing them a twenty from my shirt pocket. Thought about it twice. Then decided against it. Some people are proud, and don't like to be offered charity. I didn't want to appear to have been eavesdropping, even though I was. So I stayed put, boxing my groceries.
All afternoon, and into the evening, I regretted my decision. I can spare a twenty. I could spare two. I feel like I let those ladies down. Perhaps I was meant to overhear their conversation.
Next time, I will take a chance. After all, people can decline the offer. It's not like I'm going to shove money into their hand and run.
I really wish I had that chance to do over again...
Other chances will present themselves. Be on the lookout or keeping an ear out for thoppse you can help with your generosity. You are goodhearted.
ReplyDeleteYes, there might be someone in line who is short of money, and I can chip in. I don't want people thinking I'm in their business.
DeleteI get it, tough call not wanting to insult anyone. Next time maybe say, "Sorry to be eves dropping, but last week I ran out of gas, forgot my purse and some nice person helped me out with $20...do you mind if I pay it forward?"
ReplyDeleteI'm still regretting my decision. I think it's the daughter/mom vibe that melted my heart. Hopefully I'll get a chance to redeem myself with the upcoming holiday shoppers.
DeleteOh how I wish you had offered. I like to think I would have too. I remember a day when someone was short at the checkout and an old lady behind offered them the difference. They were so grateful. I remember also the times when people were a dollar or two short and I knew them as regular customers so I would tell them to bring it next time and put my own coins in the till so the count would be correct at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteI think we old fogies are more likely to help people out than the younger generations, who seem to have an aversion to even holding a door so it doesn't slam in someone's face!
DeleteThe 10:00 a.m. whiskey lady, and the afternoon vape gal were both happy when I helped them out with a dollar. So there's that. I don't do it for the thanks, or to brag about it, but because unlike The Pony, I care about helping people. Just not in a flashy way.
I have had regrets like that where I did not act and it is training for us to act the next time. So you are primed and ready to help the next time. Now I am older I help more often.
ReplyDeleteYes, I will take advantage of the next opportunity. There was a reason those women were at the Save A Lot counter where I could notice them, and I should have realized it at the time.
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