02/02/2025
Not sure who but one of our amazing customers warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face with one simple act of kindness. ☺️
I was restocking and pulling change from our soap dispenser the other day and when I opened it, quarters started falling on the floor. After further investigation, I found that someone had filled each slot to give the next person one of each item. ❤️
Outside of this just being an amazing act of paying it forward, it reminded me of my dad. See, my dad was known for having a pocket full of change and sometimes, I'd convince him to spare some for use in a gumball or toy machine. But one time he taught me a lesson I never forgot and also never got to thank him for.
That particular day, he told me we were going to do something different. As he dug a handful of quaters out of his pocket, he told me these quarters were to be given away. He instructed me to pick the machines and leave the quarters in them for another child to use.
In my childlike mind I couldn't believe this was happening! Why would I do that? Those should have been my quarters to use how I wished! A whole range of emotions flooded my little brain. To say I was upset was an understatement and I had no problem expressing that in the entrance of the grocery store.
I remember the smile he had and his patience as he explained the purpose of the plan. These quarters would bring joy and excitement to another child or two. He asked me to imagine their faces when they came in and found those quarters waiting for them. I was to think about the fact that maybe their parents couldn't afford to give them a quarter and this one thing would bring a smile to their parents face too, knowing that someone else cared enough to leave them. It may inspire them to also give back in a small way as well. He explained that this small act would spread joy beyond what we could ever know.
I continued my protest but reluctantly, with eyes full of tears, placed those quarters in the machines. As we walked away he held my hand and through a pride filled smile said, "I'm really proud of you, kiddo. You may not see their joy or ever get a thank you for that. But think about this: Doesn't it make you feel good to know you made someone else feel good?"
While in that moment it didn't feel good I completely understand the sentiment now. In his honor I've filled a few machines with quarters myself, through the years. 😉
So, to the customer who filled that dispenser with quarters I want you to know you also filled my heart with gratitude, in more ways than one.
Thank you for being your amazing, giving self.
Thank you for spreading joy in a small way.
Thank you for helping someone else save a little money.
Thank you for reminding me of the good in the world.
Thank you for the the fond memory.
Thank you for making me feel good.
🥰
