I was feeling myself today. I woke early, nothing hurt, and I felt ready to take on the world. The Pretty Princess hopped out of bed without being prodded and she too greeted the new day with a bright smile and no grumbling. I had two quick errands to run this morning, so after dropping the Princess off to another day in second grade, and the Paw off to the groomers for a much-needed haircut, I made a quick run to the post office and then to the library. Errands complete I decided to swing by my favorite store for a quick browse. I reasoned it was early, there wouldn’t be a big crowd and I might have an opportunity to shop the aisles in peace.
It was my lucky day! One elderly woman entered before me. Two
staff members greeted us, and we had the entire store to ourselves! In times of
a pandemic this was an epic moment! The other woman headed in one direction,
and I headed in the other. We passed each other in the home goods section,
avoiding all contact.
And then I turned down another aisle and there he stood.
Even with a mask I could tell he was a nice-looking guy. He was large with an
athletic frame, closely cropped haircut, and a warm umber complexion. There was
the barest hint of gray in his hair, and he carried himself with an air of maturity.
After a quick assessment (okay, maybe not so quick) I apologized and turned to
head in the opposite direction.
“No problem,” he said, the timber of his voice sliding like
butter against my ears. “I hope you’re having a good morning?”
“I am, thank you for asking,” I responded.
“I’m looking for a gift for my mother,” he said as if I’d
asked. Maybe there was something in my eyes that questioned why he was looking
at China serving pieces.
“Well, aren’t you sweet!”
“She has everything so it’s near impossible to shop for her
and it’s her 85th birthday.”
“What a blessing! I’m sure she’ll love anything you get her.
I have no doubts that just spending time with you will be the best gift ever.”
I could see him smile behind that mask and he nodded. We
chatted for a few more minutes and then he continued on his search as I resumed
my browsing. Heading to the children’s section of the store I found myself grinning,
thinking I still got it! Appreciating that I couldn’t tell you what “it”
was if you paid me. I just knew I felt good. I felt confident and emboldened
and immensely blessed.
He was paying for his selections as I exited the store. A
minute or two later he called out across the parking lot. “Would you like to
grab a cup of coffee?”
I waved. “Thanks for the invite, but I don’t think my
husband would appreciate that.”
He laughed and nodded. “I understand completely. He’s a
lucky man, your husband.”
I laughed with him. “You have a good day and happy birthday
to your mother!”
I’d left the house and forgotten to comb my hair and I hadn't put on an ounce of makeup!
Confidence is everything!
