We are blessed in North Carolina living in a state with both
mountains and seashore. During July, we
left 90 degree temperatures and drove for three hours to reach an elevation of
nearly 4,000 feet and temperatures in the 70s.
What a gift!
Last week we drove three hours in the opposite direction and
reached an elevation of 0 feet, but with a beautiful ocean and cool
breezes. Taking long walks on the beach
and swimming in the ocean were so much fun.
Just in case sharks were nearby, I swam near some rather plump
people. I figured that sharks would
prefer them to me because I am kinda bony.
One morning I walked alone to a pier about thirty minutes
away. I planned to walk out on the pier
and enjoy the view. As I was going up
the stairs to the pier, a woman was coming down. Her hair looked like it hadn’t been combed in
days. Her clothes were old and stained
and she wore ragged sneakers without socks.
I assumed she was a street person.
I asked her, “Do they charge to walk out on the pier?”
She said they did.
The cost was $2.00. I told her
that was too much for me and turned around and headed back down the
stairs. What she said next left me
speechless.
“Sir, if you don’t have $2.00, I’ll pay for you.”
I told her I had $2.00 but didn’t think a walk on the pier
was worth it. I thanked her profusely
and then we walked away in different directions.
Months ago a woman offered to buy me a $1.00 belt at a
Goodwill Store because she thought I didn’t have any money. I don’t know if I look destitute or I’m just fortunate
enough to encounter generous people.
I do know life is full of wonderful surprises.
Seasoned Man
Stevelem117@gmail.com