A Surprise Offer

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