The Kindness Of Strangers

The other day my 2 1/2 year old son and I were out running errands. Our first stop was the Container Store (love that place!) where H. fell in love with a pink (not just any pink...it was fuchsia) plastic piggy bank. I told him we weren't going to buy it and had him hand it to the cashier. The next thing I know a kind lady in the next checkout stand is handing him this pink pig. She had purchased the piggy bank for him and plopped in 75 cents! She said H. reminded her of her grandchildren and she wanted him to have the bank. It was such a kind gesture.

Of course, then I felt guilty. Should we be taking a gift from a complete stranger? Should I have said "no" or done something for her in return? I'm not sure how to handle this type of situation. But she genuinely seemed like a kind person that really wanted to give this pig to my son. So I let it happen. H. was beyond thrilled and the coins made the loudest clatter ever so he was really happy...and loud.

Our next stop was the grocery store where H. insisted on taking the pig into the store with him. I figured what's the harm and let him. As we shopped people commented on the pig and then to my surprise would drop money in his bank! By the end of the day that kid had collected over $3.00! My husband was calling him a panhandler but don't panhandlers ask for money? My son wasn't asking for a thing. He was just enjoying his pig. :)

I was thinking this would be the perfect way to earn a little extra cash...have your kids bring piggy banks with them on your errands. Kidding! But seriously it was so nice to see such kindness in folks that really just wanted to make a 2 1/2 smile. To make him happy.

So my thanks to the kind people out there. I will pay it forward best I can....