The Kindness of Strangers

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Kindness of Strangers

After a long and mentally draining day, I ventured to the local UPS Store to send some packages, letters, etc. I have not located a post office—nearby—so I used the services at the UPS store—even though the prices are slightly higher.

The atmosphere was warm, inviting and the staff members were usually friendly. Today was my second visit to this particular store. The manager is a young man—one of our lighter-lighter brothers (okay, he was Caucasian. Smile) and we greeted each other.

He weighed and labeled my items as we continued to chat. He asked me about my day. I paused a bit because I didn’t want to sound ‘sluggish’ or even give a hint of my tiredness within so I piped a faint, but honest response. ‘Fine,’ I said then reciprocated the gesture by inquiring about his day.

‘Are you a teacher?’

He queried, which I thought came out of nowhere. But, these days--it seemed as though I was receiving more and more of these types of comments and questions. I mean, did I wear a big sign that read—I TEACH HIGH SCHOOL or I AM A TEACHER?

It didn’t bother me but I did chuckle silently because I believe I am wearing a sign of some sort.

I did a mental check—I tried to recall—did I mention my students this afternoon? (On occasions—okay frequently-I tended to digress a bit and talk about my students and many school adventures so I had to check) but today I did not. I guess, because after such a long day, I didn’t want to think about school; I was ready for CALGON to take me away but first I had errands to run henceforth my presence at the UPS Store.

‘Why, yes I am. I teach High School English as well as serve as the Reading Specialist. Why do you ask?’

The kind man gave an affectionate grin that answered my question with the absence of words. I nodded in agreement and we shared that quiet moment. Together. Strangers.

He finished my transaction then cleared the register. It read: ‘$0.00’

‘It’s on me today. Just a small token of appreciation for our teachers. No charge, Miss.’

I was floored. What? Did I miss something? I questioned his actions and tried to press my hard earned dollars into his hand. He was relentless in his pursuit of kindness and nudged me away.

Again, we shared a moment; I thanked him and told him he made my day—which was true. Very true.

Equipped with his card in my purse, I left the store. I waved good bye and stopped just outside the door—looked up and thanked God. I was literally down to my last dollars until payday.