Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Little Things
I was in quite a hurry rushing around doing last minute Valentine shopping. That isn’t an easy task anyway since my guy has passed away, but I still have a few folks to consider. I ran into town to finish things up when I had a few little surprises that just made my day. You know, little things really do matter.
After mulling over a few options, I decided to give one duo the gift that never fails: a restaurant gift card. I exited my car and made my way to the door almost simultaneously with a couple guys who were stopping, I suppose, for a late lunch. Each of the men got a door for me letting me enter first even though they were actually ahead of my gait by a step or two. They were mid discussion and didn’t hear me tell the greeter I only needed a gift card, so when he turned to ask how many was in the gentlemen’s party, they politely told him to seat me first. Chivalry. You don’t see that much. I am praying my boys will pick up that mantle. Little things really do matter.
The next stop in my whirlwind spree had me at a discount department store. My buggy with a bad wheel and I swiftly maneuvered the aisles, and I got the couple things I’d gone in for plus a ginormous tube of Nerds—don’t judge me lol—and headed to the register. Much to my dismay, I found that I was customer 11 or 12, I’m guessing, in that line that literally spanned half the width of the store. The one cashier was cranking it best she could. Some folks were fuming though. By the time another cashier made it to the front, I had heard every snarky “need more help” comment that could be made. I ended up customer #3 on aisle 4 after standing in line already for five minutes or so.
When I finally got to the register, the cashier apologized twice for my wait. I told her not to worry about it. I shared I had worked retail, and sometimes the customer flow is just unpredictable; you do your best and keep swimming. We had an efficient but kind chat then when she went to total me, she said she was giving me a discount just for my trouble and thanked me for my patience. She said it was nice to have someone understand. Little things matter.
On my last stop, I was almost in a panic mode (anxiety will do that to you) when my phone dinged with a message. I’m not sure why I even have a phone since I don’t make calls or answer them often (more anxiety stuff), but those who know me best know I will get and reply to messages most of the time. The text had no weight to it. There was no emergency. There was no crisis. It was just one of those “thinking of you” notes. That was it, but, goodness, it nice to see. It brought a moment of consideration that allowed me to slow down my mind and heart for a few seconds shifting my stress a bit. Little things matter.
I’ve said probably 112 times in my sink ramblings that I think life is too rushed. Now that I’m on the back half of my statistical life expectancy, I’m really gearing down. Losing my husband when I did made me place even more emphasis on real things of value, too. I tell my kids that little things are really the big things in life. I pray they always remember that.
Now I’m going to put a little coffee in a big cup and finish my morning quiet time. Little things really do matter.
Until next time…
Bio-Melinda Campbell is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. Melinda has been gaining recognition for her writings labeled “Reflections from my Kitchen Sink” since the tragic death of her husband Michael in 2015. In her stories, she shares observations from her daily life including moments she has as a solo parent, a widow, and a woman who battles significant health issues including fibromyalgia and depression. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT- New Kitchen Sink Merchandise-Click Here?
