Do Your Little Bit

I love Dollar Tree, though I call it the $1.25 Store now. I have outfitted our camper with supplies from there, and I have purchased lots of items for arts and craft projects. I like to go alone, because I walk every aisle, slowly and check out all the "stuff."  Taking a list is futile.

Just recently, I was in $1.25 and moseying along, when I passed a woman about my age talking on the phone. I knew she was talking to her mom; she was working to be clear and patient. She pointed at her phone and mouthed, "Sorry" as I walked by. I smiled and moseyed on. 

In the next aisle I was looking at "stuff" when she passed me. She said, "My mom" and kind of laughed. "I totally understand." At that point, she stopped and said, "I'm so tired." 

I have no idea who she was, but she was about my age. She shared that her dad had a stroke a couple years ago and her mom had health issues too. They were headed out on Friday to celebrate her granddaughter's wedding in Kansas City, and while she'd made all the arrangements, her mom called two to three times a day to tell her what all they needed to get done. 

"I always take the time for the conversation." However, it was clear that she had a lot on her mind. I didn't go into detail, but I told her about caring for my mom, and I knew how it can be overwhelming and isolating and tiring, that the pressure to do the right thing was frightening sometimes. "You get it." 

Now, I don't normally hug strangers! Don't know why, but I walked up to her and put my arms around her. She melted into that hug and put her head on my shoulder. She was weary, and if I had thought about it, I would have asked her to coffee or given her my name or phone number. She said "Thank you" and walked away giving me a big smile.

Funny, I didn't cross her path again in the store. As I got ready for bed, she was still on my mind. I realized that I needed to hug her, and she needed my prayers. Life is way too short to ignore the pain of others.