“I have always relied upon the kindness of strangers.” Quote from the play a ‘Streetcar Named Desire’.

The Season of Greetings has always been hard for me. Sure we got toys and treats and time off from school, but it was also the time of year my parents argued the most. It was during the holidays of 1988 to 1989 that my whole world changed. My parents filed for divorce. Papa moved into an apartment on Valentine’s day and then my sister and I were forced to move into a trailer on the outskirts of town with our Mother.

After that it was really only by the kindness of strangers that we had treats and presents for Christmas at all. Always mysterious packages left on the porch or in the mailbox.

Now as an adult I try to pay back humanity for the kindnesses that have been done on my behalf. However yesterday Karma must have decided to pay me back just a little kindness to remind me why.

I was at a grocery store trying to get the two last things for our family Thanksgiving. Rolls and banana bread. In lines that were monstrously long I sat on a mart cart and waited my turn. When my purchases were finally wrung up at $10 and change the card reader would not accept my card even though I know there is still more than sufficient funds in my account. On seeing the card reader struggle with my card the man behind me said to just ring my stuff up with his.

“Happy Thanksgiving Ma’am, you’re all set.”

I sat there for a moment in disbelief and then trundled to where my oldest sister was waiting. I truly wanted to cry for the gift of kindness. It was then that i decided the best way to pass that kindness on was to tell the story for others. The holiday spirit is alive and well my friends and I can really feel it right now.

“Happy Holidays To One And All.”

From The Poet’s Mouth,

Lyda Mae Dameron

You can contact The Poet and her friends by e-mailing (ravendove922@yahoo.com)