My turn to PAY IT FORWARD

I had quite the experience the other day at wal-mart and definitely will never forget this day as long as I live.  It was my own little "pay it forward" situation except I would of thought it was me who got to help someone, not someone helping me.

To explain a little better I have to start by saying I had just come from the Dr.'s where Liam had his 4 month appointment and ouchy shots!  To be honest he was much braver than me and as soon as the nurses left the room I started bawling.  I hate seeing my little guy having to be poked by scary needles, probably more than he does.  Well anyway that's besides the point, and to get back on track the Dr. recommended I start him on some rice cereal and gradually work in some solids to his diet.

Now the story gets good as we head over to Wal-Mart...

I strolled through Wal-mart browsing and thinking, "I can't believe my baby boys old enough for rice cereal already!"  I continued my stroll browsing finally grabbed my rice cereal and some other things I needed and headed to check out.    I swiped my card and it didn't go through.  I swear I had enough money in my account but for some reason my card was just being dumb.  I tried it a few more times, and the cashier tried it by hand to no avail.  There was already two woman behind me and I was getting a little flustered but just kept crossing my fingers it would work.  The cashier told me there was an ATM I could try so I ran over and tried to withdraw the money only to find out that ATM didn't work with my bankcard.  At this point I just accepted I would have to leave my groceries, drive to my bank, get cash and come back to pay.

(side note: Liam still wasn't too happy from his shots and started to cry only furthering my anxiety about getting out of there asap.)

As I was walking back the lady two people behind me (that had already gone through a different check out line) walked up to me and asked if it worked.  I said no and before I knew what was happening she shoved a $50 dollar bill in my hand.  I literally jumped back saying, "OH no no no I really am ok, please no!."  She insisted and shoved it back in my hands while walking away and calling over her shoulder, "I know you'll pay it forward."  I instantly started bawling partly because I was embarrassed and partly because I was so touched!  Through my sobs I mouthed, "thank you."

Oh how I wish it were the end of the story but oh no...

There was another very kind older woman right behind me in line looking at the cashier saying, "now that was cool, people are so good."  I was just standing there waiting for her to finish so I could go back and pay for my groceries now holding Liam while tears are streaming down both our cheeks.    I think the older woman was so touched by the previously lady she wanted to join in on the giving and hands me $20 bucks.  I swear to you right than and there I could have died.  I looked at her and insisted I was fine, "please, please, no I can't I really am ok!" I kept saying.  Of course she kept walking away saying, "no I have been there before and I want to help that cute baby, please."  At this point I had two options..

1. Run her down, tackle her, shove the money in her purse and run away.
2. Accept the money,  and let her feel good about helping a young mother with a crying infant who's card wouldn't work at the store.

I chose the latter.  Trust me it was painful.  As I turned toward the cashier another woman looked at me and asked if i was ok.  I almost screamed, "please don't give me any money!"  ha but luckily with understanding eyes she just said, "oh is it just one of those days?"  I nodded and with more tears streaming down my face I turned towards the uncomfortable cashier finally paid and went on my way.

I had a huge lesson today on the kindness of others.  I can't believe that not only one but two people were so willing to help me.  As I drove home I kept thinking why me?  I really am not struggling, why couldn't it have been someone that really needed it?  I know acts of kindness or service are just as beneficial to the giver as they are the receiver.  I definitely believe this was the case and if anything the lesson I learned will stick with me the rest of my life.  I have resolved to keep some extra cash in my wallet so that when I run into a person in need I can pay it forward!  Also if I ever get stuck at a register and my card won't work I will have an alternate method of payment!

The entire time I was going through my wal-mart saga I kept thinking back of a pay it forward video I used to watch as a kid.  I found this clip on youtube of the video I loved watching growing up, and through seminary.  It's not the best quality but you get the message.  The entire video is great but the part most relevant to my situation is between 2:45-4:40, but truly the entire short video is such a great message!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnu7kHISKfI

Happy Sunday!