Cookie crumbs

I can’t remember if it was a good day or a bad one. I do know that I was having a tumultuous period in my life. I was almost broke, worn out from work, and heartbroken from a failed love. Meloncholy was my usual demeanor at the time. Herman, my small terrier, loved going for walks in Balboa Park, so we took one once a day.

Herman loves saying hello to anyone he deems friendly and that usually included the homeless that camped in the park. Everytime Herman said hello, they always had this smile on their face, even the most intimidating ones. It’s amazing how a smile can soften a face. One of these gentlemen Herman went to greet and this man had a gift! Out of his pocket he pulled a peanut butter cookie and asked me, “if it was ok for the little guy to have some?” I said yes. I remember being blown away by the generosity. Here was this man, who seemingly had so little, and yet he was willing to share his food with my dog?? That moment really changed my day and has continued to change me ever since. I wish I could thank that man for what he did. I guess this is my attempt at paying it forward.

The next instance was New Years Eve. I was finished working Postmates and had a few bucks left to spare so I decided to splurge on one of my favorite comfort meals, ramen! There was a little place off of University Avenue and Fifth Street I hadn’t tried yet that I had been eyeing. I remember looking at the menu before I walked in, to ensure I could afford it. I couldn’t, but it was a holiday and I wanted to do something to lift my spirits. I was feeling really alone. I must have looked how I felt, but I didn’t realize till later. Walking in the place wasn’t that busy, but it was cute and had a bar I could sit at. So I sat, peered over the menu to pretend as if I hadn’t already looked, and then placed my order. When the food arrived it was this larger than expected portion and my hungry, broke-ass, was happy. I don’t think I said much while I was there, certainly didn’t talk to anyone besides the bartender. My goal was to eat and be seen but not heard, because talking would have been painful. Who wants to talk when their life is falling apart? As I went to pay the bill the bartender informed me it had already been paid and pointed to the man at the end of the bar. I asked him why he took care of my meal and he said, “it’s New Years Eve! I wanted to do something nice for someone”. Corny as this will sound . . . I get a little choked up thinking about that. A free, delicious, meal when you’re counting coins is a godsend. I really needed a win and was gifted one by a stranger! A stranger spending his hard earned dollars on my bowl of ramen . . . Thank you.

There are many others who deserve to be in this story, but I haven’t got the heart to write those pages yet. Thank you for reading and I hope you’re enlightened to what a small act of kindness can do for someone.