Taking Time To Be Kind

It was a busy day in the farm market. Summer was coming to an end and there were many people coming to our orchard to pick the last of the peaches. In the farm market, we sold tickets for orchard admission and bags to carry the peaches you picked. The market also had a small bakery and lots of local produce.

I worked in the bakery. Everyday I would come into work at 7 am to make the ever popular apple cider doughnuts. These doughnuts were one of the best selling items in the farm market. Once the market opened, I would assist customers with their bakery items. Bagging doughnuts and getting goodies out of the display case. Answering questions and filling orders. It was a fun job and I loved going to work everyday.

Now, on this busy summer day, the market was full. People were mulling around, inspecting the produce and whatnot. There was a line of people waiting for bakery items. I was alone in the bakery at the time and was trying my best to be helpful and fast with each customer. At one point a man in an electric wheelchair came up to the counter and ordered a few doughnuts. I walked around the tall counter and handed him his doughnuts.

The man started to wheel away, but then turned around and asked me if I could help him with something. I smiled and asked how I could help. He explained that he needed help shopping. He had a hard time picking things up and holding them. I don't know what sort of problem he had, whether he had been paralyzed or something, but he could barely move his fingers or lift his arms.

I looked behind him at the line of people still waiting to be helped at the bakery. I hesitated for a moment, and then told him that I really would love to help, but I couldn't. I told him I could find someone else to help him instead. I felt really bad for saying that.

Then the people behind him spoke up. All of them told me to go. That they can wait, it is not a big deal, we have all the time in the world. They collectively assured me that they could all wait, which I thought was so cool. So, I helped that man shop. I bagged his zucchini and corn. I got a loaf of bread and a box of pasta. I held his shopping bag and brought it to the register.

As I set the things down, he looked at my name tag. He looked directly in my eyes and thanked me by name. He expressed how grateful he was for my kindness and help. His gratitude was genuine and real. It made me feel like I had done something amazing. And I guess for him it was amazing.

I felt so happy the rest of the day. I felt happy to help someone and happy to know that most people are kind. That when they see someone needs help or time, they are willing to give that. It is comforting to know that there are a lot of good people out there and that most people are kind. Even though what I did was a simple act of kindness, it is amazing how much of an impact we can have on others. Our kindness and patience can make someone else's day a bit easier and bearable.

This moment was not life-changing. It wasn't heroic. Yet it is still very memorable. I think back to this day a lot and it really gives me motivation to be more willing and kind to anyone and everyone.