We always get Little Caesar's pizza for the kids on Friday nights. It used to be a family pizza movie night, but as the kids have gotten older we have strayed from the family movie night. Pizza is still on the menu, however. There is always a really long line at Little Caesar's on Friday nights, but it goes pretty quickly.
Last night I took my place at the end of the line as it wrapped around to the back of the building and curved again like a snake. My good friends, the Earls drove by in their minivan as I sat my my own family mobile the Yukon. I waved, but no one except Josh seemed to notice me. He waved and flashed his pearly whites like he always does when we pass on the street. Usually when we pass, he is on his bike and I in my usual family vehicle. He always makes my day with his big, genuine smile and enthusiastic wave.
When I reached the window to pay for the two pizzas with a crazy style crust I was greeted by a familiar face--we have been going there for years. She said I was to pay $5.38. Looking at the two pizzas in her hand, I responded with, "I'm sure I owe more than that." At that point she pulled out a $5.00 bill and said that someone in the lobby said to give it to someone that came through. "What?!" I exclaimed. "Well thank you, that just made my day!" I paid the balance and drove away grateful for the kindness that had just been shown to me.
I had dropped Spencer off to check his schedule at McDonald's, but before he left he begged me to pay the dollar extra per pizza to get a "crazy crust." I told him I did that last time and I saw what my dollar got me. I told him I would drizzle butter on the crust and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese when we got home. He begged and offered to pay.
Whatever.
I drove across the street to pick up Spencer and inform him that it was not only mine, but also his lucky day thanks to a kind not so strange stranger who left us the gift. It did not take me long to put two and two together as I recalled the van load of people who so conscientiously looked straight ahead as they passed by me--except Josh. He cannot resist sharing his smile. I told Spencer it was his lucky day; he got a crazy crust and he didn't have to pay for it because of the kindness of our friend. I texted her asking if she bought my pizza today.
No response.
As luck would have it, as Spencer and I pulled into our neighborhood we saw Estelle, Sarah, and Sydney Bartlett walking the dogs. We pulled over to say hi and give them a slice of pizza. As I was pulling away, there was cute Josh on his bike. I asked him if his mom bought us a pizza. He smiled and said no. He insisted, in fact. I asked him if he would lie to me. Holding back a smile he said no again. "We went to the bank." While they may have gone to the bank, we both knew that was not their only stop that day. He is a poor liar. I had Spencer text Jen and tell her that.
Still no response.
I take her silence as a sign of her guilt.
The $5.00 bill itself is not what brought joy to my heart. It was the thoughtfulness of my friend. The money was a vehicle. It was the fun wondering who did that and then figuring it out. I have been so blessed with good friends who look out for me. I will be blessed for much longer than that moment. Every time I pull up to that window I will remember that moment and smile. Again.
If you read this, Jen. Thank you.
Last night I took my place at the end of the line as it wrapped around to the back of the building and curved again like a snake. My good friends, the Earls drove by in their minivan as I sat my my own family mobile the Yukon. I waved, but no one except Josh seemed to notice me. He waved and flashed his pearly whites like he always does when we pass on the street. Usually when we pass, he is on his bike and I in my usual family vehicle. He always makes my day with his big, genuine smile and enthusiastic wave.
When I reached the window to pay for the two pizzas with a crazy style crust I was greeted by a familiar face--we have been going there for years. She said I was to pay $5.38. Looking at the two pizzas in her hand, I responded with, "I'm sure I owe more than that." At that point she pulled out a $5.00 bill and said that someone in the lobby said to give it to someone that came through. "What?!" I exclaimed. "Well thank you, that just made my day!" I paid the balance and drove away grateful for the kindness that had just been shown to me.
I had dropped Spencer off to check his schedule at McDonald's, but before he left he begged me to pay the dollar extra per pizza to get a "crazy crust." I told him I did that last time and I saw what my dollar got me. I told him I would drizzle butter on the crust and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese when we got home. He begged and offered to pay.
Whatever.
I drove across the street to pick up Spencer and inform him that it was not only mine, but also his lucky day thanks to a kind not so strange stranger who left us the gift. It did not take me long to put two and two together as I recalled the van load of people who so conscientiously looked straight ahead as they passed by me--except Josh. He cannot resist sharing his smile. I told Spencer it was his lucky day; he got a crazy crust and he didn't have to pay for it because of the kindness of our friend. I texted her asking if she bought my pizza today.
No response.
As luck would have it, as Spencer and I pulled into our neighborhood we saw Estelle, Sarah, and Sydney Bartlett walking the dogs. We pulled over to say hi and give them a slice of pizza. As I was pulling away, there was cute Josh on his bike. I asked him if his mom bought us a pizza. He smiled and said no. He insisted, in fact. I asked him if he would lie to me. Holding back a smile he said no again. "We went to the bank." While they may have gone to the bank, we both knew that was not their only stop that day. He is a poor liar. I had Spencer text Jen and tell her that.
Still no response.
I take her silence as a sign of her guilt.
The $5.00 bill itself is not what brought joy to my heart. It was the thoughtfulness of my friend. The money was a vehicle. It was the fun wondering who did that and then figuring it out. I have been so blessed with good friends who look out for me. I will be blessed for much longer than that moment. Every time I pull up to that window I will remember that moment and smile. Again.
If you read this, Jen. Thank you.
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