$2

Let me first say that Angie has done an amazing job making this blog look good! Go Angie!

I have a story of something awesome that happened today... and I hope it makes you happy!

I drove to work today, and had to park the car. There is a lot about a half block from my work building where I always park. I got there a little late (okay, truth be told, I was already about an hour late for work - but that is a different story altogether), hurriedly parked my car, and went to the ticket machine to pay. I swiped my card, like I always do, but was met with an ominous message: "Card Error". I tried a couple more times, but with no luck. I was uber frustrated, and feeling stressed about being even later than I already was, but realized that I didn't have much choice other than to find another parking lot. So I did. It was a couple blocks away form work, but it did at least have spaces available. So, I once again hurriedly parked my car, and went to the ticket machine to pay. Swiped my card, and... another error! I had used my card the day before, so I knew that it should be fine, but for some reason, it wasn't reading properly.

At this point, I was really feeling stressed, because leaving my car in a lot all day without paying for it is not really an option (unless you happen to think that having your car towed and impounded is fun. Then by all means, go for it). I looked around the lot for another machine, and noticed a man also buying his parking ticket. I scurried over and... in my mind, I was hoping that I could possibly ask him to pay for my parking, and I could pay him back with the $10 bill in my pocket (no, the machines don't take cash - just cards and coins, which is kind of dumb: who carries $10 in coins in their pockets?!? Not me).

I went over and introduced myself, mentioned that I was late for work, and asked if he would mind helping me. It turned out that the machine wasn't accepting his card, either. Frustration! But then his wife came over and we talked for a bit. And do you know what she did? She pulled two shiny dollar coins out of her pocket and gave them to me so that I could pay for parking for at least an hour or so to give me enough time find the change I needed. How amazing is that?!? She just GAVE me two bucks! As it turns out, I tried my card again (on the third machine), and it worked fine, so I gratefully returned her money.

I was thinking about that today, and how such a small act of kindness really made my morning. It was still stressful, and I still had to run 2 blocks to work, but her willingness to help a stranger like me in need really touched my heart.