Helping the Elaine's of the World!

I would like to share one of my experiences with you, and I am not too sure that I wasn’t just touched by an angel….let me begin.

I have been on a mission to really clean and organize my home and await 2017 clutter-free! One day, during my visit to the local Salvation Army, I met an inspiring woman… or was she an angel? Either way, ya’ll can decide for yourselves.    

As I was waiting for my turn, I noticed a lady walking outside of the store. She stopped and stood on the corner as if she were waiting for someone.  I had 3 cars in front of me so I had a few minutes to “people watch”. Yes that sounds horrible of me, however, I am not perfect and I am guilty of doing this from time to time. Now that that is out of the way, back to my story…

This woman was not old, probably in her mid to upper 70’s. An old black knit hat that was decorated with a miniature holly wreath covered her grayish-white messed up hair.  She was wearing a long tan colored “puffy” coat. Her boots reminded me of Eskimo boots…she was definitely sporting the “boots with the fur” look for sure! Anyway, as the car before me moved forward, getting closer to the donation door, I was able to observe her better. 

As I continued with my very serious people watching, I noticed that woman was now opening the door for customers entering the store.  I began to wonder if maybe she worked at the S.A. or perhaps she was collecting money. I began to collect my spare change I had in my car and looked for that little red Salvation Army collection container but couldn’t find one. 

Homeless Statistics 2016

Now I was only one vehicle away from being able to drop off my items. At this point, I was a little frustrated, especially since all I had were 4 bags of clothes to drop off and the SUV in front of me had a trunk full. I had so much to do still and I could feel the anxiety building up within me.  

As I pulled forward, putting my car in park, I noticed the lady was walking toward me.  Since I already had a dollar and some change gathered, I rolled my window down ready to give her some money. 

“Hello, I’m Elaine” she said.

“Hi Elaine, sure is cold outside.” I said.

“Yes, it is. I just bought these boots, so my feet are staying warm.” She began to tell me that there were a lot of good bargains inside the store.  She didn’t say anything about collecting money and I didn’t say anything either, afraid to offend her. 

She asked me if I was ready for Christmas and I began to tell her not quite but I was working on it.  I told her I was cleaning out some items in my house that I didn’t use and ended up at the Salvation Army. 

“Oh good!” she said.  “You are a kind woman; in fact, all these people [pointing at the vehicle in front of me] are also very kind. All the donations go to a good cause, for good people you know?”  She continued.

“Yes, I am so glad the community has this place.” I said not sure what was going on. 

She then told me that she doesn’t get to shop too often because she needs to save her money for food and to be able to stay out of the cold. I agreed with her and thought to myself "perhaps this is when she will ask for some money" so I began to prepare myself to hand her my spare change. 

"My husband died 8 years ago from a heart attack and now I am all alone." she began to share with me.  
"I'm so sorry for your loss." I said, not sure what else to say.
She laughed and with a smile she said, “I am like the lone ranger with no side kick.” 

“Oh I see.” I said, feeling like I should have said something more heart-felt. Like “Oh you poor thing, or Well, you got a friend in me!” I was in shock mode as to how open and accepting she was of her current situation.

“Are you married?” Catching me off guard, I answered. “Yes, I am.  We have 3 children together.” I thought that was an odd question to ask but I didn’t want to be rude.

She smiled and said, “That’s beautiful, wishes for happiness and health to you all.”

“Thank you.  I hope the same for you.” I said. At this point I couldn’t wait until it was my turn, it was just a bizarre encounter and I wasn’t sure what would happen next.

The truck before me pulled away and I was next.  I said, “Oh it looks like it’s my turn now.”  She smiled and shook her head. “Have a good day and Happy Holidays to you!” I said.  

As I put the car in drive mode and began to roll up my window I heard her say, "Thank you for your kindness, I was worried I wouldn't find it today."Believe with all your heart and soul. Merry Christmas!” 

I rolled up my window and pulled up forward while thinking to myself “WTH just happened!”  Weird, weird, weird.  I took care of my donation which didn’t take any time at all and began to look for Elaine. Yes, curiosity got the best of me.  Everywhere I looked, there was no Elaine and I found it odd that she was gone so quickly. 

I was so impressed with Elaine. Even though she was alone and not so well off, her positive outlook and demeanor was inspiring and shaming at the same time.  Perhaps I say shaming because that is my own guilt of how frustrated I was at the truck before me for having a full load of items.  What I didn't consider was how many people would benefit from those donations. Maybe there was a good warm coat in that batch that someone like Elaine could use.  

Especially around this time of year we tend to focus on the "busy - busy" of the season that we tend to forget what matters most. There is always someone, somewhere that is worse off that needs a helping hand.  My encounter with Elaine, reminded me of that. 

Make A Difference

So during this giving season, I ask you all to keep in mind of all the Elaine's out there that need a helping hand. If you are able, please make a donation to your local shelter.   

Thank you for allowing me to share.  Happy Holidays and many Blessings to everyone!