Wandering around the Farmers’ Market with my two-year old granddaughter is always a treat. Even from her stroller, she appears to be fascinated by all the goings on around her.  On this particular Saturday, It took both of her little hands to hang onto the red pepper that I purchased.  Even though it was organic, I worried about possible germs when I saw her hold it to her mouth.  She was not about to surrender her gem as I tried to reason with her that we needed to wash it before we ate it.  A woman who had been in line ahead of me, apparently noticed because she handed me a water bottle and encouraged me to step aside to the grassy area and wash off the pepper.  

She must have heard the admiration in my voice when I thanked her because she explained, “We all have little ones in our lives that we want to protect.” I was in awe of the unsolicited gesture and very grateful as I looked up to thank her again… but she had already disappeared in the throng of shoppers. 

Onto the grass I went, talking to my granddaughter as she watched me wash off the pepper.  I shook off the excess water.  I was about to give it back to her when she looked at me with apprehension and said, “Wet!” 

I said, “Yes sweetie, I know it’s wet, but at least it’s clean.”

Still bent over talking with her, I found a roll of paper towels magically appear ten inches from my face.  I looked up to find another woman, the seafood vendor nearby who must have observed the exchange between myself and my granddaughter, offering me a way to dry the pepper.  Tearing off a sheet and thanking her wholeheartedly, I was filled with gratitude for the appearance of yet another angel genuinely willing to offer assistance to a complete stranger.  

“You’re doing the right thing grandma!  You can’t be too careful.”  She smiled and nodded in approval.

The heat ultimately chased us from the Farmers’ Market but the kindness of these two strangers has stayed with me.  These two women had the ability to put themselves in my shoes and immediately understand what it was that I needed.  They didn’t hesitate to help me with something that was in their power to help with.  I felt united with them.  They wanted to help me help my little one.  What an uplifting feeling.  This was a clear reminder that we are all connected. I am not alone and there are plenty of people around who are willing to help.

So often, we hear laments of the unkindness and selfishness in today’s society.  How often do we hear of the kindnesses and unselfish acts that go on every day, not necessarily unnoticed but certainly unreported.  

These women not only helped me with my granddaughter, they inspired me to be more aware of others’ needs as I go through my days and to help wherever I can.  Afterall, we are all on this journey together…

~SuZanne
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