Woman’s kindness saves soggy shopping trip
On a Thursday morning in June, I prepared to go grocery shopping at the neighborhood Giant Eagle.
We had rainstorms on and off during the week, and the forecast for that day was for another afternoon storm. When I left in the morning — even though the storm was predicted for the afternoon — I took my umbrella.
When I finished shopping and left the store a little before noon, the storm arrived prematurely. Rain was coming down in torrents. With groceries in the cart, I decided to join three other shoppers who stood outside the store under the protection of the extended roof, waiting for the rain to stop.
About three minutes later, a lady arriving to shop came up to me and offered to watch my grocery cart. It gave me the opportunity to bring my car to the door.
I thanked her and declined her offer, knowing that I had time to wait out the storm. She insisted, and as I could see she wouldn’t take no for an answer, I accepted her offer.
With umbrella in hand, I waded through puddles to rescue my car. On my return, I pulled up and opened the car door. The aforementioned woman said, “Don’t get out. I have an umbrella and will bring your groceries to the car.”
And so she did — she even put a few items in the trunk.
Before I departed, I got out of the car to thank her for her time and kindness and introduced myself. I told her there are times in life when we meet angels to help us, and that day she was mine. She smiled and said, “Say a prayer for me,” and moved gently and quietly into the store to shop.
As I drove away, I wondered why I was chosen as the recipient of a random act of kindness that day. I will always remember her for the generous gift of time and her kindness.
And as I promised her, I will keep her in my prayers. SISTER MARLENE LUFFY, CDP Allison Park