A few days before Christmas last year I saw in front of an HEB a young woman with an infant. She was just standing there, with an outstretched hand. She had her head low, trying not to make any eye contact. I was taken aback at that moment, and since I was with company, I didn't stop to ask what she needed. As I walked past by her into the store, I decided to get a gift card at the checkout and surprise her when I get out.. But by the time I was done shopping, she was no longer outside the store! frown emoticon I looked around for her, but she was gone. I was sad and upset with myself that I didn't approach her before. I ended up giving the store gift card to an older man I often saw on the way home at a traffic light.
Tonight something similar happened. In front of a Walmart I saw a father with two school-age boys with a sign. "Family in need" is all I was able to read on their cardboard as I entered the store. Again I was with someone, and didn't stop to think how to best handle it. I knew I would not take long inside, so right away I knew I'll get them a gift card. But alas, they were not there fifteen minutes later. :(( A deja vu moment! A security guy was walking around and he probably told them to move away. When will I learn, I thought!
The HEB from last year's story was just a mile away, so I felt I should drive over there to see if someone is in need there. And there they were, the same family, dad and two boys!!! How awesome is that! When I pulled to the curb, they were just folding their sign as a security guy was telling them to move along. I asked them if that was them in front of Walmart and offered the card. The boys were all giddy! They all thanked me, we wished Merry Christmas to each other, and then parted with smiles on our faces. Even the security guy had a grin. smile emoticon
One minute later, and I would not have found them there.
My Christmas miracle!
