Small Town Joys

Many years ago, my first husband and I decided that we wanted our children to grow up in a small town. We loved the idea of knowing our neighbors and how we would always have people looking out for our kids. There's also something special about going into a local store and always seeing a familiar face.

This afternoon, Nicholas and I visited our local dollar store. I saw three students from my school and was filled with joy seeing them with such big smiles on their faces. I love running into students! While walking through the store, I noticed a man talking to two of the children. He excitedly commented on the boys telling their mom they loved her. Then, he surprised them with money. I'm not sure if it was a dollar or a coin.

One of the workers walked by me and commented on how sweet he is and how much she enjoys having him in their store every day. She even said that if he doesn't show up, she worries about him. It is part of his normal routine to visit our dollar store. It saddened me to hear that some people find him annoying and don't like him hanging around. Sure, he interrupts your "quick" shopping trip, but he is so sweet to the kids.

Months ago, this same man played out a similar scene with Jennifer. He commented on how pretty she is and magically found a dollar for her. She still talks about him and gives him a hug when she sees him.

As I left the store and head back home, I thought about how nice it was to hear someone say how much they enjoy him. The employee could've run him out of the store and told him to leave the kids alone. Instead, she embraced his uniqueness and welcomed him. I can only dream that, years from now, I'll find someone just like her that enjoys Jennifer's presence just as much.

Too often, we allow ourselves to get caught up in differences. We look at others that express themselves in a way that doesn't seem to be socially appropriate and we push them away. We yell at them or tell them to get lost. We ignore them and don't want to be bothered with their random chatter. Today, I was blessed because I saw someone forget what society says and love a man for WHO HE IS. I am so thankful for the ones in our small town that show  love and support for those that are "different."