There are two kinds of people in this world, the ones who love to shop and the ones who don't. I fall into the first category, at least most of the time. Trips to the grocery can be a chore with crowded aisles and long lines. I try to pick my times, mornings are better than afternoons but usually I do errands around one-ish.
I went to Aldi Friday, the parking lot wasn't too bad so I thought it would be a great time to stock up on staples. This time of year they have lots of specialty items like Stollen and a great selection of English and Irish Cheddars, my weakness! They also carry a great line of Belgian chocolates and stocking stuffer candies. It's not too early to think about that, gather up now and you won't be running around in a tizzy those last few days before Christmas!
I was in the produce when I overheard a conversation, an elderly gentleman was commenting on the great price of potatoes. "Ninety-nine cents, what can you buy these days for 99 cents?" It's true, they had a 10 lb. bag of the big bakers on sale, wow... I need those too! He was filling his cart with the bags, struggling with the weight of each one. I asked him if he was going to store them for the winter. My parents did that, if you have a cool place like a basement you can buy ahead.
"No ma'am, I'm giving them away!" His face beamed, "I like to do this every year, just to help out people." I had a big lump in my throat as I looked closer at him. Dressed in an old flannel shirt and jeans that had seen better days, he was the richest person in that store that day.
Don't miss out on the gifts of the Season...
Now you have tears welling up in my eyes. Beautiful story. What a kind gentleman. I'm betting he has seen his share of hard times. If you haven't lived it, you don't really know it!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Aldi's is my friend. We have a hike to get to one, but there is one in the same town as our physicians!! And the Mr. has an appointment next week. Can't wait!!
Well, I apologize! I set here and cried like a baby writing it, he was just so thrilled to be able to give to others. Have fun at Aldi's and stock up on necessities like chocolate...
DeleteI would have never thought of that! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say I've never been hungry a day in my life but when we first married our budget for the week was only $10. That was 1970 and I did have to be careful and stretch a dollar. You never really forget lean times, and I can appreciate how a family low on food in the pantry would be trilled to have potatoes delivered to their front door!
DeleteWhat a wonderful encounter you had - and thank you for the gift of sharing it! I wish we had an Aldi up here.
ReplyDeleteIt was overcoming, I almost teared up right there! He was thrilled to be able to give, the true meaning of Christmas!
DeleteSweet post! thanks for sharing. Makes us all stop and think what we could do.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, every day there's an opportunity! Right in the middle of a busy shopping trip, I got a lesson in the real meaning of Christmas!
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