Hidden Shopping Spree

Our shopping this weekend didn't include fighting crowds and hunting for deals, but instead involved hiding them.  We didn't stand in line, scour the ads, and struggle with strangers but rather snuck, searched, and whispered through the store. The kids chose to do "acts of kindness" by attaching money to gifts and tucking them secretly back on the shelves.  While we didn't stay to see the reactions, we hope children will grab items wanting them, as they often do, and be surprised.  It was one of the best shopping trips I can ever remember during such a normally chaotic holiday experience.

Sharing with the kids the "free drink" idea, they quickly asked if they could do the same and that started our Kindness "Reverse-Shopping" Spree.  Handing them change and a sheet of labels, we set off.  Soaking in the meaning of the labels, which said, "This random act of kindness was done in memory of Austin Blair (7/8/94 – 11/29/08).  Pay it forward." they were both silent for a moment and then touched to get to be a part of this project. 

Instantly, they began spurting off ideas of things we could do to make a difference in someone's day.  We soon ended up at a local store with a plan and two very excited kids.

Each of them had a few one dollar bills and began the search for toys in that amount so whatever child found it would be able to get it for free.  Sadly, in today's economy, there aren't a great deal of choices in this category but I think the kids did a wonderful job.

Noah found a firefighter coloring book, which reminded him of Austin and how much he loved the fire department.  Attaching the dollar to the back, I was glad I captured the sweet innocence with my phone.  He then located a container of play-do, something he still loves to play with even at his age. Tucking them both so that the dollars were hidden, Tina began her hunt.

She was able to find a toy firetruck as well.  It was the only truck in the mixture of rubber ducks.  Bringing the box toward the front and at a kid's eye level, she squeezed the truck in among the yellow birds.  I can only imagine how happy a little child will be when they spy it and their chubby little hand grabs it off the shelf. 

Tina then headed for the baby food aisle, saying how hard it might be for someone this time of year.  Hoping a single mom or struggling family might happen upon the food, she attached a dollar with a label, making it free.

Both kids said after each one, "Wow, this feels good," and "I wish I could see who gets it," or "I hope it goes to someone who really needs it."  They were both truly touched by the acts and honored to do something in Austin's memory. 

Noah, remembering he had a five dollar bill in his pocket, asked if we could make one last stop at the shoes.  He wanted to gift a free pair to a child who may need it.  Finding just the right pair, he hid the money inside with a smile.

On the way home, we made a few more secret stops the kids requested,        each one a hug to my heart. 

While we miss Austin every day, holidays are the hardest, especially this weekend with his angel-versary approaching.  However, I know Austin was with us every step of this shopping spree and so very proud of his little brother and cousin.  I could feel his sweet spirit surrounding us and am thankful for each treasured moment.  I hope Austin's spirit lives on and touches each family finding these hidden surprises. 

Just the act certainly blessed each of us.

Rainclouds and Cookies

Today was one of those rainy, dreary days that make you just want to stay in and pull the covers over your head.  But, I had to jump out of bed, put on my big girl drawers, and deal with the day.  On the ride, I found beauty again in the rain and I searched for the positives.  I was reminded of my thoughts last week... I love the fall colors in the rain, like a muted oil painting, still wet from the strokes of a paint brush.

My thankful quote for the day became, "Today, I am thankful for the rain... for it makes days of sunshine all the more special."  I was determined to find positives, despite the weather.  But, life sometimes has a way of smacking you upside the head when you face the day this way.  I came across some moody attitudes, tense atmospheres, and bad news about my truck, yet I kept pushing.

Before I learned the bad news of my old truck, I decided today's interaction at a local parts store would receive an "act of kindness" for the day.  At lunch, I dropped a part off that Tim's been searching for unsuccessfully.  (The poor guy has been working on my truck for weeks and has hit a roadblock.  Nobody has the part we need and most don't even take the time to say so.)  He'd talked to someone earlier this morning, at said parts store, and they felt certain they could find it.

I felt out of place even before I walked in.  Girls and auto parts (at least this girl) don't really mix.  Nervously, I put the part on the counter, awaiting the numerous questions I knew would hit me for which I did not have answers.  Much to my surprise, the men behind the counter were pleasant, uncondescending, and helpful.  Aside from the obvious answer of "we don't carry that" this place took it a step further.  Mike was on a mission.

I waited.  He called.  I waited some more.  He searched.  As the clock kept ticking, and I kept sneaking a peek at it, he asked if I'd like him to call me later.  Leaving my number behind I headed back to the office.  On my way back, is when I decided to bring them a surprise upon my return - regardless of the outcome.  They'd gone out of their way to provide excellent customer service to a stranger off the street.  This deserved thanks.

Much to my dismay, Mike called later with the bad news.  No part.  And if we did luck into one somehow, it'd be over $600.  Not a price I'm willing to pay for a 97-paid-for-and-I'm-driving-til-it's-dead vehicle.  He gave me some ideas, apologized, and hung up just as disappointed as I was.  Yep, that settled it.  This man (and business) were getting cookies.  No, they didn't solve my problem but they did deliver amazing service and made a future customer out of me.

Yet, bringing in cookies to a group of strange men was a bit out of my comfort zone.  I second-guessed myself on the way to bakery and before walking into the store.  Even with the box in my hand, I wondered how their reaction would be.  Would they laugh?  Think it was a dumb idea?  After all, I was just picking up a part that they couldn't find a replacement to.  But, I took a deep breath, and went for the plunge.  My sweet boy was pushing me after all, reminding me I was really doing this in his memory anyway.

Mike was gone but the other nice man handed me my part, again with a look of disappointment they couldn't deliver.  I eased the box of cookies across the counter.  Surprised he looked down and I explained, "This is to thank you, and Mike, for trying.  You've been the only business to really take the time to search and we appreciate it."  It was just cookies but I could tell it made his day.  All the other men stopped what they were doing to watch and listen, probably also wondering if he were going to share.

Blushing, he said, "Ma'am, it's our job.  Sorry we couldn't do more."  I thanked him again and said we'd remember them for future needs.  On the way out another man, beaming with pride said, "And that's why we've been around since 31' - we put customers first." 

So, if you need parts and appreciate excellent customer service, check out Gipe Automotive in Owensboro.  Ask for Mike.  No cookies necessary but they sure appreciate them!

Today I am thankful for...

It's November 1st, a month I normally dread (for obvious reasons), but I actually looked forward to today.  On my drive to work, I realized what month it was and found myself actually giddy in anticipation.  You see, today starts my month long "TRAK" project - or "Thankfulness + Random Acts of Kindness" I am doing in memory of Austin. 

If you didn't catch last week's post, explaining my reasons, you can read it here.  Extending what I did one week last year, to an entire month, I will focus on the many things I have to be thankful for every day.  As well, I am opening myself up to search for opportunities to do "random acts of kindness" - each act in memory of my sweet boy.  Simple, every day acts of kindness is what Austin is known and remembered for so I can't think of a better way to honor his legacy.

I won't post everything that is done, mostly because I want them to remain anonymous, but I promise to write about some.  What I will write about every day though is my thankful moment.  Today, I am thankful for my Mom.  Specifically, I am thankful for talks with her.  Nearly every morning, and sometimes in the evenings, I call my mom during my commute.  Most of the time, it's about nothing.  I just like talking with her and look forward to those drives.  We'll talk about our days, events, gossip, what frustrates or worries us, and everything in between.

My Mom is one of my best friends, certainly one of my best "girl friends" as I really don't have a lot of girlfriends outside my family.  She is someone I know is always there to talk, but mostly to listen.  There may be nothing at all she can do to help (whatever I'm going through at the time), but just knowing I can vent to her helps more than she knows.  And, when there's good new to share, she's among my first to call. 

Knowing what it's like to wish you could call and talk to someone you love, perhaps makes me realize how special our relationship is.  I'm so very thankful to have her in my life and treasure our time together.  Though her texts may be random, and she's sometimes hard to reach because she can't find or hear her phone, I sure am glad to know she's on the other end of the line when I need her most - and on just ordinary, average days - because she's my Mom.