Friday, September 5, 2008

Unexpected Blessings



Every Wednesday, Camille goes to gymnastics. She's actually a little young for this class (they're supposed to be 2 and she won't be 2 until November), but she holds her own. Actually, she does more than hold her own. She dang runs the joint. I've mentioned before that she's fearless, but it's especially true in gymnastics where jumping and running and flipping are not only required, but are offered in an environment that is covered in padding. She loves it.

After gymnastics, we always head to the grocery store. First of all, I only have 1 kid on Wednesdays. The other 2 are in school. Second of all, that kid has just run and jumped and flipped for 45 minutes and she's ready to sit and be still for a minute. As long as juice and a cookie (thank you Publix for free cookies for kids) accompany it. Can I get an Amen?

Every Wednesday, an assisted living facility nearby takes some if its residents to Publix. They come in a minibus, and in a matter of minutes the place is crawling with the sweetest elderly people you have ever seen. They buy their groceries, have them packed in a paper bag, the director writes their room number on the bag and places the bag in the back of the bus, and they get back on the bus and wait for everyone to finish. Now, you must know, that I have a HUGE soft spot when it comes to elderly people. I love them. There's nothing sweeter or wiser. And they all LOVE babies. And babies in leotards will melt anyone's heart.

Several of them have connected with Camille. She doesn't like strangers, but loves these people. She waves and says Hi and smiles and they eat her up. One precious man sits on the bench at the front of the store. He's a people watcher and doesn't want to sit on the bus. He always stands up when we walk by him because he wants to touch Camille's hand. And she lets him. They will say "There's that sweet baby that we saw last week!" I think she makes their day happier. I know they make her day happier. Mine too.

As we leave, we are sure to walk by the minibus and wave at the people in the windows. Then they head home and we do the same. And we can't wait to go back to Publix next Wednesday.

Who would've thought we could be so blessed in a grocery store? Just shows that God uses unusual places to touch your heart. Look for Him in the unusual places.

7 comments:

RR Mama said...

I to love old people. They are so sweet with my youngest. He talks to them and asks them how their day is going. So cute. Thanks for sharing this story.

Anonymous said...

That made me smile. Our grandparents' generation is the best!

Mocha with Linda said...

Precious story and picture!

Although I could have done without Leslie's comment since it's my PARENTS' generation! LOL Nothing like a reminder that I'm old. . . .

Beth Cotell said...

That's so true! Blessings are all around us...we just have to keep our eyes open!

Beachy Mimi said...

That is so sweet of you to take the time to acknowlege them. I love to find blessings in the smallest things.

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

That is SO stinkin' sweet, Robyn.

Being around my grandparents so much as a child has really given me a soft spot for older people, too.

You're right, what a blessing!

Jackie Sue said...

Ok. I love this post. Brought tears to my eyes, seriously. thanks for sharing. I love how God can use any opportunity where we are willing to love on people and bless us too...He is just sweet and so are you. Except that I hate you and your little one is just too ugly in that leotard!!! :o)