One of Those Helpers

We now live in a world where chivalry is dying a slow and painful death. This is no slam against men at all, but the world in which we live does not seem to acknowledge not celebrate this gift, and thus, it is deemed not important. Or, when it is displayed, it is often mistaken for something else and is scoffed at. It seems our own problems are always a little too big to stop and help someone else. We always seem to be in a rush and our precious time cannot be wasted or borrowed, as it were, by some other individual who may or may not be deserving. So, to have someone pull a random act of kindness is few and far between.

That was what happened, however. Yesterday, Olivia and I went on what has to be our 20th trip to Target this week. I swear, we practically live there. Between baby items, and then everything else that our budget goes to, let it be said that we frequent our local Target quite often. Anyway, Olivia and I had finished out latest expedition and were heading out the second set of double doors. I tend to choose the automatic doors. One usually does when one's hands are full of a beautiful baby and bags of supplies. However, the second set stayed shut. I look slightly more than slightly ridiculous. I couldn't open it and there was actually a line forming behind me. At Target. At 8:34pm. On a Thursday night- what gives? Before I could get too flustered, though, an extremely nice couple escorted me to the manual set of doors, opening them for me. I thanked them, but our paths crossed again due to our proximity in the parking lot. They asked if I needed any help putting everything into the car, especially with Liv. I had it, but I thanked them again. We parted ways and I realized, on the way home, that an extraordinary thing had happened. I had been sincerely helped and thought of by total strangers. It was a wonderful feeling!

I have thought about that a few times throughout today and relished the happiness of having someone else care. Not that I don't feel cared about, but by total strangers who simply were going on a evening shopping trip to Target. Chivalry is not dead! Selflessness is not completely out of style. The actions we put on our daily repertoire make a huge impact on those around us. I pray that I can be that act of kindness to someone else.