It was a brief encounter, it left me feeling sad and hopeful God would bless the kid at the window who took my money and quiet prayers for her peace and comfort. I requested fries and a couple of green chile cheeseburgers. Please do not judge my lunch decision, this story is not about unhealthy food choices.
I drove up to the
second window, happy about landing at the correct
second window. The girls voice and eyes sounded like a teenager. She repeated my order, I signaled agreeably while feelings of guilt rushed in and out regarding ordering those filthy fries I hate to love. She didn't care what I ordered and waited patiently for me to hand her the money.
As I organized the correct amount and went through the ashtray for the exact change, I asked her, how her day was going. She shook her head "Not good", behind her facemask I saw a smart, soulful, sad, brave, kind individual. I could not help but offer platitudes and blessings. "I am so sorry, hita". fighting back tears, glad she couldn't see me getting choked-up from behind my baby blue bandana facemask and sunglasses. I felt her suffering, but not to the depth I could see in her eyes, from having to put-up with disrespectful people. "You are doing great!". "People are very stressed-out these days. It still is not an excuse to be disrespectful, easier said than done, but try not to take the ill-mannered, rude behavior of others, personally". "Sometimes people confuse kindness for weakness and think it is OK to trample on nice people". "It is not OK, do not acquire a taste for it". She looks at me with what I perceive as, gratitude. As I drive forward, friendly whispers from Heaven say; "God Bless you, hita, stay beautiful".
I cannot adequately describe the bitter sweetness of the moment. With all my heart I lift her up and anyone needing blessings, respect, respite, peace and comfort. Yes, God Bless her, her work and presence at the drive-up window. It was a powerful prayerful exchange, rapid fire, full of goodness, God's Grace, a spiritual thing.
