For reasons left unexplained, yesterday afternoon was a day like that for me. I was in a sour mood that I just couldn't shake, and it left me unmotivated and mopey all day.
In an attempt to cheer up, I got out and walked a bit last night to clear my head and get some fresh air. I bumped into an Hispanic couple with a young child at a local deli, and was immediately reminded of a fun little incident that happened to me several years ago.
***
I was back home in Iowa, visiting a friend who worked at a local convenience store, when a Mexican man and his little boy came into the store. The man had just put gas in his car and was getting ready to pay, but the little boy kept telling his father that he wanted a treat, so Dad finally caved and let the boy wander while he paid for the gas.
The little boy wandered around the aisles for several minutes, eyeballing all the candy and crappy convenience store toys. Each time he reached the end of an aisle, he would stop, stare, then grin goofily at me (a grin I returned), and then would continue down the next aisle after being coaxed by his dad.
Finally, Dad gave up and told the boy it was time to go, and took him outside. My friend and I smiled at the cute experience, and began to go about our conversation.
The little boy wandered around the aisles for several minutes, eyeballing all the candy and crappy convenience store toys. Each time he reached the end of an aisle, he would stop, stare, then grin goofily at me (a grin I returned), and then would continue down the next aisle after being coaxed by his dad.
Finally, Dad gave up and told the boy it was time to go, and took him outside. My friend and I smiled at the cute experience, and began to go about our conversation.
Moments later, the door opened. Who else but the boy and his father, back to look for treats (what a patient dad!). The boy continued his journey around the same aisles, still not satisfied with what he saw. He stopped as he reached the end of the last aisle.
Slowly, the boy stepped closer to me, continuing to smile. Again, Dad was losing patience.
"Vamos! Tú quiéres?" Let's go! What do you want?
The boy looked bashfully at me, then turned to his father and said, "Quiero ella." I want her.
The father looked at me, laughed, and said, "Ella? She's not for sale!"
With that information, the boy turned and headed out the door. His dad smiled and winked at me (in a non-creepy way) before following.
I walked in the clouds for the rest of the day.
With that information, the boy turned and headed out the door. His dad smiled and winked at me (in a non-creepy way) before following.
I walked in the clouds for the rest of the day.
***
I try to remember moments like this when I'm feeling down or ill, and my day is usually instantly brightened, even if only for a little while. I think it's something anyone could try from time to time.
What are some happy memories that lift your spirit?
No comments:
Post a Comment