While at McDonald’s today, we ran into a local “semi-homeless” person who spends many hours a day there. She will walk around to ashtrays and pick up any cigarettes that have enough for her to finish. She has never bothered us. We have always been so used to seeing her that we had even nicknamed her “Schedule,” because she always seemed to be on a schedule based on the times we saw her.
We had left and driven around town for a bit when I realized in horror that I had left my purse there. My purse has my life in it. My iPod, my point and shoot camera, my wallet, my Palm Centro phone—everything!
I am ashamed to say the first thought I had when I realized where I left it was that unfortunately, Schedule was there and I was almost certainly in trouble. There was no way that I could imagine if she had the opportunity, she did not take my purse.
We rushed back to McDonald’s and found it had been turned in. To my shock, and then quick flooding shame, it was Schedule who had turned it in. She was still there as were the entire contents of my purse! I walked over to her and thanked her for doing the right thing. I handed her a $5 bill and she said she didn’t expect a “tip.” She only asked if we could take her to Target because she was nearly late for work. We knew her well enough to know she did not work at Target, but felt comfortable in returning the favor and driving her there.
She surprised us with her wit, humor, and ability to hold a conversation with us. She talked to all of us like we were family. Shared her age, told us her favorite radio station that she politely asked if we would change to, and told me that she felt it was her responsibility to stay there at McDonald’s until I remembered my purse. She felt like she was in charge of it, and was ready and able to do that! When we changed to her station on the radio, she surprised us by singing along to Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.”
My kids and I sat in the back seat and listened to her and smiled at each other. Schedule’s name is actually Barbara and she lives near McDonald’s. We will never eat at McDonalds again without treating her to a meal and asking her to join us.
She has nothing in this world of a material nature. She lives a very meager life, and spends her days traveling on foot around town. She could have had my purse with all of my financial info, my camera, phone, and $87 cash, and instead she only asked for a ride. We all know that Barbara doesn’t really work at Target. We know she took that opportunity to connect with someone. She could have taken my purse and lived for weeks off of the small amount of cash, yet she chose instead, to spend five minutes with a family and make a real connection. Wow, we are all humbled. I can’t think of a better lesson my children could learn. These are the things in life nobody can teach you. You have to live it to understand.
Remember to always keep an open mind, kind heart, and remember that everyone has a story. Don’t be surprised if their story is nothing like the one you would have written for them. Be kind. Love, laugh, and live.
