Twenty one years ago…
We got engaged at Multnomah Falls. I wasn’t used to wearing a sparkly ring so while washing my hands, would set it on the counter. I made sure to put it back every time, except once. While working in sales, this man pointed to his ring finger and asked “is the wedding off?” My breath lost along with the ring. The man helped re-trace steps, find numbers, and make phone calls.
Four hours earlier and on a bathroom counter I left my ring at a prior sales call. The woman who answered the phone found and held the ring for me. I was eternally grateful then and now for him, her, for the selfless rather than selfish people of our world. From that day forward, I held the ring tight.
One year ago…
A lapse of rational thought while waiting for my plane. I took my rings off. Into my lap and on the lotion went. My boarding group was called; belongings gathered and to the plane I walked. A girl called from behind. I turned, her hand extended towards me. Before I could respond she said, “I think this is yours.” I walked closer to find her holding my wedding band.
I stood in awe of this woman, thanking her repeatedly but my full thought process was stunted. Into the airport shuffle she disappeared. I’ll never see or forget her. I sat in 24E thinking of life lasting brushes with those we know for seconds, minutes, an hour.
One week ago…
Convinced I lost my ring here in Tahoe, we combed our home, the beach, called Safeway, and (just in case, but didn’t think) covered Wisconsin. With a deep feeling the ring would show, I let it go.
A few days later, Louanna from Safeway called, they had my ring. The man who sweeps, found my ring in produce under a basket.
A card is all I’m allowed to show my appreciation.
Kings Beach Safeway. The store I’ve known since first memories form. Many years of employees raised me. These are the kind of people you’d want to meet, talk with, get to know. They make you smile for real, think, feel. They’re genuine. As the fast paced/technology years pass here in Tahoe (a tourist town), these employees are treated far worse by visiting passthroughs. Even so, their hearts remain kind, open. They’re still light who when finding a wedding band, return the sentiment to the finger it slipped.
Safeway’s policy is a card only, I understand but struggle with a card only. Things are things and if we have our health, Rainey, and each other— we have everything. They deserve more for being a story we love to share, to tell over and over again. One that makes others light rather than heavy. A manager or I’d like to talk with Robert G. Miller please ; )
Once, twice, three times of extra not so ordinary people. I’m charmed!
Good makes the world go ’round. We need more. I’d love to hear yours : )
Typical – in the picture my ring’s spun backwards. I went to the jeweler yesterday.
