littleinsights.com

Hayden and Hannah joined me as I ran a quick errand to pick up packing supplies to mail their cousins gifts.  It was such a quick trip, in fact that I was surprised that they wanted to join me.  While we were in the store I took note of a petite old lady who was shopping around, her back curved over the cart.  I caught myself crossing her path a few times in the store,each time thinking about my Grandma.  Their stature, her smile that she returned each time I smiled at her --The way she smiled at my babies.  As I approached the check out I realized that she was in front of me.  As I looked up from talking to the kids I realized that another lady was with her who was helping her lift her purchases from the cart and onto the register.  At first glance she reminded me of my husbands Grandma. We exchanged smiles and I went on to pay for my items before heading out to the car.  I put our bags into the car, then helped the kids into their seats.  As I walked toward the back of the car, the elderly lady who reminded me of my grandma approached me with a bag in her hand.  I didn't open it, but could tell by the size and shape that she had purchased a toy for one of my babies.  As quickly as she handed it to me she turned to walk away, without speaking a word.  Tears filled my eyes.  I said, "Wait, please, he'll want to say thank you.".  She turned around, put her finger to her mouth as if to say, "Shhhhhhh!".  I, of course said thank you as made her way back to her car.  It was everything I could do in that very moment to keep from bawling.  What a beautiful moment, where I was reminded of two very special women in our lives as well as witnessing the very essence of the Christmas spirit.