I was standing in the checkout line behind a woman who looked to be in her 60s. When it was her turn to pay, the cashier asked how she was doing. The woman looked down and said, “Not so good. My husband just lost his job and my son is up to his old tricks again. The truth is I don’t know how I’m going to get through.” Then she gave the cashier food stamps.
My heart ached. I wanted to help but didn’t know how. Should I offer to pay for her groceries, ask for her husband’s resume? I did nothing – yet. And then the woman left the store. As I walked into the parking lot, I spotted the lady returning her shopping cart, and I remembered something in my purse that could help her in a different but hopefully profound way. It wasn’t a job for her husband, but maybe – just maybe – it would make her life better.
My heart pounded as I approached the woman. “Excuse me. I couldn’t help overhearing what you said to the cashier. It sounds like you’re going through a really hard time right now. I’m so sorry. I’d like to give you something.” And I handed her a business-sized card. When the woman read the card’s two words, she began to cry. And through her tears, she said, “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
I was a little startled by her reply. Having never done anything like this before, I hadn’t anticipated the reaction I might receive. All I could think to respond was, “Oh my. Would it be OK to give you a hug?” After we embraced, I walked back to my car -- and began to cry too. The words on the card? “You Matter.” That experience lead me to create the You Matter Marathon - No running required! Let's spread some You Matter magic.
My heart ached. I wanted to help but didn’t know how. Should I offer to pay for her groceries, ask for her husband’s resume? I did nothing – yet. And then the woman left the store. As I walked into the parking lot, I spotted the lady returning her shopping cart, and I remembered something in my purse that could help her in a different but hopefully profound way. It wasn’t a job for her husband, but maybe – just maybe – it would make her life better.
My heart pounded as I approached the woman. “Excuse me. I couldn’t help overhearing what you said to the cashier. It sounds like you’re going through a really hard time right now. I’m so sorry. I’d like to give you something.” And I handed her a business-sized card. When the woman read the card’s two words, she began to cry. And through her tears, she said, “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
I was a little startled by her reply. Having never done anything like this before, I hadn’t anticipated the reaction I might receive. All I could think to respond was, “Oh my. Would it be OK to give you a hug?” After we embraced, I walked back to my car -- and began to cry too. The words on the card? “You Matter.” That experience lead me to create the You Matter Marathon - No running required! Let's spread some You Matter magic.
1386 Reads
- Posted by CherylRice
- Oct 29, 2017
- Comments (11)
Readers Comments
mindyjourney wrote: What a lovely gift you gave the woman with the card :))). Link doesn't open, my friend.
brad2 wrote: I agree with you, I feel that everyone has a value, no matter who they are, what they do. At some point in your life and everyone else's lives, you will matter to someone and have a value.......in peace.
Lilijourney wrote: Wish this link would open for me. I would spread this joy around here in my own backyard!
AndiCas wrote: I've read about this and think it's a fabulous initiative. We ALL matter, and it's lovely to be reminded of it.
patjos wrote: Thank you
autumnsky38 wrote: Oh that's so beautiful!! Bless you and her hon, and I have those You Matter cards in my purse--thanks for reminding me to use them!!
leoladyc728 wrote: true the link doesn't open
leoladyc728 wrote: I just keyed in the website and it came up.
Mish wrote: Bless you!!!â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Rajni wrote: All the lives are precious for they are all having the same divinity residing within. Helping others in any way is like helping god himself. So there is no doubt that "you matter". Your courage to approach that lady is commendable. Thanks for sharing.
