I was at the local grocery store and kept running into this young father with his small daughter (perhaps 4-5.) It was obvious that these folks did not have an easy time financially. What they had in their cart was pretty meager. It was odd that I kept passing them in various aisles and would overhear their conversations. The little girl would ask for something and her father would reply, “We just can’t get that today, honey.”
Bless her heart, she never fussed.
Then - wouldn't you know it – they ended up right in front of me at the checkout! That's where I heard the little gal ask her dad if she might have the big balloon that was floating overhead, attached to the till.
It really was quite magnificent ... a brightly colored butterfly with an impressive wingspan and the words "YOU ARE LOVED!" printed across it.
Oh, how this little girl wanted it!
However, the price tag was $12.99 and the father could hardly find the $18.62 for his groceries. I knew it would embarrass him if I asked to be allowed to purchase his groceries. However, I did thrust a couple of $20 bills into his hand and said, "My little girl is all grown up. If she were little again, I'd want to buy a balloon for her."
A bit later, I was thrilled to watch them exit the store with not one but TWO balloons (after all, butterflies like to have company.) The last I saw of the little girl she was literally dancing in the parking lot with two butterflies soaring gracefully in the wind.
How beautiful is that?
5435 Reads
- Posted by wagner
- Oct 26, 2013
- Comments (19)
Readers Comments
debbe530 wrote: What a touching story. You made me teary. Bless you.
Kristin Pedemonti wrote: Ah yes, the wonder of a balloon. Bubbles have the same effect. Thank you for sharing your kindness so that child could enjoy the beauty of a balloon. Hug!
sandy wrote: Kindness is a wonderful thing.
beetoote wrote: Soo nice to make someone happy.
julianne wrote: There could also have been some practicality in this beautiful story. I am thinking of my two oldest daughters. If this had happened to us at a checkout, i think one of them would have wanted to take a beautiful butterfly balloon home to her sister.
Thank you for sharing this story. It gives such a good feeling to do little things that make someone happy. Makes me motivated to keep spreading a little joy.
Thank you for sharing this story. It gives such a good feeling to do little things that make someone happy. Makes me motivated to keep spreading a little joy.
tanja wrote: Yes, you are so right - one balloon good, two balloons wonderful. It must have taken a moment of vulnerability to proffer the money in the first place, but it is inspiring to see how well this worked out for everyone, totally win-win.
DIAN LESTER wrote: The world is getting better. We just have to keep the faith! Let's keep on spreading the love!
A2Zmom4 wrote: The visual i have of the little girl dancing in the parking lot with two balloons has turned around a rough morning! I'm now going to have a wonderful monday! Thank you! And, the next time i have the chance, i'm going to buy a patient child waiting in line with their parents a reward, too! Such a nice idea to pay it forward by teaching the next generation about true kindness and how good behavior is always the best!
mandymoo900 wrote: What a wonderful, kind guesture and really a symbol of hope for the father and what is more the smile you added to that little girl is worth more than money.
June McLaren wrote: I agree with dobby. My practical nature kicked in. I could see one balloon. But, two? Then, i read the rest of the story. Sometimes you just need to sail above the world's problems. Sometimes you need two balloons! Happy, cheery story!
