Random Axe of Kindness

I am turning over a new piece of seaweed, as they say. I have resolved to try to be nicer to the people around me. Here's an example:

I live next to a retired couple -they used to be tired, now they are re-tired. The other day, I was out, shoveling my driveway after a skiff of snow. They were also out shoveling theirs. After they finished, they went inside. Looking over, I noticed that they had missed a couple of spots, here and there. Not wanting to make them feel badly about it, I took my garden hose and drug it over to the front of their garage and, using my sprayer nozzle, was able to wash away all the snow -leaving their driveway spotless and shiny.

Now, I didn't have to do that -it's just that I wanted to surprise them with my kindness. I may be a cynic, but it doesn't mean that I can't be thoughtful. I can't wait to see the surprise in their eyes when they see what I've done.

It's not just with people I know, however. The other day, I was standing in the line, heading out of Costco, waiting my turn to get frisked -Costco members know what I mean, all others, as you were.

So, anyway, this very large lady on a motorized scooter that belonged to Costco, was just ahead of me in line. I overheard the "frisker" gal, trying to explain to her that, "There's a gentleman over there who is waiting for a cart..." -she pointed at a large fellow, slumped uncomfortably with his back against the wall.

Now, some people's minds don't process information as quickly as others' and, besides, this is the Pre-Christmas rush, at Costco, and it was pretty obvious to me and the 70, or so, people in line with me, that this was going to take a while.

Being the nice guy that I am, I quickly sized up the situation and, shunting the frustrated frisker aside, I quickly broke it down for the lady on the scooter, like this:

"Look, lady, a lot of people are waiting. If you would just roll your fat buns up outta the chair so that Chunky, over there, can take a turn, then we can all be on our merry way!"

So, my readers, I encourage you, in the spirit of the Holiday Season, to practice your own random acts of kindness toward others.

Me: Turning over a new piece of seaweed!