Day 15 NaBloPoMo at yeah write guest blogger: Sara K. Padilla

This morning dawned the way it’s supposed to in November – grey and drizzly. Two small hands tapped me on the shoulder as I stared at the ceiling, unmotivated to get up. Moving groggily toward the kitchen, I poured bowls of cereal and toasted bagels for my two hungry boys. I moved through the house, steaming mug of coffee in hand, and prepared for the day.

After uneventful school drop-offs, I headed toward Starbucks for another coffee and a feta spinach wrap (so good!). I pulled in slightly before a large white SUV moved into the same line from the opposite direction. Technically I was first, and although I could not see the driver clearly, I sensed her frustration as we waited in the long line. It was just past nine o’clock and the parking lot was full. Did she glare at me? I couldn’t quite tell.

As the car in front of me inched forward, I looked up and waved the SUV forward. I waved again as she hesitated. I was anxious to get out of there, but she was probably in a hurry. Everyone is in a hurry in the Starbucks drive-thru line, right?

It began to rain and the windows fogged up. I sighed. Our little car has been through a lot, and I like it most of the time. It accommodates our family of four plus a large dog. On road trips, every inch of space is packed. Last month I drove a huge SUV rental for a couple of weeks. With great trepidation, I backed the huge machine out of my driveway hoping I could navigate well enough to avoid any damage. To my surprise, I loved driving this car. I could see how a mom could get used to the space and the speed. My thoughts turned to the present as the SUV in front of me moved forward in the line.

Ahead of me today stood several many, non-urgent ‘to dos’, none of which I was particularly looking forward to. Errands, laundry, clean-up, swim lessons. I enjoyed the quiet in the car as I waited to exchange cash for caffeine. Stretching, I recognized the pain-pleasure of sore abs after a good workout from the day before.

Finally, it was my turn. Reaching out with exact change, the woman at the window smiled and handed me a red cup.

The lady ahead of you took care of your order. Here you go!

Really?

Yes, we’ve got great customers like that!

Giving thanks, I drove home with my coffee and my cash. I realize this was a very small event and one that I’ve heard of happening to other people. Not to me. This small kindness made me so very happy.

I have often felt undeserving of kindness. I’m not sure why. The gesture of the SUV driver made me feel warm, grateful and eager to share an unexpected kindness with someone else.

Great customers, indeed. I am grateful today for the chance to experience the kindness of a stranger. I look forward to paying it forward tomorrow.

*****

It’s NaBloPoMo at yeah write perk package day! We are giving away one prize to four random winners meeting eligibility requirements for a total of four prizes from our list of donated goodies. One additional random winner meeting eligibility requirements will be rewarded with our new yeah write book bundle: three of the 2013 Best American series. Look for the winners’ announcements in the post opening the weekend’s moonshine grid at 6 p.m. U.S. eastern time.

Today’s basket of goodies to be split among the winners, one prize each:

The yeah write book bundle for one random winner:

See you on the moonshine grid at 6 p.m. Two weeks down, three more to go!