a pot of pink

Today I was at the Farmer's Market with my daughter and I spotted this gorgeous hanging basket. It stood out from the rest, a profusion of pink amongst all the other multi-colored ones. Pink geraniums, perfectly matched to pink million bells, my favorite hanging pot flowers. I instantly wanted it, I justified it by thinking of my sweet mother in law's birthday, and when the farmer lady (we always shop from her stall because her name is Natalie, too) told me if was $5 off today, I dug for the checkbook. Only to discover that I'd just spent the last one on organic hamburger patties. We'd already spent the piggy bank cash we'd raided on asparagus, butter lettuce, sugar snap peas and baby zucchini. I reluctantly declined, and we moved off.

But we hadn't gotten far when a lady tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a $20. I want you to have that basket, she said. I interupted her, "oh, that's ok. I just don't have any more checks, but it's fine." No, she said, I want you to have it in honor of my mother. Well, how can you refuse that? I thanked her for her kindness and told her I would pay it forward.

As I turned back to the flower stall to have Natalie the daughter pay Natalie the farmer, I heard the lady whisper, "I had a daughter once, too." And then she was gone. And the grown up Natalie and I cried together as she handed over the pot of flowers, their abundant beauty dwarfed by the loveliness of this woman's soul and the enormity of her loss.

I had to stop and wipe my eyes several times on the way back to the car, clutching my daughter's hand and planting more than one kiss on the severe part of her stick-straight ponytails. Later today they will be frizzy with good clean summer sweat and smell of dust from kicking her feet as she swings in the backyard, but for now they are smooth and shining.Was it her ponytails that made you look at us? Her pink princess socks that I decided not to veto this morning, though they don't go with her red pants? Or just our tightly clasped hands and the little skip in her step since she knows we have saved two dollars for the kettle korn wagon?

It's election day for Wisconsin, a rancorous recall that has divided our state and made our small town and so many others here unpleasant and wary. I voted before I went to the market, talking to my little girl about a Christian's duty as a citizen and the various issues that are at stake in our state and our nation (far more important ones than the economy, though that one gets the press). But for a moment today at the market, in the shade of the awnings surrounded by a sea of scent, there were no politics. There were just two women, one busy making memories, and the other with nothing but memories left to her.

You are a jewel in my heart, sweet unknown stranger. God bless your empty arms, and keep your memories sweet-bright and as vibrant a pink as those blooms. I will never forget you, or all the things you left unsaid today when you spoke your simple words and did your random act of kindness. I'm buying my mother in law a different hanging pot, because I find I cannot part with yours. And I will, indeed, pay it forward, as I promised, and I will tell them why and who it honors.

Comments

[Carol G]

Lyssa - Thanks for sharing this sweet story. It brought tears to my eyes, as I too have lost a daughter, at the tender age of two. Hugs to you and Natalie(s) and the generous woman who blessed your day!

[Kristen Bryant]

Wow, what a morning! Thanks for sharing!

[Janis Drury]

What a touching moment in time. You've made my day by sharing this.

[Jeni Szmyd]

You are so eloquent, Lyssa. I hope you will consider writing a book someday, or at the very least, submit this story to a magazine or newspaper.

My eyes are wet as I type this comment. God bless that woman, and God bless you and your sweet little Natalie, my online friend!!

[Lori B]

Such a touching story that is written so well!
Thank you for sharing the story of your special time with your lovely Natalie and of
a beautiful woman who's name you don't know, but will inspire all of us who have heard of her kindness.

[Natalie]

What an amazing moment to share with a stranger, and what an incredibly sweet woman she must have been. Thanks for sharing your story. It reminds me to be more kind with everyone I come in contact with.

[Brenda B]

Wow. That is really powerful. That lovely woman will be in my prayers today.

[Kathy]

What an awesome thing she did! What a great way to help remind us of what's important. Brought tears to my eyes too. Thanks for sharing!

[June K.]

So touching. Thank you for sharing your day.

[Kristine John]

Yes. Thank you for sharing. I am crying too. What a beautiful end to your time at the farmer's market. You are teaching your daughter well, as are the people around you. Light draws unto light...and spirit unto spirit. What a blessed day. So glad you shared it with us.

[Kathy Van Duser]

That's an amazing story - I teard up reading it!

[Wendy C]

I love this, Lyssa - and it's so well-written, too. Thanks for sharing, and for honoring a wonderful woman and her equally wonderful gift. You've lightened hearts and "paid it forward" just by sharing. Thank you, thank you -- and Thank God for giving you, and us, some precious moments of joy.

[Pat S.]

Wow! Truly a great way to start the day!! You DO have a way with words...Thank-you for sharing, and may God Bless!

[Susan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS]

Oh wow, Lyssa! Thanks for sharing, and you are a great writer. And now your sweet daughter will always remember this! I will pray for that lady who bought that pot for you.
With a tear in my eye this morning,

Susan

[Kristin C]

What a beautiful story that brings tears to my eyes! It is all too often that we forget our blessings and it takes a moment like this to remind us. Those flowers will hang on your porch now and remind you of that simple summer morning when you were touched by an angel! Thank you for sharing!

[Jan Brumbelow]

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

[Marla]

This story brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing it with us. I love stories of RAK. They are so inspiring. We just never know how our actions can have a lasting impression on complete strangers! May this sweet stranger be blessed!

[Venessa]

You brought tears to my eyes too! What a wonderful story and you have gift of writing!! Thank you for sharing your blessing with us.

[Barbara V]

Beautiful story Lyssa...just made my day! What a beautiful example of love and caring.

[Tracy]

I don't have tears in my eyes, I have tears running down my face! What an amazing story...

[Missy Smith]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story with us! As I read this, it made me cry because I thought of my Dad who is battling cancer as I type this. I was thinking of him because his birthstone is pink like those beautiful flowers. The doctors say he doesn't have long 1-2 months left maybe. What struck me so hard was when the sweet lady said I had a daughter once but then she was gone. I realized my father will be gone soon. Thank you for helping me accept this horrible reality. It's so hard to lose a loved one especially a child so I can't imagine the pain she went through. But I must face my own pain and let my father go when it is his time to go home! Thank you Lyssa for helping me see this! I am truly grateful to you for sharing this with us and helping me come to terms with my Dad!

[lorena]

I had to walk away and take a few deep breaths of fresh air or I would never stop the tears from flowing. so many emotions and yet no words to express how this post made me feel. beautifully written.

[aimee Cretsinger]

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I, too, will hold my daughter a little longer and tighter! I will be looking for ways to pay her gift to you...to all of us...forward.

[cindy]

What a beautiful post. People are good. I truly believe that.