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“Can I Help You?”

September 28, 2020 / 15 Comments

Be heartened, friends.  Our country’s future may not be quite as bleak as it sometimes seems it will be.  I met a young angel a few days ago, and if he’s representative of his generation, or at least some of them, there’s reason to smile.

I was in a Walmart parking lot.  When I returned with my cart to my car, I discovered two other carts so very nearly touching my vehicle that I felt they posed a danger.  I’m experienced with errant carts, both moving and stationary, and have had car damage to prove it.  I decided to return them, with mine, to the cart return area.

That proved to be easier said than done.  I got them connected and headed off.  The nearest return rack was about 40 feet away.  Easy peasy, I thought.  Or maybe not.  They didn’t want to move in concert at all.  The front one got away entirely right at the get-go and I had to chase it down, hoping the other two would stay put.  They did, mercifully.  I hitched them back together and tried again.

The lot was packed.  Traffic was maneuvering around me.  It occurred to me about a minute in that I must be quite a spectacle horsing that trio of carts around, as they in no way wanted to be managed.  But now I was committed.  That’s when I heard the voice.

“Can I help you?”

I spoke before even looking at my benefactor, as he was coming up behind me.  “Yes, oh, yes,” I said. “Please.”  I turned to see who it was, then had to look down due to his age and size.  I’d estimate him at nine, possibly a small ten.  He looked to be a very handsome fellow from what I could see; he was adjusting his mask up over his nose as he spoke.

He reached me, put one hand on the cart nearest me and the other on the one furthest out, and I just handed the small train over to him.  He set off – extremely smoothly, I must say, and with not the least appearance of difficulty – without a word.

“Should I push from behind?” I called after him.

“Nah.  I’ve got it,” he replied over his shoulder, and he did.

“Thank you,” I shouted with genuine relief and serious gratitude.  He was now some distance away.  “I sure appreciate it.”

I was settling into my car for the ride home when, in my mirror, I saw him passing behind me with his mother and younger sibling on their way into the store.  I hustled back out onto the pavement.  “Ma’am, you’re raising a fine young man there,” I said.  “I was so happy for his help.”

She nodded, he nodded, and we separated.  But it meant a lot to me, that help.  And it was a great encouragement generally, as so many interactions are so very unpleasant at this time.

There is hope for humanity.  We’re all in this together.  Each of us has something to offer no matter our age or level of experience or circumstances.  Offer help; accept help.  Be generous.  Be grateful.  Be lavish with your praise.  That’s always been a good idea, but is perhaps more important now than it’s ever been.  These are hurtful, difficult, confusing times.  Let’s ease the pain as much as we possibly can in our connections.  “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 6:31).

“Can I help you?”

 

15 Comments

  • Trudie

    September 28, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    This is so good in many ways! I could envision it like I was right there. Very impressive for that little boy to come to your side and for you to get back out of the car and praise both his Mom and the boy… You really have a gift for writing 😉 Thank you 💞

      • KD Huber

        September 29, 2020 at 1:54 am

        Carolyn, you truly write so well! You should write books. For young people and those who feel young at heart. I would buy them.😉 That was a sweet story. It is so wonderful when you hear that voice of rescue.. I’ve had a young man walking out of the store and seeing me try to maneuver my Mom’s wheelchair into the trunk. He came over asked to help and I willingly said, “yes” and “thank you”as well. 😊
        Appreciated your story. 😊🌸

  • KD Huber

    September 29, 2020 at 1:55 am

    Carolyn, you truly write so well! You should write books. For young people and those who feel young at heart. I would buy them.😉 That was a sweet story. It is so wonderful when you hear that voice of rescue.. I’ve had a young man walking out of the store and seeing me try to maneuver my Mom’s wheelchair into the trunk. He came over asked to help and I willingly said, “yes” and “thank you”as well. 😊
    Appreciated your story. 😊🌸

  • Susie

    October 4, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    I love the cart story and I well remember the episode in Paradise California with the car and a cart! You were there to help and support my son and me during a difficult time and the cart episode happened in a KMart parking lot! Your car got scratched. You were and always have been there for me. I love you and am thankful always for your help. There are still many good people and man good youth and families. Thank you for calling that out

    • ckarlstrom

      October 4, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks so much for your sweet words. I love you too. And, yes, I had that Paradise incident in mind when I wrote the story. I’ll never forget it. But what a sweet young man I met last week – a very precious boy!! I believe he’ll grow into a good man . . .

  • Cindy

    October 10, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    Thanks, Carolyn. The stories you are sharing are a joy. I especially appreciated this one. Young people are such a fount of energy and life for us old folks. I believe that most of them would be like this boy if they only were given the chance and a positive example in their life. Helping us gives us a boost to our aging energy levels just by their easing our way and it gives them a boost to their self esteem to have helped and been thanked someone who needed it.

    • ckarlstrom

      October 11, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      I believe you’re right about most, if not all, kids being different than they are with a little training and direction. But I’m guessing there are more than this particular boy out there too. They may be more plentiful than we imagine. So glad you’re enjoying the posts, and thank you for your comment. Much love to you . . .