That's My Boy !

“Every man is a hero if he strives more for others than for himself alone.” Lloyd Alexander , author

 

The smile:

I really enjoy some of the specialty grocery stores in Memphis. They just offer a few things we can’t get here and sometimes I see something that inspires me to cook a new dish. Yes, I am a food nerd….

I was walking around a well-known chain store of this nature last week. I browsed the aisles when I noticed an elderly woman appear every corner I turned. She kept her distance though it was obvious. She was watching me. I thought I might be imagining it, so I skipped a couple of aisles only to see her turn up a few seconds later. I wasn’t sure what, if anything, to do. I ignored her though I could feel her eyes watching my every move.

I found my way to the cheese section. I gazed into the wide array of choices when I felt someone standing behind me. I turned to see the little older woman standing close enough to touch me.  I almost jumped out of my skin! “Excuse me.” She said and blushed. “Uh….yes, ma’am. May I help you?” I asked. “I am sorry to intrude, “she continued meekly, “You look so much like my son that passed.” I dropped my eyes and replied, “I’m sorry to hear you lost him.” “Would you do me a small favor?” She asked with a quivering courage rising in her voice “It would make me feel so much better.” “Of course, “I agreed. I felt so bad for her. “Please say GOODBYE, MOMMA when I leave. It would make my day….really.”  She told me biting her lip in anticipation of my agreement.  How could I say no?

We went through the checkout line. She went first, then me.  She turned at the door to look back at me at the counter. I raised my hand, smiled weakly and said loudly, “GOODBYE MOMMA”. The look on her face melted my heart. I had done my good deed for the day.

I turned back to the girl at the register. She smiled at me and said “$251.36 please.” “WHAT?” I exclaimed, “There is no way I have that much in my cart.” “Yes,” the cashier explained “but your mom said you would get hers too.”

 

The ponder:

Is it more important that we do good deeds or that we do good deeds unselfishly?

 

The Fudoshina Challenge:

Exercise	Reps/ Goal
Straight Punches	1100/ 2000
Knuckle Push-ups	610/ 2000
Olymipic sit-ups	610/ 2000
Squat kicks	535/ 2000
Front kicks	375/ 2000
Side kicks	250/ 2000
Back kicks	250/ 2000
Upper blocks	625/2000
Downward blocks	625/ 2000
Inward blocks	625/ 2000
Outward blocks	625/ 2000