Simone

This afternoon I dropped the kids at the library and headed off to run some errands before going to a doctor's appointment.  I went to the P.O., then walked down to the place I rent DVDs from.  It's this mom-and-pop appliance store, and they have a small selection of DVDs.  It costs 3.85€, just 5 cents more than the bigger Cinébank chain (which is farther away, too). 

It was really cold today, and quite windy.  An old woman was looking out her window, and since her house is right on the street, I passed within inches of her.  She had a house coat and a scarf around her neck, and she gave me a bright "Bonjour, Madame!" at the same time I greeted her. 

I returned the DVD, made a bit of small talk with the shop owner, and headed back into the cold.  The old woman's window was closed.  As I walked by her door, I turned around to look at the name.  She must have been watching me, because she opened the door, and said "It's really cold!" 

I smiled and said "Yes."   

She replied "You're not going by the presse, are you?"  She was talking about the press shop, the place to buy magazines, newspapers, lottery tickets and the like. 

I said that I was, and she asked me if I'd pick her up a newspaper.  I said I could. 

She invited me into her house.  "Don't worry, I'm alone,"  she told me.

I had 10 minutes before my appointment.  She saw me look at my watch, and asked if I was in a hurry, so I said I had an appointment, but that I would be happy to pick up a newspaper for her. 

Well, she kept talking and talking as she looked for her wallet.  I looked around her home.  70s wallpaper.  Old furniture, a bed in the corner.  She sleeps downstairs now, I thought.   

Over the next five minutes I learned that her name is Simone, that her husband died 5 months ago after a long illness, that she was willing to trust me with her checkbook (because she couldn't find her change purse), and that she doesn't go upstairs anymore because she is afraid of falling on the steps.  And much more. 

I really had to go, so I told her that I would buy her the paper, and not to worry about it.  She insisted that I stop by another time so that she could pay me back.  I promised that I would, and went out the door. 

And sprinted up the street.  I had about 3 minutes until my appointment, and I hate being late, and my doctor is usually on time. 

My town sits on a hill. A steep one.  It took me a bit longer than I had anticipated to get to the press shop, and once there I saw a few people in line (isn't there always stuff to slow you down when you're in a hurry?) so I had to wait.  As soon as I paid for the paper, I was out the door and I ran down the street to Simone's house. 

She'd told me just to come in, so I gave the doorbell a buzz and opened the door.  She said thank you, and look!  She'd found some money, and she placed a euro coin into my hand.  The paper had only cost 80 cents, but she told me to keep it all.  It was then that she said, "This will keep me busy for a while.  I'm lonely, you know."  Her eyes were bright, and I thought she might cry. 

I told her I really had to go.  Simone said "If you ever need anything, just stop by.  I can help you out."  I thanked her and left. 

This is just a brief description.  I've left out a lot of details.  But I was touched by Simone, and maybe one of these days I'll ring her bell.  With a plate of cookies in one hand. 

Because that's the kind of thing you do in a small town. 

Comments

[BHD]

Don't let too much time lapse, Ali.

May we never know the consequences of our kind actions, but keep doing them anyway. How bright her day must have become, all for the fact that you noticed her.

[Allan]

You made a real difference in that woman's life Alison.

Truly.

[newwavegurly]

You touched someone's life today. Not anything you consciously set about to do today, but you did. Sometimes those are the best experiences we can have in a day.

[nicole]

actually, that's what you do no matter what! i used to do that for my 80-year-old neighbor, and we lived in a *big city*.

[Geoffrey]

I'm from a small town - yes, it's what we do.
But I can't help the feeling that this is more than that............and I don't believe there are many coincidences in life, Alison.
You may just have found your next teacher.

Perhaps I am wrong - time will only tell............

[Lee]

Ali,
A wonderful story. Not only did you make her day a bit brighter, I'm sure she also made yours that much sweeter. You may be surprised how much you could learn from Simone. She most likely has experiences in her life that would astoud you if you take the time to listen. I love chance meeting like the one here. Take the time to greet again....you'll most likely be rewarded with a growing within your soul.
Lee

[Thomas]

Any man who sees how beautiful you are, knows what a good Mom you are and finds out that you do these sorts of things will be forced to fall so deeply in love with you that it hurts a little when he lands.

[Yibbyl]

Very sweet of you, Ali. I would agree with the others - take the time to visit again. Just think of the stories she must have! Surely some of them are going to be funny and everyone deserves a laugh from time to time. Eh?