So with multiple layers, getting dressed I felt like I was going on a ski trip, I set out for what I thought would be one hour of service to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing for Sedalia Business Women. I got more than I bargained for...
When I went to relieve the member and co-chair Ida I stated, "Gee all by yourself?" With her usual smile she said, "Oh yes" with her usual chuckle.
I looked at the list for our group and sadly not every hour was filled. "Ida, how long have you been here?". "Oh, a little while" she said. I could plainly see that it had been more than a little while and the looks of the list she would be back several more times.
With the bell exchange from Ida I started my service jingling my bell in various tones. I have done this long enough and in varying weather conditions over the last several years and I see and hear everything. Some highlights from today....
We have rung for several years at Big Lots. In our area its the only "in-door" (and I use that term loosely) option in our town. Yes, its behind the first set of doors, eight doors are opening and closing bringing in all the cold air from outside. Many patrons first comments are "Gee at least your "in-doors". I know what they mean but technically we are not. Just keep smiling and ringing.
"Wow, you must be cold?"..Does the fact that I am dancing around give it away.
"Bless your heart". This phrase doesn't have the same meaning as it used too and only my daughter will probably understand the running joke on this one.
The cart guys are not wearing jackets and my first comment to them is "You must be warm blooded going without a coat and I probably sound like a typical MOM you shouldn't go out without a coat". They laugh.
The guy who comes in, says hi and walks in the store. Then comes out and "flirts" with me and says, "Can I ask you a question?" Sure " I just got my haircut does it look ok?" (Well it looks fine to me) thinking to myself I don't know you and don't know what it looked like before not sure if I am a good judge.
Going back to the "no coat" issue. A woman walks in and reads my mind. "You are probably wondering why I don't have a coat on?" (Yes I was) "Well I am waiting for a heart transplant and don't figure I need one until I get the transplant".. Humm not sure what that logic is but...
The teenage boy who instead of buying something out of the little 25 cent machine at the door, stops and thinks for a moment and puts the money in the kettle. Smiling on this one.
My dear friend Jennifer who comes in and stops to talk with me for a while. Of course she asks, "What are you doing?" but I don't mind her asking. Good true friends you can joke with and give a smart answer too and because they know you can get away with the reply.
A nice lady that asked if I would watch her cart while she went and got her car and pulled in front. When she pulled up to the door I was standing there with rocking horse in hand. The thankful look on her face as I handed her the horse so she wouldn't have to come back in the store.
But the best tale of the afternoon was. A Vietnam Vet would came up and asked me if he could tell me a story. "Is it a heart-warming story" I replied. "Yes" he said. I could see he was wearing a Navy veteran hat which immediately made me think of my grandpa Conner. Well he stated, back in 1965 I was stationed overseas. I got a call that my mom had been in a terrible car accident and wasn't doing well. I had no money and needed to get back to the states. I was from Chicago and managed to get to San Francisco. While at the airport I struck up a conversation with someone and told them my tale. The gentlemen said," Wait a minute let me make a call". Within a short time someone from the local Salvation Army came and handed me enough money to get to Chicago O'Hara Airport. When I got there, a Salvation Army representative was standing at the gate with a card with my name on it. He was their to drive me home. Since then he said I give to Salvation Army and have volunteered in whatever town I have lived in. This was the cherry on top for the day and made me happy that my 2 hour window was the best part of the day.
Ida returned and I have to admit I felt really guilty in leaving her especially knowing that she had a couple more hours at the end of the day.
A big thank you to Ida, Betty, Laura, Carolyn, Michelle, and Sue. I hope you have stories to share with the other members at the next meeting. Make sure you point out the fun they missed.
Also something in all the years I have been a ringer it dawned on me the quote from Its a Wonderful Life. "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings". Wow! today and everyday until the campaign is done millions and millions of angels will be receiving them. Some before their time.
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