Angels in the Parking Kiosk

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I keep running into the nicest people at the most unusual times. First, I met the Glendale parking monitor just after I was stood up for the first date I've agreed to in months. I was crying and discouraged when the kindly older man looked in my car. He talked to me for 5 minutes without a single platitude. He listened as so few people do. He never made me feel stupid or less for feeling upset by the events of my life. He helped me to feel okay about the future. As I finally readied to leave, he said, "I am always here from 6-8. If you need a friend, I will be here. I think you're doing just fine with your life." He restored my faith in men and probably all mankind.

Then today I was running around and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. A few days ago, the plastic undercarriage of my car had fallen off. I haven't had time to do a thing. I've had too much to do at work. Too many people with too many problems. No time to go to the dealer. My brother-in-law is busy with his own life. And there were these pesky fires. I felt very alone about the whole issue - silly as it seems. I hopped in my car and pulled towards the entrance of the parking structure where a kindly older man with no teeth and dirty clothes was talking the the parking attendant. He looked at my undercarriage-hanging car and signaled for me to stop.

"I know, I know," I said kindly. "I just don't have time to get it fixed right now."

The man shook his head. "Wait. I can fix it. I have everything I need."

He dashed off to his car and returned with the right equipment. Before I could protest, he was under the car. Five minutes later, he re-emerged. "It's perfect. Better than when you bought it."

He looked so proud. I thanked him and offered to pay for parts. I had nearly ten dollars in my hand. He waved it away, wouldn't think of accepting payment. I smiled and thanked him again before driving off.

I don't know why I had two angels in parking lots this week but I'm grateful for them. They came just as I needed them. They had no agenda. I got to just be me for a few minutes - and it was okay. They were happy to help me and didn't see me as less capable just because I'm tired or not thriving or not even really happy every minute of every day. I'm so glad for them.

So, to everyone out there practicing acts of kindness for no reason at all - thank you. The world is only as good as we make it.