It was autumn in Canada so finding a summer blouse for a trip to Mexico was next to impossible. My sister and I decided to check out the Salvation Army thrift store while my other sister and mother both went to a doctors appointment to have their respective hip replacements checked.

Sue and I found a couple of nice items and we were standing in line waiting to pay. In the lineup there were two people ahead of me. A young man was being waited on. He was buying a rather odd assortment of clothes. He was chatting with anyone who was interested and soon we learned that he had just picked out all he needed for costumes. He and his girlfriend were going to a kindergarten party (where his girlfriend taught) as Hanzel and Gretel. He held up all the different items for the people in the line- up to see. He had done a great job of putting together costumes and many of us in the waiting line ups commented to that effect.

I chatted a bit with my sister, while at the same time noticing that the young man was paying mostly with silver. It sort of indicated to me that he had robbed his piggy bank to do this shopping.

The cashier looked up at him after counting all the money and told him he was short. The young man thought for a moment and then pleaded with the lady to hold the one shirt.

He said, “please hold the shirt for me and I’ll come back with more money.”

Well I think it was apparent to many that he had already scraped together all he could since his purchases had been paid for all in silver. He was short by $3.00. I stood there worrying that maybe he didn’t even have more money at home to get the shirt.

The lady in front of me, said, “how much did you say he needed?”

The clerk told us $3.00

“Oh ,” she said, that isn’t fair. If it were me, I would just give him the shirt.”

I agreed with her and looked to the clerk to see what the clerk would do.

But the clerk did not seem to be moved by this statement.

Then the lady next to me said, “Well I could come up with half of that.” I tapped her shoulder and leaned over to tell the gentleman that I could pay the other half. We dug into our handbags however both of us only had five dollar bills and we needed the clerk to make change for us.

During this wee exchange other customers began digging into their pockets and wallets. While I was waiting for the clerk to take my money I started searching my pockets. Quickly I discovered a dime in one pocket, thirty five cents in the other pocket and a quarter rolling on the bottom of my hand bag. I quickly turned over each new find to the clerk, but in the meantime everyone waiting at the counter wanted to get into the act.

A man beside me said “I can give 75 cents” and he handed it to me and I passed it on. My sister had disappeared for a moment and suddenly was back and handed a two dollar coin to me to pass up to the counter.

It was amazing and touching as this crowd of strangers seemed to react with the same mind. All wanted to be a part of helping.

Within minutes the clerk said “I have too much money.” A dollar was passed back to my sister.

Then the lady beside me, who had been the first to offer said, “Wait, I didn’t even get a chance to give anything!”

I smiled at her and said, “Well you did your share, because it was your idea and you started this.”

The young man smiled at everyone and thanked them. We wished him the best and he left. There was this moment or two of wonder. What was it? I think it felt like a time of discovery when for a moment you see the beauty of another soul, except this was a group happening. I felt like I was among friends, good friends. I didn’t want the unnamed feeling to end. Then I realized I was looking for someone else to help. I hoped that someone else would show up needing help so I could get more of that great feeling.

I had only had the opportunity of giving seventy cents. It was the best bargain I had ever found. I was left with an overwhelming good feeling. I had seen the love and goodness of others all around me. That good feeling was almost tangible that autumn day in the thrift store. I am surprised that people didn’t begin hugging. Isn’t it just a wonder that you can receive so much for so little?

As we stood in the line up waiting for the cashier, the man beside me grinned and said, “It sure feels good to give doesn’t it?”

I smiled back and said, “YOU BET!”

Ellie Braun-Haley shaley@telusplanet.net