valentine's day story

Just across the street from Marian’s school, there is a small office building. One of the office rooms juts out a bit and has floor to ceiling windows. Every morning when Susan or myself walk the kids to school, they always wave at the lady who is working in the office, who always smiles and waves back. This morning I had just passed the building on my way back from dropping Marian off (I still had Madeleine with me, of course) when I hear this voice behind me: “Excuse me, sir?” I turn around and it’s the lady from the office. She’s holding two big gingerbread wands shaped like hearts and this is what she said to me:

“I hope this is ok. Every day your children wave and smile at me and it just makes my whole day. I think you have absolutely the sweetest children in the world.”

I was flattered and stunned and thought it was the neatest thing. Madeleine very politely thanked her for the treat and I assured her I would give Marian’s to her after school. I just felt so happy that my children had brought this person that they don’t even know a little joy every day. I wanted to share it.