This past Friday I was asked by my boss to do a run to the dump to get rid of things that were cluttering the house. I happily agreed. I have inherited a love for trash from my father (a proud dumpster diver)so it never bothers me to go to the land of other people junk/trash. One mans trash, is another mans treasure!
I packed the truck with a few bags of binders the kids no longer used. An old step stool, a garbage can with rusted gaping holes in the bottom and a few bags of general rubbish. I dropped the binders at the book recycling table and they were promptly swept away by a mother of three, who rattled on at the cost of school supplies. "Right-on! Glad you could find a use for them," I replied with a smile.
Next stop was to drop the step stool off to the wood pile. I opened the back of the truck, grabbed the stool and nearly heaved it onto an elderly woman who stopped me mid-throw to ask if she could keep the piece for her grandchild. I replied "No worries."
I put the step stool in her car trunk which was already stuffed to the top with an old wicker chair.
I saw the match to the other chair she was trying to drag to the back seat of her car.
I kindly told her she was not superwoman and should not be trying to lift a 50 pound wicker chair.
I asked where she lived, took the chairs and the step stool and drove them to her home.
She was floored by my kindness and generosity. I ended up spending the next hour listening to a few stories of her late husband. Her eyes welled up as she spoke of a man she never stopped loving, even through an eight year battle with Alzheimer's. I had to interrupt her as my boss had rang two times and I disregarded both of the calls. I felt awful telling my new found friend I had to go back to work. She had just shared her heart with me.
After a warm hug goodbye I bid her adieu. She insisted I take two dying mums as payment for my hauling. I took them mainly because she was shoving them in the back of the vehicle. I gave a honk and a wave as I drove away, my heart filled with appreciation for whom I had just met.
Toni was her name. She works at the library in town.
I made a friend that day that will stay in my heart for a good while. I helped her with a few chairs and she helped me rebuild my trust in others. There are people in this world that are appreciative of small things. There are people in this world who want nothing but an open ear. I was glad I could help with both.
Funny how a trip to the dump could have such an impact on me.
Maybe this is why my father loves it so much.
Its in my DNA. ;)
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