A few years ago, I saw a movie and the underlying theme was “pay it forward,” and I have thought a lot about that theory over the years. What does that actually mean and how does it affect me? But I must admit that although I thought about it, I didn’t put that concept into practice. Until now!

I know I told you that this summer has been a crummy one for me. But as the time passed, I began to try and get around a little more, and my cane became my friend. You need to picture this – an old fat woman a little bent over with her cane and squinting because her eyes are not good in the sunshine, attempting to open the door to the grocery store.

Now, I want to tell you how surprised I was to have a young woman, a young man, and a middle-aged woman swoop down and open the door for me. And that wasn’t all. Every time I left our cottage, someone helped me. They actually carried my bags to my car, brought me from the end of the line to the front, tried to help me in any way they could.

For me the topper as when I had to go to Dunkin’ Donuts to get drinks for a host of helpers who were cleaning out the old house we sold in Sandwich. I know it doesn’t sound hard, but when you realize that Malc’s family had the house for over 70 years, you can imagine how difficult it is to strip it of all that furniture and memorabilia. But back to Dunkin’ Donuts. The young lady behind the counter was so nice as she filled my order, and she graciously let me use their restroom. When she was finished, she put all our drinks in a tray and then much to my surprise, she not only opened the door, she carried everything to my car

I did mention to Malcolm that maybe I looked much older and more decrepit than I had thought. But I don’t care. Actually, I did need help, and I never would ask! I was just lucky that all of those young people didn’t ask but just stepped up and “paid it forward” and hopefully someday someone will pay it forward to them. And think of this, it could be you.

So, pay it forward whenever you can and when the time is right, someone will pay it forward to you.