Becoming Friends

A year or two after Brandon and I got married, I started to routinely venture to BB's Grocery Outlet for our weekly grocery needs.  But it wasn't until a few weeks ago that something special started to happen each week when Mya I would travel there for our groceries.  

About 8-weeks ago, Mya randomly said, "Hi" to an Amish lady that works at the store.  With a warm smile and a sweet personality, we quickly learned that this kind lady's name is Rebecca.  Instantly, Rebecca and Mya clicked.  They briefly chatted.  Exchanged smiles.  And the joy on Rebecca's face was obvious.  Our conversation that day ended as Rebecca asked if we'd be back again.  (Of course! - I love BB's.)  

Mya talked about Rebecca the rest of the shopping trip and would peek around the corner of each aisle that day looking...hoping...to see Rebecca again.  

The following week, we anxiously anticipated seeing Rebecca and chatting with her again.  I asked Mya on our car ride to the store if she remembered Rebecca.  She seemed to.  And as we entered the store and made our way about six- or seven- aisles in, we looked for her.  

But this time, we couldn't find her.  

We finished our visit, looking for her along the way.  No luck.  I asked another employee if a "Rebecca" was working (...I know, it might have been a long shot...but worth a chance...), and she said she was.  We quickly found her and were greeted yet again with a warm smile.  And to our surprise, she remembered us and insisted on presenting Mya with a special treat...bubble gum and pretzels.  (Any 3-year-old's dream!)  For the next seven days, Mya requested a piece of her "Rebecca gum" each time we'd climb into the car.  

A relationship was forming between them.  And I loved watching it develop.

Our very next visit to the store, Rebecca surprised Mya with another special treat...a fun drinking cup with a spiral-shaped straw...filled with M&M's.  (Again, any 3-year old's dream!!)  I kept insisting each time to Rebecca that she did not need to do this.  That she did not need to present Mya with gifts and special treats.  But each time, she insisted with a joy-filled smile, as she patted my shoulder with a certain reassurance.  She just wanted to do it.

And just this last visit, I made my grocery trip by myself.  And as I rounded the corner and spotted her diligently working in aisle seven, I greeted her.  Her warm smiled greeted me back.  She wondered about Mya (who was home with Daddy), concerned why she wasn't with me but quickly reassured and glad to know she was okay.  Next, she leaned in close to me.  She had a question.  Would Mya and I like to go with her to lunch sometime before Christmas?  (Of course!)

Over a few short weeks, this relationship with Rebecca has blossomed in unexpected ways.  And we have been blessed abundantly from it.  

You see, Rebecca is quite old.  I imagine she's in her '80's.  (I've yet to ask but am curious to find out when the time is right.)  Love and kindness radiate and pour out of her and because of that, I want to know her more.  I want Mya to know her more.  

And I secretly hope that our lunch date works out.  

I'd love to find out what life's been like for her.  I'd love to learn from her.  I'd love for her to share her wisdom with me.  And I'd love for Mya to be able to witness all of that.  We have so much to learn from other generations.  From other people.  People with different backgrounds, different races, different cultures.  And I love how our paths can cross with someone...so randomly at times...and how much we can discover having in common with one another.  I find it to be so beautiful.  And so enriching.  

I have no idea how long we'll get to know Rebecca.  While our paths continue to cross though, I hope to continue learning more from her.  And I can't wait to take a moment to let her know how much she blesses us each week.  I'm excited to see Rebecca again this week!