Before you read any further, you can be sure that I am not one of those who hears voices in their head that tell them to do goofy things. There are times, however, that I have that small, still voice that tells me to act upon something. I wouldn’t really call it a “voice,” but more like a “feeling” or a “thought” that tells me that I should do something specific. Call it “intuition” or whatever you like, I have simply learned to trust it and to act upon it. I had an experience with this recently, as I was finishing up those “last minute” Christmas items.
I was in the check-out line of one of our many small, general merchandise type stores when I noticed a small child, of perhaps three or four years of age, in front of me being held by a young woman I figured to be her mother. This little girl, who I later found out was named “Gigi” had a big smile on her face that could probably melt any stone. From most appearances, it looked as if Gigi and her grown-up were not ones who seemed to be particularly wealthy, in terms of material goods. Being a friendly sort, especially when it comes to small children, I said something along the lines of, “I bet you’re grinning because Santa will soon be visiting.” Gigi simply looked at me and smiled. I asked, “Have you been good so Santa will come see you?” She shook her head “no.” Her adult said, “Santa is going to come see you.” That’s the point at which that little “voice” told me to do something. I told the young woman, “Wait right here, don’t go away.” I quickly (well, as quickly as my legs can take me, since “quickly” is a subjective term) went to the toy aisle and looked for something that had a “Gigi” look to it. I found a blue teddy bear who looked as if he needed a good home with a little girl named “Gigi.” I grabbed the bear and went back to the check-out line just as Gigi and her adult were checking out. As soon as they were finished, I again asked the adult to wait just a second as I gave the bear to the cashier and asked her to ring it up. As the cashier began to put the bear into a bag, I told her that was not necessary. I took the bear and handed it to Gigi and said, “Merry Christmas, Gigi.” This little one hugged the bear tightly with as much love as a little heart could hold. Her adult said, “Tell him ‘thank you.’” Gigi was holding the bear too tightly to say anything to me. I understand the need to teach a little one about manners and saying, “please” and “thank you.” I do respect that. However, the look on little Gigi’s face as she hugged her new bear was more than enough “thanks” for me.
As I was leaving, I drove by Gigi’s adult and stopped and said, “Merry Christmas.” Gigi’s adult said “Merry Christmas and thank you.” I felt good all the way back home after that encounter. I doubt I will ever see Gigi, or her adult, again. That doesn’t matter. What matters is for that one moment, a child’s day, and perhaps her Christmas, was made a bit brighter by a blue teddy bear.
As 2024 approaches, I hope and pray that we all will listen to that “little voice,” especially when we encounter any other Gigis. I’m sure there will be enough blue teddy bears to go around. Have a safe and wonderful New Year, here on the Sunny Side.