75 Cents of Kindness
Random Acts of kindness
This happened a number of years ago. I had been visiting a friend at her summer cottage in Vermont for the weekend. She had a nice spot on the lake where we swam and paddled in her canoe as much as we could. Sunday afternoon we had a huge brunch out on the picnic table with friends and a few neighbors. Then it was time to go home.
Toll Booth Panic
The drive back to Canada was long, but I was happy and content. I pulled into a toll lane. Nobody was there. Darn, I hate that. I’d prefer someone in a booth, in case something went wrong, or just to say “have a nice day.” Instead there was a large wire-framed basket attached directly to a coin collection thingy. You had to throw 75 cents into that hungry basket, wait for the green light and the bar to lift so you could continue on your way.
I had some quarters ready and tossed 3 at the funnel shaped basket. Two were gobbled up immediately and the other quarter bounced out and onto the pavement. Surprised (it was a big enough basket. Who would miss that?) I quickly exited my car, picked up that rebel quarter and tossed it into the basket. As I turned to get back in the car, I heard the coin clattering as it was gulped down. Fine, let’s go! I waited. Nothing happened. That stern-looking gate arm stayed firmly in place.
Strange. I found another quarter and tossed it into that greedy basket. It too was gobbled up. Still nothing. Frustrated, I pounded the steering wheel, “Come on, come on!” (Was I really talking to a toll booth basket?) Another quarter and still nothing! I could not move forward. Starting to panic now and aware of the lineup behind me, I frantically rooted through my purse and came up with a handful of change. I threw all of it in, hoping that crazy toll booth basket would be satisfied. Still nothing. The red light remained stubbornly red. Tears threatened – what else could I possibly do? There was no attendant and I had no more change.
Magic Happens
Then like magic, a lady in the car behind me came over to my window, smiled and said “I’ve got this!” She threw the correct change into the basket and it worked! Green light came on. That forbidding arm lifted and off I went! I was so relieved and never forgot her kindness.
So – another day I was on the road again (going to Maine for a holiday). I thought I’d be the Random Act of Kindness angel and pulled up to a toll booth manned by a lady (that sounds like a funny phrase). I gave her my money and told her I’d like to pay for the car behind me. She burst out laughing and said “M’am that’s a State Vehicle, they don’t pay!” OMG, my face was red. I felt like an idiot as I had no idea who was behind me.
I can just imagine her telling her family that night, “I got this crazy lady who wanted to pay for a State Vehicle (police car? utility truck?, Idk)” Hahahahaha.
Whatever….