I don’t usually post twice in the same day, but I just have to share a random (?) act of kindness that my sister just told me about on the phone.

After my sister got off work today, she took Mom to the Department of Motor Vehicles office to get her driver’s license renewed.  They walked in and ran smack into a long, long line of others also trying to get renewals.  Texas has experienced major winter weather like we have had in Oklahoma – and they are even less prepared than we are to deal with boatloads of snow and ice.  So the DMV office had been closed for many days.  Thus – the long line of license seekers. 

They were told it would be an hour to an hour and a half wait, but there was no choice.  Sister and Mom (with her walker) got in line.

Suddenly, a man sitting off to the side (evidently waiting for his wife to get her renewal) stood up and asked for everyone’s attention.  When he had their attention, he asked if the people in line would mind if Mom cut in line so she wouldn’t have to wait.  Everyone agreed immediately!  Not one naysayer!!  (Okay – where are my tissues?)

Sister and Mom moved to the front of the line.  What a testimony to the goodheartedness of people.

Of course, it’s also rather sad that this act of kindness (by the man and, especially, the crowd) is so surprising and unexpected.  But I’m afraid, as a society, we seem to have become rather selfish and cynical – or, at least, that’s how it appears most of the time.  (Sigh. . .)

I could end the story there – but there is a “rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would have said.

Today is Mom’s birthday (81), and the Activities Director at the retirement complex gave her a Birthday Button.  Mom still had it on when she went to the DMV.  Sister tells me that it is about the size of a dessert plate and bright red – OMG!  Well, people noticed the button (Duh!), and congratulated Mom on her birthday.  Since the button had the name of the retirement complex on it, this got additional attention from employees at the DMV because the retirement complex director’s husband is a police officer.  Mom was definitely the center of attention.  What a lovely day today for her!

(Ooops!  Song interlude)

I doubt if anyone else has ever been treated like “Queen for a Day” at the DMV.  Way to go, Mom!  And, Happy Birthday!!