I flew back to South Florida a few weeks ago to see some old friends and to run some errands. I was already irritated that I had to leave Costa Rica. It seems that I have conditioned myself to rely on a Pura Vida Lifestyle to secure my happiness. And anytime it is disrupted, my spirit longs for another deep immersion as soon as possible.
The third morning on my trip, I found myself at the local neighborhood supermarket. I parked my car, started to open the door and noticed a gentleman coming towards the door at the same time. Being the gentleman that I am, I opened it for him. He walked by without a nod, a quick smile or a “thank you.” At that moment in time, I knew I wasn’t cradled by Pura Vida and apparently neither was he. So, being a big sarcastic, I uttered rather loud. . “You’re welcome. .:, making up for the thank you that he never offered. I quickly longed for those days in Costa Rica where everyone smiles, they stop at the corner and chat. . they enjoy coffee and conversation for no specific reason. .
This gentleman stopped, looked at me and immediately apologized. What I didn’t know was that the night before, his fawn-colored Great Dane died. Elsie had been a part of his family for over 10 years. His grandkids adored this dog and now he was gone. Over 175 pounds of slobbering, floppy-eared love. Of course this man was not in his right mind and I made it worse. He was grieving and simply did not notice that I opened the door for him.
At that moment in time, I felt like a fool. . for first, overreacting and second for making this stranger feel even worse than he did. I apologized for MY sarcasm and walked away a lot more wise. We never know what that person walking next to us is going through. We shouldn’t assume that just because they don’t answer back or acknowledge a good deed that they are not appreciative. We just never know.
Not sure if there is a moral to this story. But what I do know that we all have blinding experiences in our lives each and every day. Don’t do any good deed for a stranger only for the thanks that you may get for it. . do it because that’s the kind of person you are.
Skip Licht
The Costa Rica Good News Report
costaricagoodnews@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 1-754-423-8823
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