| THE CIRCLE pg 2 |
She paid for the woman's breakfast Then clocked out just at six The first shift girl said, "Get some rest Before YOU come down sick!" Dusty gave a weary smile "I bet I could sleep a year!" She hugged the woman as she left, Saying, "Your family will soon be here..." After that, time went slowly on The bills, the tips, her boys She worked, she prayed and did her best To celebrate each little joy The next December, times were tough The boss cut all shifts in half Christmas loomed and it was hard For her to joke and laugh... Then one night she was off from work And the boys were with their dad She sat again in the corner booth Feeling overwhelmed and sad It was a very quiet night, The only customer in the store Was a tall and very well-dressed man At the stool labeled number 4 "What's wrong, Dust?" the waitress asked "Have some coffee, share the sorrow...." Dusty sighed, "It's pretty bad, They turn my power off tomorrow!" Barb clucked sympathetically, "That's an awful bad break, honey..." Dusty sighed ..."I've had my share What I need's a miracle or some money!" The waitress went to pour more coffee As the young mother closed her eyes... Then a man's voice, said "Excuse me, Miss?" And they opened in surprise! The man who'd been seated at the counter Was beaming at her with a grin, "I guess I sort of overheard About the trouble that you're in!" Then he opened up his wallet Saying, "How much would it take To keep the lights on at your house? It sounds like you could use a break!" Dusty stared at the wad of bills He was waving in the air... She started, "Mister, I appreciate it But please, let me stop you there! I don't know where you're headed Or what you are suggesting... But if it's what I think it is? I don't do that sort of thing!" The man just chuckled softly, Then asked, "May I sit down?" The waitress motioned carefully As she faced him with a frown... "Your name is Dusty, am I right? She nodded awaiting more, He said, "I have been back several times To this cheerful little store! But every visit, when I've asked You were never here.... I've been searching for you now For almost one whole year!" "Searching for me...well, why on earth? Is this some sort of joke? She picked up her coffee, then put it back Afraid that she might choke. "Remember the woman that you found Who was cold and all alone? You brought her in and fed her breakfast Then called her family on the phone?" The man reached out and took her hand "Well, I"m that woman's son... You were already gone when I arrived I never thanked you for what you'd done" Dusty sat in stunned amazement As her tears began to flow... She barely remembered the woman now It all seemed so long ago.... "You didn't have to help her" The man said, grinning wide "But you did and if you hadn't? I'm quite sure she would have died!!" He counted out 500 dollars Then laid it on the table "Pay your power and make sure Santa comes Let me do this...I'm more than able..." Dusty sat staring up at him She couldn't focus through the tears, "The only thing I'm sure of is That God has sent you here..." "Take the money with my gratitude" The man said smiling as he rose, I'd say God bless you, but He already has It clearly and plainly shows!!" 2 hours later she sat there still As the sun prepared to rise, With one hand on the money Tears still streaming from her eyes Her mind was very far away In another time and place... She could hear her Grandma Rose's voice And almost see her face.. "Child, always remember Even after I'm in the ground That kindness can only multiply And what goes around...comes around." Dusty Richardson c 2000 |
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