AMAZED: Gift touches the heart

The evening of Feb. 29 I sat by myself in a booth in a Post Falls restaurant eating while reading a magazine. A lady and, I presume, her 7-8-year-old daughter, stopped by my table and the daughter very politely offered me a small paper cutout portrayal of Yellowstone National Park with two trees and a bird which she had colored with Crayola of which she was justly proud.

Beyond surprise, I did my best to express my gratitude for her kindness and thoughtfulness. This mother and daughter were complete strangers to me. They then wished me a good day and quickly departed.

This incident amazed me. Why had I, a 97-year-old, been proffered such a self-made treasured gift and wished a “good day” by two strangers? Then when I went to pay my bill was told “the lady had paid it.”

After much thought, gratitude and admiration I have concluded the mother was, by example, teaching the much needed characteristic of “love for your neighbor” which she had planned in advance. No doubt the daughter will remember and be influenced in her life and I will put the “gift” by my mirror for a daily reminder that there are “angels” among us.

I would enjoy meeting these “strangers” should they see this “thank you” in The Press and refer to the Post Falls phone book.

WAYNE “GPA” GILMAN

Post Falls