"27 bob?" one of them exclaimed, "wow!".
I turned away and decided to pay attention to my own thoughts instead. It was the second time that day that I was in there buying the same baguette. Since it was a public holiday and I had decided to treat my nieces to a day of swimming and my sister and Erica were spending the night at my place. I had underestimated their appetites the first time round so I was back to get more bread after they had totally demolished the first loaf.
" How much is this?" Said someone to my right.
"44 bob" said the guy at the counter and I looked up amazed that someone had managed to get his attention. I turned to see the leader of the group of boys who had now moved to the shelves holding up a loaf. They were all eagerly looking at the loaves and scones on display and seemed to be wondering which one to pick. "And this one?" the boy asked lifting a smaller loaf, this time, behind-the-counter guy didn't answer and I figured the boys had been at it for a while. I heard them discussing something amongst themselves and caught the boy who seemed in charge saying that he wanted to buy some milk as well. It then dawned on me that these boys were walking around because they were looking for something that they could afford, on closer inspection I realised that they were a rather scruffy lot. I reached into my purse to get some coins to give them then remembered that I always dump my coins in the ash-tray in my car. At about that time it was finally my turn to be served so I asked for the baguette and I figured I'll buy my stuff, get some change then come back and give the boys some money so that they can buy their bread. I turned to look at them and they had moved from the bread side and were looking at the snacks, wide eyed and astonished, I also noticed that they were pushing one of those little shopping carts that I find so ridiculous.
I went on with my purchases and got my stuff stood in the queue for what seemed like ages. In my mind I was formulating all sorts of explanations for why the boys where there. I guessed they had decided to come over there for a treat when one of them had surprisingly received some cash. They probably had about 50 bob to spend and had probably walked there from one of the not so nearby slum areas.
Purchases done, I walked out just in time to see my sister and niece come into the supermarket looking for me. I left them with the shopping bags then rushed back to where I left the boys, to my relief the little band was still there eagerly eyeing the diplays and they had managed to find two items to put in their carts that were within their budget. I took out a hundred bob note and went over and talked to the leader of the bunch. "You guys wanted to buy some bread right? "Yes" he said eagerly albeit a little warily. "Well here you go" I said handing him the note. I was totally unprepared for the reaction. First their eyes opened wide and then they gasped "Asante Mathe* ". Oh my goodness. I have never seen such gratitude. Such geniune gratitude. I smiled as they turned their cart around and went back to grab the stuff that was now within their reach.
I was walking away when I realised that there were about six boys in the bunch and the money still wouldn't be enough so I went back and exchanged the hundred with a two hundred note, and this time the gratitude, oh my goodness. All the boys chimed in again in a chorus of "Asante Mathe" A few of them put their palms together in an answered prayer stance. Eyes wide open, wider smiles and a feeling of joy and gratitude that was truly tangible. I smiled my welcome and scurried away, their gratitude chorus had been enough to break through the reveries of some of the other shoppers and one guy gave me a quizzical glance as I walked past him.
I wished I had given them more, it didn't seem like much. They had given me so much in exchange. Walking down that aisle nothing seemed the same, I was so blessed I couldn't beleive it. If they could show so much gratitude for 200 bob, how much more so should I who had that 200 bob several times over.
I went back to Erica and Vicky who were waiting for me outside the supermarket. "Auntie Sam what did you buy?" Asked Erica. I told her a few of the things in my bag and she giggled in delight. I looked at my purchases and sent out a smile of gratitude too. For my job, for my car, for my family, and for the ability to buy and pay for their little treats, for my friends, for all the things that bring me joy and for the Universe for allowing me to have that in my life. I couldn't believe how many times I had taken it all for granted, and worse how many times I complained. I was at that moment so so grateful for all it.
And most especially, for that band of scruffy boys with their little cart, for the slow behind the counter guy and for the 200 bob, the best money I have ever spent.
Thanks you boys for your most precious gift of Gratitude.
* Asante means thank you in Swahili and Mathe is slang for Mother or Mama which is a common way for a child to address a lady in these parts.
No comments:
Post a Comment