it's the little kindnesses that count

this afternoon i was walking into our building after running some errands when i saw our elderly downstairs neighbor carrying a bunch of groceries inside. i unlocked the door and held it open for him, we exchanged pleasantries. when i offered to help him carry a case of water bottles, he adamantly refused. i called the elevator and tried to help him once more, but he simply wouldn't have it. then he began telling me (in turkish, and i understood!) about his son, who lives in chicago. i've heard bits and pieces about this son during our brief encounters in the elevator. he was explaining that when he was visiting his son, he couldn't stand the taste of the water. in fact, he didn't like any of the water he tasted in america, and lots of the bottled water in turkey isn't very good, either. then he reached into the case of water bottles he had lugged onto the elevator and handed me one, saying this is the most delicious water, and i will probably like it. i thanked him and bid him good day as he got off on the fifth floor.

it's a simple gift, but one that's made me feel good all afternoon. and by the way, it was indeed delicious.