This week, on both Monday and Tuesday, I received a free patch. Amazing synchronicity! Even though a free patch might sound a small thing, both lifted the spirit. After all, most of life is made up of small things.
The first free patch involved a tire. To be precise it was a rear passenger tire that needed more air, but proved to have a nail stuck in it. I drove it to the local Discount Tire. They happened to be busy, so I decided to leave the car there and walk 3/4 mile or so to my next stop, the gym. After all, a good walk sounded like a good prelude to the gym. Before I even made it back to the tire place, the manager phoned and told me it was ready -- ahead of time. After I got there he handed me my key and as I was about to leave I wondered why there was no charge. Maybe I had paid before leaving the car, and had forgotten. The manager,though, told me there was no charge for a tire patch, and in payment all he asked is that I give his card to three different people. I suggested I put it up on the web instead, which I do here.
It is easy to be cynical -- just a marketing ploy perhaps. I choose to take another viewpoint. I think it is just plain nice. Let me add, I have been to this tire place before, and the manager is a real neat fellow, and that time too I came away just feeling more cheerful than when I arrived -- they put on some new tires quickly, efficiently and with a genuine smile. The little things we do for other people can brighten their days. So too the little things that people do for us.
Thank you Discount Tire.
My second experience with a free patch was at the Roswell office of Allergy & Asthma Consultants. I went there for my regular allergy shots. This time, though, I was bleeding before they stabbed me. My elbow had a scrape on it, and was leaking, and there was blood on my arm. No problem. They cleaned me up, put a dressing on it, and once again I heard those magic words, "No charge!" By the way, this also is a place of cheer, a place that exudes a happy spirit.
People may grumble about this world. I say that there are many smiles to be had, and many wonderful people with which to interact.
