Saturday, March 30, 2024

KAYLA, CHARMANDER AND ME

 

My parents taught me early…it was built into our lifestyle

to never miss an opportunity to speak with kindness

bring joy to another person…or make a child smile.


A while ago I ran across a stuffed Charmander at a neighborhood garage sale

For those of you who don’t know :

Charmander is an orange Pokemon lizard with a fire at the end of his tail.


Don’t feel bad…I didn’t know either….I didn’t know who Charmander was or what his tail is for.

I only thought that orange stuffed lizard would look good in the Children’s section of our store.


I found him a spot high on the shelf…where he could watch the children read and play.

And that is where he sat…that is…until yesterday.


When Kayla, a little girl, burst into the store…with her grandparents close on her tail.

and asked, her eyes wide with anticipation…if Charmander was for sale.


I asked her who Charmander was…remember I was totally unaware…

She pointed…saying it’s the orange Pokemon lizard…on the bookcase…over there.


Her Grandma said Kayla loves Pokemon…lives for Pokemon

Which is what brought her to this place.

I could see the hopefulness in her eyes match the excitement on her face.


I told her he wasn’t for sale…but he is tired of sitting on our shelf… 

and it’s time for him to roam…

I told her we’ve been waiting for just the right person…to give that lizard a home.


So Kayla got her Charmander….I got a big hug…and here I must reveal

I’m not sure of the two of us…which one…got the better deal.


I imagine my parents knew when you bring even one child joy

when you make her smile

with a gift as simple as an old orange lizard on the shelf…

you cannot help but feel her joy…

you cannot help but smile yourself.

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