Sometimes it’s a random act of kindness from a stranger touches you in a way that is indescribable and affirms the belief that yes, God is listening, someone cares, and here is a small message that you are being taken care of and loved. In this instance it was a simple validation ticket from a parking garage and a perceptive, compassionate gate attendant that gave this glimpse of grace.
At a little before midnight I gave the parking attendant at Hartford Hospital my ticket. He must of seen something in my face, shock, stunned incomprehension, numbness, or a vacant look because he asked what floor I had been visiting. I numbly responded “Neuro Intensive Care.”
What he did then I almost didn’t understand. He handed be back the ticket, told me to fold it up, forget about it, and be careful driving home. I looked at him and a shiver went through my body, my eyes welled up, and I said thank you. I took a deep breathe, probably the first of the evening and carefully pulled out of the garage.