I have had a sh*tty few years and this one is the worst. Today I was in pain (been getting worse over the weeks) so in desperation took myself off to the pharmacy in a nearby town for advice. Got said advice and three medications to tide me over till I can see my GP, when I realised I had left my purse at home. This is not the first time for that, in recent weeks and months cos I have been so stressed. The pharmacy was closing shortly and I couldn't make it home and back in time. I was near to tears at the thought of all weekend in pain.
A young/middle-aged lady had just finished paying for her purchases at the next till and came over to me and said "I'll pay for those things for you". Both I and the two assistants were gob-smacked at this and I stammered "But you don't know how much I've spent. I can't let you pay for me". But she smiled and insisted that it was no problem. She didn't look like a wealthy lady (think pink/green hair and nose rings!) - but what does one look like anyway? - and before I knew it she had settled the bill, which was just over £20. By the time I had picked up the meds and stashed them in my bag she had gone and there was no sign of her outside. I stood and cried right there on the pavement.
I am not short of £20 or even £200 and I did once pay for someone in a supermarket (it was about a fiver), and I a5m kicking myself for not asking for her address to repay her.
That act of kindness, unprompted and out of the blue raised my spirits immensely - and would you believe I haven't needed any pain relief this evening!
Is funeral planning a conversation you've had with your family?
