Shoes and a Pepsi

It’s moments like these that help us all remember that sometimes, we just need a little extra help.  And during times like these, a little Pepsi helps a whole heck of a lot.

It was a typical but very hot day in May when we saw “L” in line for our weekly Food Market.  “L” has been a client for some time and the staff knows her by name.  Today, though, we noticed something different about “L”.

Today, she was only wearing socks.

Obviously, this was a shock to the staff and the volunteers that were working that day.  “L” has worn shoes in the past.  What happened?  Why wasn’t she wearing them today?

When Cindy Miers, Director of Operations here at Mary Rigg, saw this, she asked “L” where her shoes were.

“L” replied, “They’re in my wagon.  They hurt my feet.”  She went on to explain that she has a medical condition that doesn’t allow her to wear anything but tennis shoes and that the ones she had were too tight.  “L” also wasn’t sure what size shoes she wore.

That was all it took for Cindy to spring into action.

“L”, she said, “let’s go get you some shoes.”

“But I don’t’ have any money,” said “L”.

To which Cindy replied, “Don’t worry about it. I will take care of it.”

And they were off.

You see, once Cindy set out to get “L” shoes that fit, she was also thinking about “L” as a person.  And of course, if you have new shoes, you can’t put dirty socks into the new shoes.  And, when she asked “L” what else she needed, “L” timidly asked for a Pepsi, slightly embarrassed because she was already being given so much.  It was a small but humble request.

A short time later, both Cindy and “L” returned to the center.  “L” was wearing her new shoes.  And she had new socks on.  And she was drinking a Pepsi.

It’s moments like these that help us all remember that sometimes, we just need a little extra help.  And during times like these, a little Pepsi helps a whole heck of a lot.