― George Elliston
Today's New York Times Magazine included a photo
essay , "Paradise, Paved," that featured people who spent the night
in their cars or RVs in Wal-Mart parking lots in Arizona. Apparently, Wal-Mart considers RV travelers
"among our best customers" and allows people to park their RVs or
cars overnight in the stores' parking lots (one night only). Most of the people photographed in the essay
were veteran Wal-Mart overnight guests.
There was one
gentleman from Michigan whose story stood out for me. Based on his photograph, I would guess that
he is in his late 60s or early 70s.
According to the story, this man has been in about 500 Wal-Mart parking
lots as he travels across the country researching his family history. He said that one Christmas Eve, there were
about nine people in the Wal-Mart lot, so he left notes for everyone inviting
them to his RV on Christmas morning and he made them all breakfast.
When I shared
the story with someone today, she remarked that it was very sad that this
gentleman was alone on Christmas Eve. I
was inspired that regardless of whatever was going on in his life, he reached
out and extended kindness to those around him.
What a lovely gift of kindness -- especially on Christmas Day.
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