Grateful for people, and plastic

I know it’s a bit cliché to say I’m thankful for the kindness of strangers, but over the past couple days, I really can’t find the words to describe some awesome events.

I guess it’s pretty fitting that my wife and I took the kids to see “Finding Dory” Monday evening, a movie about relying on strangers’ kindness to find what was once lost. Following the show, my oldest was obsessed with playing the claw machine, and was a bit impatient. However, a sweet girl gave up two of her turns so he could have a go. Though he didn’t walk away with a prize, I can guarantee that was the highlight of his evening, as he had previously mentioned the movie “takes too long to get to the end.”

Through the rest of the evening, I picked up on a few other acts of kindness towards others, but the big one came Tuesday morning.

As I was rounding up the kids to get them out the door to day care, my phone displayed an unknown number. Rather than let it go to voice mail as I normally would have, I answered and after verifying I was actually Marcus Dykes, the next sentence hit me like a brick — so much so that I asked it be repeated.

“I found your wallet spread out all over the highway.” My hand instantly went to my back pocket, thinking this might be a joke. Sure enough, empty, just like my stomach was beginning to feel. The rest of the call was something of a miracle, however, as the person who found the wallet also took the time — and risk of personal injury — to go out into traffic and pick up any and all cards she could find.

It took a bit more of my searching to find the rest — contained within an insert that had fallen out— and I don’t think I've ever been more grateful for the invention of plastic, as it means there was little to no cash to tempt anyone, and it kept my other info safe.

So, for those strangers who take the time for things like giving a turn on a game, or looking up a person to get their property to them, you are appreciated. Keep doing what you’re doing, and know it’s making a difference. In the meantime, I’m going shopping for a wallet chain.