It was a small act of giving. The sunlight was almost gone when I heard the rustling outside my apartment. I glanced through the window and saw a man – late 20s or early 30s – by the curb. Dressed in a black T-shirt and a pair of cargo shorts, he picked through the recycling bin, retrieving the glass bottles and cans, then neatly putting everything else back into the container.
After I watched him for a few moments, I realized I had two almost empty bottles of wine sitting the fridge. I ran into the kitchen, rinsed the bottles, then ran outside. The man was already on the other side of the street, peering into the neighbors’ recycle bins. I held up the two bottles and asked him if he’d like to have them. He nodded and gestured to a woman, a few yards beside me, a lady I haven’t noticed was there. She had on a bright persimmon top. She was also looking through the recycling bins, also carrying a large plastic bag.
“I’m his wife,” she explained, holding the bag open for me. I put the two bottles in her bag – they nestled beside a few aluminum cans. The bag sagged a little. “God bless you,” she smiled shyly. I returned her smile, then hurried back into my apartment. Two empty wine bottles seem to be a too small act of giving to deserve such blessing. Giving is such a funny thing. Most of the days, I’m chagrined to admit, I don’t really think about the different ways I can contribute. But that afternoon, with that couple and their bags of glass and aluminum, something changed. I wish I had more bottles to give to this couple, whose story I can imagine but I will not know. I wish I had more bottles – more something – to give.
When I looked outside the window again, they were gone, probably making their way down the block. Tomorrow is trash pickup day and there would be many recycle bins by the curb.
This post was included in Yakezie Carnival #5 hosted by Mrs. Frugal
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There used to be a little old lady in my old neighbourhood who regularly came around looking for cans to recycle. We always gave her all we had and tried to save every one.
Hey.
Wonderfully written story.
I've experienced that myself. I used to collect cans for this guy who came by regularly near my old apartment complex. There were a few complexes and he would often dig through the trash to collect cans. So we all started collecting them and would run them out to him.
WH, you are wonderful. That little act of kindness will find its way back into your life in a greater way.
Sometimes I feel like what I do is so little, it won't make any difference, you know? What is two bottles if they have to pick through trash for glass to sell? But I hope it helped them, however small the help might be.
You're such a sweet person, no wonder I'm always coming back to read your blog
I agree with Mike, very well written!
I hope the interviews are going well!
Haha – thanks for the nice words. I just had a final interview so I'm feeling hopeful. I hope that my hope is not misplaced.
It is great to see how such a small act can make such a big impact. We can all learn something from your small act. Thanks for sharing this uplifiting story.
That's a beautiful story thanks so much for sharing. You're such a sweet girl.
In NYC collecting discarded cans seems to be a full time profession for quite a few. I can't imagine the time and patience it must take to collect those enormous bags of cans they carry around. I applaud their tenacity and resilience. Good luck with the interview!