Kayla, Charmander And Me

My parents taught me early…it was built into our lifestyle to never miss an opportunity to speak with kindness bring joy to another person…or make a child smile. A while ago I ran across a stuffed Charmander at a neighborhood garage sale For those of you who don't know: Charmander is an orange Pokemon lizard with a fire at the end of his tail. Don't feel bad…I didn't know either….I didn't know who Charmander was or what his tail is for. I only thought that orange stuffed lizard would look good in the Children's section of our store. I found him a spot high on the shelf…where he could watch the children read and play. And that is where he sat…that is…until yesterday. When Kayla, a little girl, burst into the store…with her grandparents close on her tail. and asked, her eyes wide with anticipation…if Charmander was for sale. I asked her who Charmander was…remember I was totally unaware… She pointed…saying it's the orange Pokemon lizard…on the bookcase…over there. Her Grandma said Kayla loves Pokemon…lives for Pokemon Which is what brought her to this place. I could see the hopefulness in her eyes match the excitement on her face. I told her he wasn't for sale…but he is tired of sitting on our shelf… and it's time for him to roam… I told her we've been waiting for just the right person…to give that lizard a home. So Kayla got her Charmander….I got a big hug…and here I must reveal I'm not sure of the two of us…which one…got the better deal. I imagine my parents knew when you bring even one child joy when you make her smile with a gift as simple as an old orange lizard on the shelf… you cannot help but feel her joy… you cannot help but smile yourself.