There’s a car guard at the local Spar who knows me quite well now, and when I come out the shop with a trolley, he takes it from me and makes a beeline for my car without me having to direct him. Tonight, we struck up a bit of a conversation after I noticed him smiling at Connor and shaking his head.
As Connor got out the car when we first arrived, he did something he doesn’t normally do. He waited for me to get my bag out the boot, and then just walked across the parking lot to the door. He didn’t even look!! He knows he’s not allowed to walk across a road without me holding his hand. And there was a car coming out of a parking… thank God the car was going slowly and stopped. I gave him a mouthful and he thankfully realised then what he did… and was sheepish for all of 30 seconds. My oath it was close!!
Anyhoo, when we got back to the car, I had to shout speak to him again because he was standing in the middle of an empty bay instead of right next to the car, and he was trying to play fight with Bradley. That’s when I noticed the car guard smiling at Connor.
So I said “He’s not listening. Did you see what he did earlier?”
He replied with words similar to this “Yes. What you are doing cannot be paid for. Being a mom is the most important thing to him, and he won’t be able to pay you. But they will remember forever.”
That shut me up. And I wondered what the story was behind what he said. I wonder where his mom is?
Thats actually a little sad 🙁
That story actually bought tears to my eyes. Connor and Jackson are like two peas in a pod.
Wise words! I once has a long chat with one of them – and hold your heart, he was a professor in Philosophy back in Sudan. Maybe he is in Joburg now? (I have also talked to a doctor and teacher from Nigeria)
That to me, sounds like an educated man, probably from the Great Lakes region like Burundi or Rawanda, who has been to hell and back emotionally. I’ve just seen the comment above mine – and see? It happens so often – I’m glad I read your post today – it reminds me to keep calm in the face of all things “mummy chaos” 🙂
wow. Deep words those.
Shew. That’s a lot of wisdom, that!
My car guards stare at me pushing the trolley, wait until I’ve packed all the groceries in the car and taken the trolley back to it’s place before they come stand outside my car window with their hands out waiting for money.
I suppose even when you work in the North people think they’re too good to do hard labour.
Awww, Connor. He’s all growed up and stuff! *sniff, sniff*
Hope he pays more attention when near cars soon!
x
Its nice that you’ve developed a small connection with the car guard. It’s easy for some people to just ignore them. Everyone has wisdom to share! I’m glad your son is alright. That is most important.
That is so touching. I had a lump in my throat at the end of your story. I hope the car guard has fond memories of his mom…
What a random ray of sunshine!
Okay…i am busy with a post about a car guard too…freaky!