I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Yesterday while checking out at Target I was greeted warmly by the cashier. I put my purchases on the belt and stood back to let him ring them up. As the Lemon Bar mixes beeped, he said, “Ummm. My lips are puckering!” Then, when the Peeps (because what is Easter without that Pennsylvania-born sugary delicacy) rolled by he commented, “It’s been kind of quiet here today. Haven’t heard a peep.” We laughed, and I must admit he brought a little fun to a rather mundane task.

Earlier in the week I chatted with a staff member at Longwood who not only shared a few jokes, but also recited a couple of poems.

And, I have fond memories of the housekeeping supervisor who stopped in my room each night I was in the hospital last January. After making sure everything was in order, he always had a joke or two to share.

At first, I looked at these encounters as a bit odd. But then I thought some more and realized each one left me feeling a little bit brighter. Anyone who goes out of their way to be friendly and bring a smile helps to make the world a little bit better.

I hope I can encourage a smile today.