I had the most amazing thing happen to me yesterday that testifies of the goodness of people in general and also of Heavenly Father's watchful care over me. So yesterday I had a doctor's appointment with my OBGYN in Salt Lake, just my regular yearly checkup. Since I was driving into Salt Lake and gas isn't cheap, we tried to combine everything I could into that same visit. I left as soon as the kids left on the bus, bringing all three little boys with me. I got the oil and filter changed and tires rotated on the van and then headed to my appointment. After that, I promised the kids lunch at Costco. Then shopping at Costco, Walmart, and Deseret Book. Unfortunately, my doctor was running about an hour behind. And then, when I got into the room, it still took about another 20 min before I saw her. So by the time we were eating lunch at Costco, it was about 1:15. The kids get off the bus at 3:45, and Lindsey had to go into work at that same time. I determined I was going to have to cut something out to make it home in time, and since I was already at Costco, I decided I would cut out Walmart. We did all of our Costco shopping. I had planned on spending about $50, but it rang up about $98. Depressing.
Then I remembered that I had no idea what my PIN number was. Costco doesn't take my VISA card, which is what I always use. I had to use my debit card. I had written down my PIN number at one point but had lost it, and I haven't had to actually use my debit card in months and months. I could vaguely remember the numbers, but after three tries, the checker and I both decided I wasn't going to get it right. I did not have my checkbook, and I informed the checker I lived too far away for them to hold the groceries for me. I was so embarrassed because Costco was SUPER busy and all these people were waiting, and I was so angry at myself for wasting all that time on a day when I was already pressed for time. Now I would still have to cut out the Walmart shopping and I wasn't going to get Costco done either. I was biting back tears and apologized several times to the workers as she announced a "1021" or whatever into the loudspeaker for someone to come get all my stuff. I began unloading my kids from the cart when the lady behind me in line came up and handed me a receipt. I said, "Oh, thank you," confusedly. She smiled at me and told me to have a nice day. I looked at the receipt and realized she had paid for all of my groceries. I just started bawling. I am still crying now even writing about it. A $100 is a lot of money to just give away to a total stranger. I reloaded the kids and thanked her again, but I couldn't talk very much through all the tears. She just smiled again and told me to have a great day. I don't even know her name. She doesn't know mine. But she is my sister and truly an angel from my Father in Heaven, and she was definitely on His errand yesterday. She was a huge blessing to me, and I only pray that someday I will be in that same situation and I will be able to help someone like she helped me. It meant so much.
The Lord truly watches over us and takes care of us and sends us angels like this when we need them. I did not expect the help. I don't know that I deserved it. With just a little foresight, I could have avoided the whole situation. But the Lord blessed me anyway, and I am so grateful for Him and for the wonderful woman he placed in line behind me.