The Encounter

My Check Out Supervisor unexpectedly approached me & asked me to work the front entry way at Sam's Club on North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. Not that it was any big deal (a monkey could do it!) but I had never been asked to man the door before. The year was 1997 & I had just arrived in the City of Fountains to continue work on my Master's degree.

After only a few minutes patrolling the door there came an older gentleman accompanied by a younger man who was obviously helping him. I immediately recognized something wasn't right. The older gentleman needed a place to rest & was gasping for breath & bellowing quite loudly. I helped him find a chair & asked how I could assist. After a few seconds he said "I have severe Asthma" in between shallow breaths. "I'll be alright in just a minute. Just let me catch my breath."

After he was able to rest, his breathing improved with the help from a rescue inhaler. I was relieved. He introduced himself. "M' name's Blacky" He said as he extended his hand to me. I smiled. Interesting choice of name since he was a pasty Irish Caucasian with snow white hair. ;0)

We continued dialoguing & in the course of the conversation I told him I too suffered from Asthma.

He perked up & replied "Say, you wouldn't happen to need any prescription medications would you? I get mine through the Veteran's Hospital & don't use them up fast enough & I would gladly give them to you for next to nothing."

Time slowed dramatically. My hearing was significantly enhanced as I could not only feel but hear my heart beat. People around me became cardboard cutouts.

Less than 12 hours prior I was required to attend a late night meeting after our store closed & was experiencing my own bronchial spasms with no necessary medication, & no medical insurance. I became quite angry on the way to the meeting while struggling to breathe. I remember yelling at my maker at the top of what diminished lung power I had while alone in the car. At one point I exclaimed "It's not like breathing is optional!"

Time returned to it's normal pace as feelings of guilt, gratefulness & humility washed over me.

All a coincidence? I suppose it could be argued but those kinds of odds I would guess are even steep for the Vegas crowd.

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8 GWT