hospitality at its best

I wrote this back in January.

It's been a rough past few weeks, most events involved proving yet again how little control I have on everything. I know, I should and am grateful for the "big things" getting back on track but the little things sometimes make me overlook the positives.
Today, though, really made me smile.
I got this e-mail from Baskin-Robbins for a free scoop on my birthday. Months ago, I had entered a contest and got myself placed on their birthday club list. I had, of course, forgotten this. Anyone who knows my eating habits knows my love for frozen desserts, so this was an unexpected surprise. I printed out my coupon and decided to go while I was running errands later.
The man behind the counter barely spoke English, but he smiled warmly when I walked over. I presented my coupon and asked him if they accepted them. He asked me if it was my birthday and I told him it was. He wished me a sincere happy birthday, which made my day better. I was used to the brush off "have a nice day" after I pay for my random collection of groceries, so a simple "happy birthday" meant so much. The man showed the coupon to his coworker as he opened the freezer doors. She asked me if I was Christine and I said I am, waiting to be asked to show proof of ID. She also wished me an earnest happy birthday.
I picked out my flavor "Swiss Chocolate Treasure" and was ceremoniously handed my free scoop and a trademark pink spoon. I thanked them and as I walked out of the store, both of them called "Happy Birthday, Christine!" after me.
I sat in my car for a few moments, just relishing being happy.

The ice cream was terrible, grainy, with chewy chocolate ribbon running through, but it didn't matter. 2 people, both of whom will most likely never remember me if I passed them on a street, cared for a brief moment, as though my having a happy birthday actually impacted their lives.

Food at its almost worst, but perhaps, hospitality at its best.
~Chris