Thank you

This evening I was driving home to my baby.

I set off about 4 o'clock and had to stop for fuel quite soon after.

I thought it would be a good idea to use the facilities while I was there so I didn't need to stop again.

They weren't pleasant.

Hidden round the back of the garage

Tiles knocked off the wall

Grim

Strong smelling

I smiled to myself, thinking of how the conversation all day had been about India, how this would be a brilliant public loo if it was there.

However, I wasn't going to hang around.

That was when I saw it.

20p

It was lying on the floor by the door.

"see a penny pick it up all day long you have good luck"

I always like luck.

And 20p must be a lot of luck.

But this loo was grim.

I thought how I could put it in a charity box, I wouldn't keep it.

But I decided in my haste to leave, it could remain where it was - perhaps someone would come along who needed it...


I drove.

I wanted to get home.

If I kept going I might be home in just over 3 hours.

Little Owl might still be up.

I drove.

A1

M11

M25

The QE2 bridge

OH NO!!!

I had no money.

I was already on the bridge.

The tolls were on the other side.

Perhaps they take card?

I got in line and waited my turn, scrabbling around for what I could find

It was my turn

"I don't think I have enough cash - do you take card?"

"No - you'll have to go back"

"How do I do that?"

"A car will escort you"

Seriously?  Back to Essex, I'd have to find an ATM at Thurrock and then come back - this detour could surely take an hour and Little Owl would definitely be in bed.

"Is there anywhere I can pull over to search for coins?"

"No - you can do it here"

"I've found £1.70"

No response.  No eye contact was made in all of the time.

For the sake of 30 pence I wasn't going to see my daughter.

For the first time in her life, I was going to go a whole day without seeing her.

Conscious of the queue forming behind, I began to search.

I found some more pennies, I dug around in every nook and cranny, I switched on the light to search my school bag but it was empty.  I didn't have a handbag with me so no hope of loose coins there.

"£1.80"

No response.

If only I had picked up that twenty pence in the toilet.

I didn't realise I was the one who needed luck.

I looked a gift horse in the mouth.

I was about to get out of the car to look under the seats when I heard a voice of an angel

"how much do you need luv?" said a womans voice

I turned to see a blonde angel approaching with a handful of coins in her outstretched hand

"20p"

She added a 20p to my handful of coins and I passed it straight to the silent attendant.

Without a word he took the money and raised the barrier.

He didn't even check the coins I gave him.

I yelled my thanks and drove off, only later realising I didn't have my belt on!

I was off!

Thank you to my blonde angel.  Thank you for helping me.  Thank you for the money.  Thank you for saving my embarrassment.  Thank you for not showing your impatience.  Thank you for getting me home in time for cuddles with my baby.

Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has shared this post, I know it is unlikely that the lady who helped me will read it but if enough people share it then who knows?  Meanwhile all of those who have read it might be inspired to help someone else who finds themselves in a predicament! 

Pay it forward folks!