Serendipity at the 7-Eleven

A Tuesday night, a local convenience store and a magical series of events

On a recent night, after a very long day, my husband drove me to 7-Eleven so I could buy a can of beer.

We pulled into the lot and parked approximately eight feet from the front door, noting the prime parking directly in front of the double glass doors was blocked with a large orange cone. Bob and I both thought they must be saving that spot for someone special and it wasn’t us. (Turned out to be a beer delivery truck that arrived just as we were leaving).

As I exited the car, a young man arrived on his bike, parked in the spot with the orange cone and shouted to nobody in particular, "Look! I finally got reserved parking."

I held open the door for him and announced that he was today's 7-Eleven VIP.

I followed the newly-minted VIP into the store, found my way to the beverage cooler and pulled a tall, cold can of beer from the dozens of choices. I got in the short line and paid for it with my credit card. As I turned to leave, I noticed the vast display of shiny lottery tickets under the glass counter. One of them seemed to be calling out to me, hinting at untold riches. I asked the clerk for a $5 Scratcher from under the glass. He handed me the ticket which I immediately handed to my new friend, telling him, "Congratulations on your VIP status. I hope your luck continues."

As the surprised and smiling VIP guy walks out the door, hops on his bike and rides off into the night, the clerk says to me, "You can't use a credit card to buy a lottery ticket."

Not being a frequent player of the California Lottery, I could be forgiven for not knowing this rule. But it is unfortunate because I don't have any cash or a debit card and the lottery ticket is long-gone.

As I stand there, holding up the line and trying to figure out what to do, a kind voice from behind me says, "I'll pay for the lottery ticket.” A man steps forward and puts a $5 bill on the counter. The clerk snaps it up, puts it in his register and I’m in the clear.

I'm touched by this gesture and overwhelmed by his kindness. I’m especially moved because I think this may be the last five dollars in this man’s pocket.

I say to him, "You saved me. Thank you so much. Whatever you're buying, let me get it. As long as I can buy it with a credit card.”

He looks at the clerk and requests a pack of Marlboros. As the clerk reaches to grab them, the man in line asks me, “Is that okay with you?”  I reply, “Of course.”

And that is why, on that magical night, I purchased beer, a lottery ticket and cigarettes at the 7-Eleven.

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