During the recent power outage here in Humboldt County I ventured out into the wind-blown world to find food and ice for my 'fridge...Safeway was out and had been for some time and most all other grocery stores and gas stations were closed. However, I did stumble upon one 76 Station with and attendant standing outside a dark building and next to an ice box.

Taking a simple chance that the ice box may not be empty of its contents...I pulled over and asked "Got ice?" then added "For sale?" He said that I may take as much ice as I needed, just come back when the power returns and pay for it then. I thanked the man very much and took only what I needed, thinking that someone else may take more than they need due to fear. I carted the cold bags home and kept the old 'fridge chilled for the next two days saving a lot of foods.

As promised, I returned to the station after the power was returned (thanks to the many workers that made it possible), to pay my debt.

The man was not there, another station worker stood behind the counter. After explaining what I wished to pay for the woman's eyes seemed to sparkle. She told me that there were 96 bags of ice taken that day...and almost all of it had been made good on. They could have lost $100 that day, maybe due to the kindness of the man that was there or it may have melted in the box and they were a little surprised that they had recovered so much.

Don't forget to repay your debts of kindness...whether or not it's in a magical or monetary way...

I am sure that the next time this gas station has the chance to help out its fellow human bean...it will.