What would you do in this situation?
While trying to accomplish some housework last Saturday, I realized there was about $20 worth of bottles and cans stuffed into my storage room. I loaded up the car and headed to Redi Bottle Depot. I followed a red SUV into the parking lot, which appeared to drive right past a prime parking spot by the front door. Thinking it was my lucky day, I slipped right into the yellow lines and congratulated myself on a job well done.
However, a strange thought entered my head and moments later when I came face-to-face with the SUV driver I asked, “Were you going to back into this space?” He spoke no words, just nodded yes. The look on his face suggested, I’m not mad, just disappointed at your decision. I knew this because it’s the same look my parents have been giving me for the last 30 years.
Anyway, I felt terrible and knew I had to rectify the situation. After exchanging bottles for cash, I hurried to the parking lot and wrote a note. “Sorry about the parking mishap, coffee on me ~ Steve.” Very much like a show pony, I pranced over to the SUV and slipped the note along with a $5 bill under the windshield wiper. Minutes later, while tossing glass jars into a recycling bin next to the bottle depot, I saw the man exit the building and get into his SUV. Then I waited with excitement, picturing what his face might look like after making the discovery.
Any second he’ll see the note and get out. Any second now. The SUV is now backing up. Please look down. The SUV is now pulling out of the parking lot. Any second he’ll look down. The SUV is now driving down South Railway Street at 50 km/h. COME ON MAN, LOOK DOWN! The SUV is now out of sight.
Did he ever notice my peace offering? Or does he still think I’m a jerk and there’s a $5 bill floating around the Flats? These were the thoughts that haunted my entire weekend.
However, after telling this story on CJCY, it was relayed to the SUV driver who called to inform me the note was found and coffee was purchased. So, did I go above and beyond what was required in this situation? What would you have done?
Steve Krysak is half of CJCY Mornings with John & Steve, on your radio 6-10 a.m. weekdays and 7-10 a.m. Saturdays at 102.1 FM and cjcyfm.com.
