Priceless

A couple of years ago, we were on a visit to California. Los Angeles, to be precise. It was our first visit to that state. One afternoon, we drove to the Santa Monica Pier. It was a weekday and it was not as crowded as it usually is. They have a Carousel there, which was huge.  Our son wanted a ride. There was hardly anyone around and the operator insisted that all of us take a ride. It was fun! We ventured out on the beach later. Beaches are very dear to me and I always find myself feeling very relaxed in the sea breeze. Later, we were planning on a drive along Pacific coast Highway 1 that runs along the coastline and offers an excellent view of the area. 

After a snack at one of the restaurants on the Pier, and spending a good amount of time looking around, we were heading back to the car. That's when I noticed a roller blades rental kiosk. I decided to look into what he had, and to my delight, I saw that along with all the roller blades, he had roller skates too, the old fashioned ones that I loved! I asked him about his charges, which were about $10 an hour, and decided to give it a try.

As I was growing up, my dad had bought me a pair. In no time, I was a pro at maneuvering myself on them all over the house. I would get home from school, get my feet out of my school shoes, and replace shoes with roller skates. From then on, till it was time to go outdoors to play, I would move around the house on those wheels. Outdoors was not smooth sailing and I had it rough when I tried taking them out once in a while. So I settled for using them at home exclusively. I could carry a tray of coffee mugs as I skated, and I was pretty fast too!

And now, I found myself face to face with roller skates again. If I could find myself floating right there beside the sea, it was worth trying. Amid warnings that I may have lost touch and may find myself on the ground before I even started,  I decided to try them. The man helped me find the right size and as I put them on, my better half and my son were hoping they would not have to carry me back to the car later. I heaved myself up, took a step, and another, and soon I was rolling on the sidewalk. At first I took it slow, then as I got more confident, I just took off. Husband and kiddo could not keep up, but I was on cloud nine! The sea breeze in my hair and the waves playing their music, a beautiful beach spread out on one side and palms swaying to the breeze on the other! What more could I have asked for? I had never skated on a beachfront before, and it was BEAUTIFUL! 

After about 25 minutes, I realized I was holding up our plans to go on that drive, so I decided I had had enough. I headed back to the kiosk to return the skates. I asked the man how much I owed him. He looked at my face, totally content and happy, and sighed.
"Girl, you look like you had a great time, doing it after a long time?", he asked.
I nodded, and he continued, "you were out there for less than 30 minutes, and look at you, I ain't charging you a dime for that!"
I was so surprised! I have met such wonderful people in such unexpected places. I value those who put some emotions and experiences above money. He did not lose much, and I did not gain much from that monetary transaction, or the lack of it. However, that man will always be in my mind as one who worked with his heart in the right place. As for me, it was a PRICELESS experience worth remembering a lifetime.