Week 10 - Branson or Bust

On Wednesday, February 29th, a tornado hopped, skipped, and jumped through the Branson area. There was extensive damage at the spots where the tornado touched down, leaving many structures demolished. So last week I emailed the Branson Volunteer organization to ask what our little family could do to help with the clean up.

I never received a reply. : (

I thought since we were headed down to Branson for the weekend, some community service could fit right in. But it didn't work out.

We did drive down the Strip to view the damage. The most notable structures we noticed damaged were many of the nostalgic motels from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Now, they will be razed. On the bright side, the majority of attractions and shows were unscathed and already open!

So Saturday evening I headed to the Super WalMart on my own to stock up on cleaning supplies and paper products for our guests for the spring season. This chore filled 4 shopping carts. What can fill 4 wagons? Here was what I left with:

• 69 travel toothpaste
• 16 bottles of toilet bowl cleaner
• 12 giant packs of antibacterial wipes
• 6 bottles all purpose cleaner
• 6 boxes of 100 trash bags
• 10 bottles of 100 load laundry detergent
• 6 boxes of 160 dryer sheets
• 32 boxes of tissues
• 6 giant boxes of Cascade
• 10 huge hand soap refill bottles
• 80 rolls of paper towels
• 200 double rolls of toilet paper

Being by myself, it was great that I had enough room in our vehicle to fit everything in, but I can't push 4 wagons on my own. After checking out, the cashier called for a worker to come help me. He took 2 carts, and I heaved the heaviest cart with my weight while pulling the last wagon.

As I was walking, someone called "Ma'am" several times before I stopped and looked behind me, thinking I had dropped something. A young man (high school / college age) was trying to get my attention. He immediately asked if he could help me with the last wagon, and I gratefully accepted.

When we reached my vehicle, the young man didn't leave...he immediately jumped into the back and said he would load everything up for me. His parents taught him well, and they should be proud of him. I hope our 3 boys will be just as observant to lend a kind hand.

So this week, I was on the receiving end of the random act of kindness. : )