Cookie Kid

Last Saturday night about 7:30, there was a knock on our door. We expected Country Boy, but when I opened it, it wasn't Country Boy. It was a young man, probably 16 or 17 years old, carrying what I think was probably his mom's tupperware, asking if I wanted to buy some cookies. Lithus and I rarely keep cash on us, so I said no, closed the door, and nearly started to cry.

He'd reminded me of my (step)kid. He reminded me of me. He reminded me of every kid I've ever worked with or known or loved who was just trying to do something. And I hadn't been able to buy a cookie. I talked it out, felt my feels, and went on with my night ~ which included having to run out for a moment.

On the way back in, I nodded to a couple of kids ~ one of whom said "Would you be interested in buying a cookie?" Cookie Kid! Of course, I still didn't have cash on me, but we agreed that I would pick up some cash and he would come back Monday.

Sure enough, Monday night about 7:30, there was a knock on our door. I opened the door and it was him. I threw up my arms and announced "COOKIE KID!" We chatted. He was selling pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, doing it for some extra spending money for the holidays, wants to buy his own presents this year without hitting up his mom. While he didn't say it, I think money might be a little tight in the house this year. Regardless, this was his solution. And oh, the cookies were fifty cents each. Fifty cents? Good grief, how many cookies would he have to sell at fifty cents a piece to have any kind of extra spending money?

Lithus and I had already talked about it. So, I said "How about I take two and I'll give you ten bucks a piece for them." Cookie Kid started to quiver, seriously, head to toe quiver, until busting out a smile and saying "That would work. You could even have three, if you wanted!" I took two.

I have no idea why this young man got under my skin so much. I see a lot of kids who remind me of the kids from my life, including my own younger self. I see a lot of kids trying to do something in the small towns we visit. But this one...this one made me weepy. But you know what? I don't have to know. I'm okay not knowing. Call it the spirit of the season. Call it my being vulnerable or gullible. Call it whatever you want. They were damn good cookies and I was happy to spend $20.00 on them.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.