Linda Gutierrez in Albuquerque saw my FB Marketplace AD for the Kenwood microwave.
Mom wanted to upgrade from the small shoebox size one she bought to use when I was living in 500 square feet.
Now that I’m in a grown-up house, she wanted an adult-size microwave.
The microwave is for her when she comes to stay. And to heat Falco’s gourmet dinners. I prefer not to use them - I heat my homemade almond milk up on the stove every morning to go with my coffee.
I posted the AD as I was on my way out of town on a Friday. During my 5-hour drive, I must have gotten 10 hits, people asking if it was still available & could they pick it up right away. I was trying to coordinate a microwave meetup with buyers & Mom back in Santa Fe, communicating with them on messenger & Mom via text while speeding down I-25. Filtering through flakes, I became weary & told Mom we’d deal with it when I came back on Sunday.
And then I got a message from Linda. “When can I pick up?” I told her I was out of town & we could meet on Monday. “Sounds good I’ll inbox you by noon k so we can meet.” She touched base on Sunday night, “I need to be at UNM Tingley with my Grandson Danny – once we get out & on our way to SantaFe I’ll inbox you k. You’re SantaFe right?”
I figured out she was coming from elsewhere. Albuquerque. Why would someone drive 1 hour to buy a $25 shoebox size Kenwood microwave? Is there a surplus on microwaves right now? Maybe I should raise the price:)
I didn’t hear from her by noon on Monday, another microwave flake I thought. On my way to an appointment at 12:30, she messaged, could we meet. My Monday meetup window was closed & Mom was off gallivanting at Chick-fil-A.
We somehow got on the phone & Linda explained she got held up in ALBQ at the hospital with her Grandson. She would be coming again tomorrow for a doctor’s appointment if I had time to meet. Now I was very curious why she wanted this microwave. And I liked her spirit. Sweet, considerate, kind & clearly struggling…Grandson in the hospital, doctors in Santa Fe. Sure, I could meet her tomorrow.
The next day I went to meet her in the parking lot of Mariscos, across from Trader Joes. She was going to get a bite before her appointment. I hadn’t ever noticed this bustling Mexican restaurant before now & discovered it’s clearly the place to go.
I parked & carried the Kenwood to where her vehicle was in Handicapped – she was watching for me from her table & came out with her keys. Long thick curly hair brushing the back of her thighs as she limped. Sparkly eyeshadow like mine & a big smile. Despite her challenges.
She had the $25 in hand & held it to mine. I told her to keep it, the microwave was a gift. She practically cried & thanked me repeatedly. She was getting it for her Grandson, Danny Trujillo so he could heat up his pop-tarts. 9 years old, living with her since birth. Born with defects, ADHD, 2 brain injuries…
from the effect of drugs. “His MOM”, she spelled.
He’s currently recovering from an arm injury – the nurse slammed him up against a wall.
My heart sunk & fell.
Linda did not tell me these things to get sympathy, or play woe is me. She was just grateful for my kindness & the microwave. If I wasn’t holding back tears & on the verge of sobbing, I could have stayed there talking with her for some time. I asked her if there’s anything else major they need – maybe we’re parting with more household goods. No, not that she could think of, but thank you. I hugged her & she thanked me again, “God Bless You”.
God Bless You Dear Earth Angel Linda. I limped away with my heart hanging.