100 Watts of Love Amplified
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.