Portugal Prayer: Kindness Across Decades

How one woman’s courage and a grocer’s generosity came full circle - across time and miles.

Some stories stay with you.

In the late 1970s, I married into a third-generation family business in small-town Saskatchewan.

After World War II, my (future) grandfather-in-law, known as Old Dave, created cash to start a business by selling a "sure winner" Irish Sweepstakes ticket. He opened a grocery store. that would become the heart of that rural community.

By the time I joined the family, the business had been running for over 25 years. My father-in-law, Dave, was known for genuine customer service. In a town with three grocery stores, customer service was the real competitive advantage. Dave, did it better than anyone.

Shared a season of life

Like most rural couples in the 70s and 80s, we started a family.

Doris and I met at a prenatal class. We both had baby girls. Mine had threads of wispy blonde sprigs. Hers had tons of brunette waves. We laughed at the contrast.

Life moved on and carried us in different directions. Eventually, I had four children and found a niche teaching fitness. Doris had two children and worked in health care.

In the 1980s Doris chose to leave her marriage, start her own senior's care home business and raise her kids as a single parent. This was an era when people frowned upon such a thing.

Over time, jobs changed, addresses shifted, and our paths diverged. That’s the way it goes in small towns - you know everyone, even when you move away and don’t stay in touch.

A chance encounter in Beaumont

In July 2022, I was standing at a new ball diamond in Beaumont, Alberta.

I complimented the tournament organizer, “It’s beautiful. I had to struggle to do this in my small town."

I was surprised when she asked where I was from. “Shaunavon,” I said.

A voice from a nearby lawn chair nearby spoke, “My wife’s from Shaunavon." I whirled around and we introduced ourselves. His wife was Doris, whom I'd not seen for years.

The next day, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and there was Doris.

A prayer in Portugal

We hugged. We caught up. And then she shared a story that left me speechless.

“Last year, I was in Portugal, visiting the Holy Wall. The guide invited us to say a prayer for someone who had helped us. I remembered being at your family’s store when I didn’t have enough money. Your father-in-law waved me through the till and said, ‘That’s okay. Next time. Have a good day.’ So I sprinkled rose petals and said a prayer for Dave. He was such a good man.”

She smiled. I cried.

Quiet courage, lasting impact

How many Goliaths did Doris face as she ran a business and raised two children as a single parent? What courage she had. What kindness Dave had. What priceless treasures.

And I left that ball diamond holding the quiet power of kindness in a whole new way.

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