Wilson was casually dressed in jeans hanging below his paunch, a plaid shirt and boots. He entered Sears with one last Christmas gift in mind. He was instantly attracted to a plain, plump, young lady with three kids. The youngest, an infant, was squalling, and two toddlers were all over the place while the mother tried to make a purchase in the clothing department. She was angry, she was frustrated, she was about to cry.
"Can I help? I'd gladly hold your daughter while you finish."
I was taken aback; an older, homely man was offering to care for my daughter. He looks ordinary but honest, and for some unknown reason I'm drawn to him. He's the type of man I would normally look at but not see, however, there's something special about him. I need assistance, but can I trust my daughter to a stranger?
"I'm Wilson Harper. I'm not a kidnapper or child molester. I'm a simple guy who's willing to tend your children. I'll hold your daughter where you can see me, and watch the other two.
"Okay, yes I need help." She thrust her screaming daughter to him, "Her name is Lou Ann."
Wilson took the child. She quieted right away and wiggled in his arms while smiling and running her fingers over his face. The other two children came running, "Who are ya mister?"
"I'm Wilson and I'm holding Lou Ann so your mother can pay the cashier."
The kids were intrigued and asked questions.
While he talked to them, he observed their mother who was probably in her late twenties, wore an inexpensive dress, her brown hair was in a pony tail, and she was overweight in all the right places.
"Thank you. My children are such a hand full but at least that's the last thing I have to buy. Thanks again Mr..."
"Harper, Wilson Harper."
He isn't much to look at: homely in a Barney Fife way, a pot belly, and poor posture.
"Mr. Harper, I don't know how to repay you. You've been so kind."
"My pleasure Mrs..."
"I'm sorry I'm Sally, Sally Sissons. I'm actually recently divorced." Why did I tell him that? I don't usually talk openly to strangers.
"Is that a good or a bad thing?"
Is he a mind reader? Is he asking about my divorce or what I think he's thinking? "A good thing, I don't know why I stayed with him so long."
"Let's go mommy, I'm hungry," the five year old boy said.
"Me too momma, I want ta eat," said the little girl.
"Could I buy lunch for you and the children?"
"Oh no, no that would be asking too much especially the way my children behave."
"They're not a problem. We can go to the food court, they kids can use McDonald's playground and you can rest."
"If you're sure it's all right? Eating with three children can be quite an experience."
"It's not a problem. I take my nieces and nephews out to eat all the time; they behave the same way."
"Okay, thank you. You're very kind."
Wilson gave Sally thirty dollars. "This should be enough."
"Do you like hamburgers or chicken nuggets?" She hesitantly took the money.
"Both are fine with me."
With Mary Lou in his arms, he led David and Lynette to the central play area. He tended the infant, who cooed contentedly, while the toddlers ran in circles, played leap frog, and hide and seek.
Sally returned with four plastic bags.
"Mommy! Mommy! Why were ya gone so long? What did ya buy me? I'm hungry when is we gonna ta eat?" David, the five year old asked.
She placed the bags on a table and returned Wilson's change. She kissed her children and distributed the food and drinks. She took Mary Lou from Wilson, "I can't thank you enough. It was wonderful being able to shop and buy food without worrying about the kids."
"It was my pleasure. They pretty much took care of themselves. All I did was watch." He also watched Sally who didn't have an outstanding feature, but she had a nice personality.
As he ate he asked, "Where do you work?"
"I'm a clerk at a Hallmark Shop called Carols in the mall. I'm shopping here because its close and I don't have transportation. What do you do?"
"I'm a computer programmer for Burroughs and Chapin. You said you were divorced."
"Yes, after six years of physical and emotional abuse and three kids."
"I'm sorry; it must be difficult for you."
"It is. I love being a mom, even though it's difficult dealing with three children on my income."
