The lost key
I just got back from a warm and sunny trip to Thailand to a cold and snowy Stockholm.
I do appreciate the contrasts though. It makes everyday life more interesting and gives you a sense of progress. About ten years ago I lived in Thailand for a year and the thing I missed most was the "real seasons" of spring, summer, fall and winter.
Anyway, the first thing I did when I got home was go out and get some groceries. When I got back, I realized that I had lost my apartment key. I had it with me for two months in Thailand - in bags, in pockets, on motorcycles, on boats, in cars - and on the first day back home, I lost it. I couldn't believe it!
If there is such a thing as good weather for losing your keys, this was not it. The streets were covered in deep snow and there, somewhere, was a little key with a tiny white tag. The chances of finding it were terrible. But I tried my best.
I slowly walked back to the places I had visited, looking and looking. I also asked all the stores along the way if anyone had dropped off a key in the last half hour or so. Same answer every time: "No, sorry."
I finally gave up and called my mom and told her I was coming over to get the spare key (a three hour drive back and forth). As I was talking to her, I saw some kind of service box. I couldn't believe my eyes - there it was! Some kind soul must have found it in the snow and left it there, hoping the owner would find it.
It wouldn't have been the end of the world if I hadn't found it, of course, but things like that just make you feel so good. Not just for the hassle saved. It gives you that loving feeling of people doing something for no personal gain other than trying to help a stranger.
It gives you hope. It makes you feel warm, even in a cold Sweden.
To whoever you are, stranger:
Thank you! ♥️