Small Things

Early last week, someone stole the catalytic converter off of my truck, which was parked in the office lot.

For those of you who don't know, the catalytic converter is the part of a vehicle's exhaust system that converts polluting gases into less harmful emissions. It sits between the engine and the muffler. And it also, apparently, contains platinum -- the magnet drawing thieves to cut them from vehicles that sit a little higher off the ground and are easy to get under with a Sawzall or similar cutting tool. You know, like an SUV.

Catalytic converters are also expensive to replace. While a thief might get somewhere around $100 per part on the black market, those of us who have to buy the parts legitimately pay around $500-$600 for them. Not to mention installation, which doubles the cost -- or more, depending on how the part is attached to the vehicle (bolted on or welded).

Expense -- and inconvenience -- aside, I also suffer from embarrassment every time my truck roars to life in the morning on my way to work or in the grocery parking lot. The noise and vibration are maddening on trips longer than a few miles and make listening to NPR (or, for that matter, music of any kind) virtually impossible.

But I'm whining. And that's not the point.

Thrift store miracle

by Mary Beth Hetrick

It was fifty percent off day at the Salvation army. As a sociologist, watching the people shopping was facinating...after all school starts tomorrow and not all children can go to the mall, or even Kmart. Money is tight.

One family was there with a crisp 10 bill for each child, and the kids were entertained for over an hour shopping for a back to school pair of pants and top.

One girl, around age 11, was shopping with her Gram, and she begged to go to Kohls. Gram said, "Girl, you have 20 dollars so deal." The little girl tried on skirts, boots, looked at purses...nothing practical for back to school. Gram sat in a folding chair and just waited it out.

A store manager walked by this mini family drama several times and finally asked the girl what size she was. A few minutes later she came back with a pair of jeans and a top -- with the Macy's tags still on them. The look of hopeful anticipation on the girl's face brought tears to my eyes. She tried the clothes on... Glory, they fit! She looked good. She knew it. She could afford both, and the boots she had wanted earlier too. And she had six dollars left after picking out her purchases.

The girl looked at her Gram, took her arm and said, "Hey, let's get you something." They walked off arm in arm.

Some children do not have new clothes for this back-to-school time -- or for Easter or Christmas. They have slightly worn. And that angel at the Salvation Army who made a such a difference in a young girl's life with a simple act of kindness...she is going to go home tonight, and just before bed that little girl's joy will make her pause and smile.

Thank God for people like her -- and for Grams who patiently wait it out and give small miracles a chance to happen.

Mary Beth Hetrick is a sociologist and childcare specialist. She lives in a suburb outside of Detroit, Michigan, where the unemployment rate is still over 20% and where -- miraculously -- people in the community are pulling together in a breathtaking display of mutual support.

Beth is also my best friend.