Bay Bridge Toll

Our big brown(with a stylish tan stripe) Ford Econoline Van traveled over the Bay Bridge many times when I was younger. It was usually me who begged my Mom to take us to San Francisco....she didn't love it -- but she loved me...so we went.

Toll $1 -- I loved seeing that sign -- knowing we were headed towards crossing the bridge (it was nothing like the San Mateo because it looked like you were driving into the sky but that's another story altogether) I can't remember how or when this started but it became a tradition for us to pay the Toll for the car behind us. Now remember, we were in the Econoline, and Mom would pay for the BMW, Porche, or Wood Paneled Station wagon -- no matter who it was, we paid. As a young girl, I honestly never noticed what they drove, I noticed their face. All the kids would sit in the way back of the van (back when you could walk around the van) and watch (as my Mom drove really slow) to see the funny looks on their face when the operator of the Toll Booth told them they'd been paid for. We saw all different looks, confusion, laughter, excitement - many times they'd speed up to say "thanks" to us. I LOVED IT!!! and honestly, I don't know what we did in the City those days -- I just know I LOVED the feeling of spontaneously giving!

This morning I was in my thinking spot, yes, the shower -- and I was thinking about the Annual Scouting for Food drive that is coming up. I got so excited because we have always given Food for any food drive that comes up -- but we've never had a lot to give. This time we still don't have a lot -- but we have a bit more than we ever have and so I'm excited to go buy some food that will be just for the food drive...something that is meant special for those who need it. Ah -- my heart was warmed by this thought.

I visit teach a girl who told me that at Christmas time, someone she knew (I think her Dad) has paid the bills of everyone around them at a restaurant before. I had never thought of that. It's next on my list. I LOVE giving & I LOVE surprises. Wouldn't that be great to sneak out of the restaurant but watch their faces from afar as they walk out...or stay there but act surprised, like you got your paid for too -- then they'd never know it was you. Honestly, I'd LOVE it.

Not all of us can give monetarily -- we have never been able to help out that way a lot -- BUT I know that we touched the lives of those crossing the Bay Bridge for just $1. I also know that my life has been touched by a simple phone call from someone who "missed seeing me at church" or a note that says they care.

How can you touch someones life by paying their "toll?"