I've been going to Solano Jewelers for years. I also wrote a little article about them for the Monthly, eons ago. And I've always enjoyed talking to Aline, but she has now blown my mind with her kindness.
I told her yesterday (while picking up a watch she had repaired) that I would be selling the watch and other jewelry and moving out of state because an unthinkable tragedy has turned my life upside down, greatly affecting my financial situation, among other things. I shared the details, and she gave me a heartfelt hug and told me everything was going to be okay.
Today she called and said she was interested in buying the watch. I was really surprised but pleased, so I headed over there. She asked how much I thought I could get for the watch, then handed me a pile of $20s exceeding that amount. She insisted that I keep both the money and the watch. She said she knew how long I'd had that watch; she's worked on it many times, and so has her late father. And I think she felt quite moved by the troubles I'm facing and wanted to do something to help.
I kept refusing the money, but she thrust it in my wallet, and of course I was happy to have it. And then she gave me another warm hug, and we both cried.
I will never forget the generosity and thoughtfulness she showed me today.
