The Umbrella

I loved Elder Eyrings talk on helping in the Lord's way today. In the wake of all of these disasters, we have seen many moved with compassion and love, reaching out in action to help in any way they can. I am excited for our day of service and can't wait to find out what we are doing. I was reminded of an act of love I witnessed just recently.
It was our first day in Disneyland. Halfway through the day, it started to rain. This wasn't just a few drops, it was a steady drizzle that continued for hours. We had come unprepared for this. We tried not to let it dampen our spirits and continued on with our scheduled plans. I wasn't so concerned about myself getting wet. It was a little chilly and I was worried about the baby. All I had was a blanket to cover Dallin to shield him from the wet and cold. He was getting hungry and I separated myself from the group to find a dry place to feed him. It seemed everyone was trying to get out of the rain, however. It took me several minutes to find a dry place to sit. There were no caution cones to let us know that the cement was slippery when wet and I was slipping and slidding as much as I was walking around in my search for a bench. Dallin was screaming when at last I found a dry seat under a covered porch. As I sat there feeding Dallin, a young girl who couldn't have been more than 12 appeared out of nowhere. Holding out her newly bought Universal Studios umbrella, she offered it to me. I was taken aback as I looked at her, realizing what she was offering me. She must have watched me as I was desparately trying to get out of the rain with my baby. She insisted I needed it more than she did. I sat there for a few seconds trying to decide if I should accept her offering, knowing that at Disneyland, buying an umbrella is not cheap. And, she wasn't just letting me borrow it. We were complete stangers. I knew I would never see her again. She was giving it to me to keep. I looked in her eyes and saw her sincere compassion. I knew I couldn't say no. It was coming from the bottom of her heart. She was doing what the Savior would do, helping someone in need. She had the kindest smile. My heart was touched. I tried to express my deepest gtratitude as trite as it sounded. It may have been a little chilly, but I know her step was a little lighter and her heart a little warmer as she walked away. I will never forget the kindness of a young girl who saw the need of another and gave out of the goodness of her heart. I pray that the Lord will bless her for her thoughtfullness, whoever and wherever she is.