Heart to Heart

     I guess I should start off by telling you a little about myself. For anyone that doesn't know me personally, for the past few years (almost 5 to be exact) I've been working for a company here where I live that provides home health care for individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities. I've been with the same person the whole time and I've since been promoted to being his lead staff, managing his day program as well as his finances. 
     That being said, something very heartwarming happened to us today. We were out and about running some routine errands and we stopped by a store to pick up a small heater for my individual's room because it's been getting cold lately and for some reason his room hasn't been heating up well. 
     After the trip to the back of the store to grab the heater, we made our way to a checkout line. Being the holidays, they were all pretty busy so we just picked one at random. In front of us in line was an elderly couple chatting quietly and waiting to pay. I let my individual pick out a piece of candy because he was doing pretty well and it was a good treat for waiting patiently. 
     I said "excuse me" to the couple so they wouldn't be surprised by my individual. They smiled at me. After my individual picked out a bag of M&M's (his usual go to treat), we continued to stand in line.
     After a moment, the man in front of us turned to me. Hand outstretched, he said "I just want to say thank you for everything that you do for him". He nodded to my individual, who at this time was all smiles. I shook his hand and noted that he was wearing a retired armed forces hat. I said "Only if I can say thank you for everything you did for me".
     The look on his face as well as his wife's face was nothing short of priceless.
     The rest of the time we were in line (the span of maybe 5 minutes) we just chatted. The connection we shared was so pure and genuine. He told me that both of his sons were mentally disabled and that he had a deep respect for what I do. I told him that my dad is retired Navy.  
      Finally it was their turn to cash out. We shook hands one last time after they paid and they left after telling my individual "Merry Christmas". 
     It's moments like what happened today that warm my heart. I often wonder if what I do is worth it, and times like today remind me that it is.