I’m tempted to say, “I’ll take it”, but I know that’s not a good idea. But really, so many gorgeous sunny days in January – you’d think we were in Southern California. I keep leaving my house in the morning bundled up in scarf and gloves and big winter coat, only to have shed it all by the time I walk 15 steps to my car. What is going on? I’m going to blame George Bush et al cause that’s just the easiest thing to do.

So the new year began with my computer flashing this blue screen and freezing up for about two days. I found many new friends at Dell’s tech support office in Tampa. There was Eric who drinks way too much Mountain Dew (any amount of Mt. Dew is too much. Have I mentioned before that I think soda is the devil’s brew?) The there was Ian who, when told of my problems, muttered “oh the BSOD”. Turns out that stands for the Blue Screen of Death. But still they kept me going. Oh it’s a memory problem. Of it’s something you downloaded. Oh – we just don’t know.

Well, a few days later when smoke and fumes began pouring out of the back of the computer, I understood the true meaning of the BSOD. This time I got a nice young man named David. It was such a traumatic experience to see smoke come out of the computer that I began to cry while explaining to David what was going on. I also confirmed that my warranty went up in August.

He listened sympathetically, put me on hold while he talked to his manager (is this a car dealership?)When he got back on the phone, my crying has slowed down to some sniffles. He said, “My manager said we will replace the computer for free.” I was a bit stunned and stammered many thank you’s. Then I asked is it because I cried? “Well, that helped”, he said. 

Later on when I told people this story, everyone said – oh you and Hillary! Well, we both won…Tears – especially when they are tears that flow honestly, can’t help but affect those around you. Countless times I’ve had a person at the cash register tell me a story that brought both of us to tears. Sometimes crying and hugs are shared before I even know their name. Tears are contagious.