an unexpected gift

Sometimes I discover things before my friends do.  Other times I’m years behind.  Like getting phone service through my cable provider.  Or, using a water filter.

Years and years ago I bought a Brita.  I think the usage instructions seemed too complicated so I put the pitcher and filter away and never used them.  Today I take them out but need to call Brita for help.  I get the lovely Tamara from Florida.

She is very knowledgeable, and easily explains each part. Tamara also doesn’t laugh when I ask stupid questions (like, is the filter inside the cylinder-shaped thing or is the cylinder-shaped thing the filter itself)? 

I am about to hang up, but then ask, “You know, the model I have is very old, and it’s been sitting in my cabinet for years.  Do you think the filter is even good anymore?”  Tamara tells me that it won’t be harmful, but it’s unlikely that it will still be effective.  I then give Tamara my model number, and she has a hard time (maybe an impossible time) finding filters for a model this old.

Me:  I should probably just toss this one and get another.

T:  I think so.  I’m not sure you’ll be able to find any filters for it.  But for your trouble, I can send you a $10 coupon.

Me:  Thanks, I appreciate that.  Do you think if I buy a new one at Bed Bath and Beyond, I can combine it with one of their 20% off coupons?

T:  Yes, definitely.

Me:  Great; that’s what I’ll do.

T:  Wait.  Which one would you want; I can maybe do something more for you.

I go on the BBB site and find the one I want.

            Me:  I’ll probably get the Brita Grand Carafe Pitcher (it’s $34.99).

            T:  What color?

Me:  Oh, I like the clear with the white.  But I’m not ordering it through you, because I can get the 20% of through BBB.

T:  Oh I know; I understand.  Just hold on a sec though.

            Me:  Okay.

T:  I’m feeling generous today.  And besides, I feel bad for you in cold New York.  I heard it’s freezing there today.

Me:  It is. I'm sorry, did you just say you’re sending me the new pitcher for free?

T:  Yup.

Me:  Really?  Wow.  That is so incredibly nice of you.

I am stunned by Tamara’s generosity.  I tell her I write a blog and can I write about this?  I want to make sure she won’t get in trouble.  She assures me she won’t.  It turns out she is a musician who plays multiple instruments.  She is talented as well as kind.

And it’s my good luck that Tamara isn’t performing today.