Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022
In the town where I live,
It has become widespread —
“Have a nice rest of your day”,
Is what’s said as one leaves
Any place of business.
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That’s the line from the
Clerk, cashier, barista, bank teller, exercise classmate.
Sometimes I wonder if it’sÂ
Just a string of automatic, mindless words.
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This week I was in a very large grocery store,
Seeking the “unusuals” on my list.Â
I was nearing “end-of-my-rope”.
Store unfamiliar, too big, too confusing.
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Finally, an employee appeared at end of long aisle.
Racing to catch her,
I asked location of what I wanted.
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“Let me walk you there”.
She did; there it was, obvious now
With her guidance.
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As I thanked her,
“Have a nice rest of your day” was response.
Hmmm— I thought ,Â
You have to say that,
You represent the store.
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Next was to get in long line for check-out.
New lane opened, another checker available.
Bob and I were second in line behind womanÂ
Cart over-flowing with every food item imaginable.
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As she began to unload,
She looked at us and our cart.
“STOP” she told checker.
“Take them first, with their five items.”
That is what happened!
Somehow the two items rung up for her,
Held, until after we were through.
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Thanking her, looking directly into each other’s eyes,
She said, “I know you”.Â
“Well, not me — I think my mother, Gertrude Johnson,
 Used to come to you for massage.
Mom loved her time with you.”
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She was right. Gertrude used to come for massage.
I had never met this daughter.
Last massageÂ
I gave Gertrude was 15 years ago.
I’ve not seen Gertrude since.
Remarkable!
You can imagine my feeling amazed and honored.
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Really, the feeling was gratitude.
Gratitude that my work, my presence
Had enhanced someone’s life.
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Hugs,
Lin
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Limerick:
AÂ phrase that’s said often half-hearted,
Can fall on deaf ears; message thwarted.
What IF we can hear
Intended good cheer?
It can be connection “jump-started”.
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Leave a comment for me below!
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It must be the season. A woman gave up her spot in line for me yesterday also.
Hope you and Bob have a Happy Thanksgiving with family, friends or just you two.
I’ll take that seasonal behavior year-round! Lovely to experience. 🙂 Hope your Thanksgiving was just right for you.
Thanks for dealing with my frustration and turning it into a positive!
Always, Susan! 🙂