Clerk, cashier, barista, bank teller, exercise classmate.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s
Just a string of automatic, mindless words.
This week I was in a very large grocery store,
Seeking the “unusuals” on my list.
I was nearing “end-of-my-rope”.
Store unfamiliar, too big, too confusing.
Finally, an employee appeared at end of long aisle.
Racing to catch her,
I asked location of what I wanted.
“Let me walk you there”.
She did; there it was, obvious now
With her guidance.
As I thanked her,
“Have a nice rest of your day” was response.
Hmmm— I thought ,
You have to say that,
You represent the store.
Next was to get in long line for check-out.
New lane opened, another checker available.
Bob and I were second in line behind woman
Cart over-flowing with every food item imaginable.
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.
Thanking her, looking directly into each other’s eyes,
She said, “I know you”.
“Well, not me — I think my mother, Gertrude Johnson,
Used to come to you for massage.
Mom loved her time with you.”
She was right. Gertrude used to come for massage.
I had never met this daughter.
Last massage
I gave Gertrude was 15 years ago.
I’ve not seen Gertrude since.
Remarkable!
You can imagine my feeling amazed and honored.
Really, the feeling was gratitude.
Gratitude that my work, my presence
Had enhanced someone’s life.
Hugs,
Lin
Limerick:
A 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”.
Leave a comment for me below!
Help! This store is too big.
Smaller store, easier to find.
People-sized scale, easier for me. Here’s special treat!
Magnificent Maple tree. Spanning generations of shade, calm, even play space at its base… Perfect for fairy villages & troll houses, as my kids played here.
Happy Thanksgiving! So grateful for shared, happy, healthy moments.
Lin Bruce
Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"
Suzanne Pfau
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November 23, 2022
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.
