Part I:  ‘Tis the Season for Giving

I’m writing this blog because of something that happened at my grocery store and because my journalist friend Mary Jane in Nebraska said I should.  And, because this is the season for giving.  So, here goes.

I happened to be shopping at my grocery story, picking up some things that I thought I needed.  And, even though, I do use their on-line / pick up, these days, there are times when I just want to go into the store and wander and see what’s new.  After I had the things I couldn’t live without, I went to the only open cashier and placed my items on the conveyor belt … and waited.

After a bit of waiting, I became aware of a tiny, elderly lady shopper in the line in front of me.  And, I waited.  And, waited.  Not being in a hurry (I’m retired – what else do I have to do?), I started eavesdropping on the cashier / customer conversation.  As I listened, I became aware that something was wrong.  The more I listened, the more I realized that something was very wrong.

My grocery store is located less than one block from a building with senior citizens as residents; one of the buildings in my city specifically designed for senior occupancy.  So, my store is frequented by these seniors.  As I paid more attention to the situation in front of me, I became aware of the dress, the physical appearance, and physical condition of the lady in front of me.

When the cashier and the staff member sacking the groceries began taking items out of the bags and removing their cost from the total owed, I realized what was really going on.  The shopper did not have enough cash for the groceries she had planned to purchase.

It was almost a “game” of will this item get the total down enough to be affordable for the woman or won’t it?  But, the game was not being successful.  The total was still too high.  So, the shopper brought out what I observed to be debit cards to charge the rest.

Alas, the cards were not accepted by the card machine.  This lady seemed to be up that proverbial “creek without a paddle.”  (You know, that is one of my favorite expressions because it fits so many different situations.)

Anyway, when the “reduction process” started, I had though, I need to do something, here.  Offer to make up the difference.  Pay for the whole thing.  Do something!  But, I didn’t.  I just stood there listening.

The reduction process continued for some time.  Waiting in line – very patiently – were three other shoppers and myself.  We all seemed to know what was happening.  The cashier and the bagger were so incredibly patient and kind to this lady.  A floor manager was called.  She, too, was patient and kind.  Nothing was working.

And, it finally occurred to me the something I should do.  So, I quietly talked with the cashier and said that I would be pleased to pay for the groceries.  Not just the items that the lady could not afford, but to make it easier for everyone – pay for the total of the groceries.  The cashier gave me a questioning look, but I assured her that this is what I wanted to do.  After all, I already had my check started for my groceries – I just needed to add the amount on the proper lines.

The lady said that I shouldn’t do it, but I told her that it was the thing to do.  I would brook no resistance.  Besides, she had to agree because I was bigger than she, and she had to do what I said – if just for this time.  Her groceries were successfully bagged and placed into her cart to walk home.  After thanking me, she left the store with her cart; I may never see her again.  Which is all right.

This is, after all, the season of giving.  But, when talking with sister Clara, she said, “Why does it have to be only a season?  Why do we limit ourselves for this kind of caring to a season?”

As I thought more and more about her questions, it became clear.  She is right.  Why does it seem that we have “a season” for giving?  I think my new plan will be to make this “season” last longer – day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year.  There is no rule that giving has to be money.  It can be time.  Caring.  Hugs and kisses.  A smile.  Carrying the groceries into the house.  Clearing the sidewalk of snow.    Sharing.  Running errands.  And … And … And … The possibilities ae endless.

Some may say, “I’ll try.”  But, I don’t believe in “try.”  I believe in DO!  Can I do this?  I don’t know, but I think I’ll give it my best shot.

 

Be Safe and Be Well

The Cranky Crone

Thoughtful comments are appreciated.