First Impressions Don't Tell The Whole Story

It seems like I go to my neighborhood Safeway grocery store about every other day because with my MS, it's easier to go more often and get smaller loads of groceries. I know just about everyone there, not on a first name basis or anything but enough to have lots of chit-chat.

I went there on Monday and the only check out line that was open had a woman working it that I'd never seen there before. I got into the line and unloaded my cart. I said hello to her and he said hello back but, other than that she didn't even really look at me. After she totalled my groceries I noticed that the register didn't subtract any of my discounts so I mentioned it to her and she didn't really offer me any help. I had to go over to the customer service desk and wait for my refund.

The whole time I was standing there I was thinking to myself how unfriendly and unhelpful she was. If I were having one of "those days" I might have sighed a little loudly or looked a bit perturbed about the whole thing but I was proud of myself that I didn't make an issue of it and that I was patient. (You know I'm not the most patient person in the world but, I try).

After I got home I was unpacking my groceries and reached into the bottom of one of the bags and pulled out a Christmas ornament! I was wondering where it came from and then I remembered the check out lady had reached under her counter for a bag when there were plenty of them already out. I had wondered at the time why she did that. She did it so I wouldn't notice her sneaking the ornament into my bag. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness, generosity and Christmas spirit. Was I ever glad I kept my patience. Imagine how bad I would've felt if I'd been less than patient.

Instead of thinking about the unfriendly lady at the grocery store who's line I would probably have avoided in the future, I'm thinking that I'll deliberately get in hers next time and maybe I can do something to make her day a little better too. Just like she did for me.