I was in the grocery line the other day for a very VERY LONG time. I had too many items for the express checkout, because you know I'm not "one of those" people who get in the "20 items or less" line and pretend I didn't "notice" the sign.

I was in a hurry. Who isn't anymore? And I was getting a little more than anxious.

The elderly man behind me said something kinda grumpily to a passing "team member" employed by the store about opening more lanes, to no avail. I avoided turning around and playing the "lets gripe about the lack of open checkouts game" with him.

Standing in line, I'm starting to get really warm in my long wool jacket as I had only ran in for my 23 items and was spending twice as much time in the checkout line as it took me to whip my cart up and down the aisles to get my "stuff".

Just then, something fell out of cart of the lady in front of me. The lady was trapped in front of her cart and didn't even see the item fall. I stepped in front of my cart and picked up the fallen item and told her "this fell on the ground" as I set it on the belt, along with her other items. Then I asked her if she'd like me to put the gallon of milk and bottle of laundry detergent that were on the bottom front of her cart, up on the belt too? She said "Oh yes, God bless you... thank you so much." Her sincere gratefulness and lovely smile prompted a warm "you're very welcome" from me in turn.


As I was getting back behind my cart, the man behind me said, "That was nice, Miss." I turned around and smiled at him and he smiled back.

And it seemed as if the impatient waiting wasn't so annoying anymore.



I try to behave in a way that would honor my parents (especially my Mom) who taught me to be thoughtful, tolerant, forgiving, respectful, grateful, generous and kind.

I hope I will always be making Mom proud.