I lost it at The Christmas Tree Shop...(long)

[luvflorida]

I've never quite had something come over me like it did today. I went to The Christmas Tree Shop this morning, picked up a few things and got in line at the cash register. In front of me was an elderly couple. The woman was in a wheelchair and the basket built into the front of it was loaded with Christmas items. Her husband was in front of the wheelchair unloading the items onto the counter. They were both very old and neither one could move very quickly. The woman sat holding and petting some type of stuffed dog on her lap. The man was putting each item carefully onto the counter and every once in awhile he would say something jokingly to the clerk. The clerk never acknowledged anything he said.

When it came time to pay, the woman took out her checkbook but didn't have her license. She started to get upset, but her husband pattted her hand and told her not to worry. He said he would go out to the car and get it, so he proceeded to shuffle off in search of the license. The clerk crossed her arms and stood there looking grumpy.

By this time, people in line behind me started to sigh, shake their heads and show their impatience. I, on the other hand, was getting a lump in my throat and I knew I was about to cry. The elderly couple was just so sweet, but everyone around them was making me incredibly sad. The clerk was wrapping up the purchases when she picked up a ceramic Santa figurine and started to wrap it in tissue paper. I noticed that one the Santa's arms was broken off and missing. That's when I lost it and the tears came. As best I could, I told the clerk that the Santa was broken and that she should get a new one for the woman. I wanted to tell her to be a little nicer and more pleasant to the couple, but I couldn't get it out. I put my stuff down and headed out of the store. I cried most of the way home.

Normally this type of behavior and impatience in people would make me mad. I didn't feel angry,though, just unbelievably sad. Maybe it's because I lost my dad last year and maybe it's because I turned fifty this year. I don't know. I'm not even sure why I'm posting this.

Yes I do, I guess I'd like to remind all of us to be extra kind and tolerant of the elderly. We'll all be in their shoes some day.

 

[perdidobay]

Amen, sister..........

 

[Cinderella2004]

I have tears right now too. I hope when we all get older, our spouses are as caring. To bad for those people around you.

 

[robertsmom]

I've never quite had something come over me like it did today. I went to The Christmas Tree Shop this morning, picked up a few things and got in line at the cash register. In front of me was an elderly couple. The woman was in a wheelchair and the basket built into the front of it was loaded with Christmas items. Her husband was in front of the wheelchair unloading the items onto the counter. They were both very old and neither one could move very quickly. The woman sat holding and petting some type of stuffed dog on her lap. The man was putting each item carefully onto the counter and every once in awhile he would say something jokingly to the clerk. The clerk never acknowledged anything he said.

When it came time to pay, the woman took out her checkbook but didn't have her license. She started to get upset, but her husband pattted her hand and told her not to worry. He said he would go out to the car and get it, so he proceeded to shuffle off in search of the license. The clerk crossed her arms and stood there looking grumpy.

By this time, people in line behind me started to sigh, shake their heads and show their impatience. I, on the other hand, was getting a lump in my throat and I knew I was about to cry. The elderly couple was just so sweet, but everyone around them was making me incredibly sad. The clerk was wrapping up the purchases when she picked up a ceramic Santa figurine and started to wrap it in tissue paper. I noticed that one the Santa's arms was broken off and missing. That's when I lost it and the tears came. As best I could, I told the clerk that the Santa was broken and that she should get a new one for the woman. I wanted to tell her to be a little nicer and more pleasant to the couple, but I couldn't get it out. I put my stuff down and headed out of the store. I cried most of the way home.

Normally this type of behavior and impatience in people would make me mad. I didn't feel angry,though, just unbelievably sad. Maybe it's because I lost my dad last year and maybe it's because I turned fifty this year. I don't know. I'm not even sure why I'm posting this.

Yes I do, I guess I'd like to remind all of us to be extra kind and tolerant of the elderly. We'll all be in their shoes some day.

I probably would have reacted the same way. (Just reading your post almost made me cry!) Maybe, like you, its because when I see a loving older couple, it makes me miss my father (who's been gone for five years) that much more. Life is so short - and kindness only takes a minute.

 

[Pam]

I don't know. I'm not even sure why I'm posting this.

Yes I do, I guess I'd like to remind all of us to be extra kind and tolerant of the elderly. We'll all be in their shoes some day.

I'm glad you posted this! I feel the same way - I just turned 44 a couple of months ago. Like you, I've had my eyes opened up as to how we treat the elderly and disabled.

Now, instead of huffing and puffing and trying to dart around somewhere in a wheelchair, or walking with the aid of a cane or walker - or just shuffling along, I try to slow down my pace and stay off their heels. I take the extra time to enjoy and appreciate the lovely fall foliage, a bird chirping in the trees.

Thanks for the gentle reminder that one day we will all be elderly.

 

[minkydog]

Im glad you caught it before the clerk put it in the bag. That was good of you to notice it. When I see people being impatient with the elderly or handicapped in our midst I just have to shake my head. They obviously think it will never happen to them. Well, folks, here's a newsflash: If you live long enough, you're going to be elderly too. Better start acting like you care (and teaching your kids!)because it's gonna be here before you know it.

 

[Serena]

 

[Pinnie]

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. Bless you for your patience and understanding and for pointing out the Santa's lost arm. MY mom is 86 and is slow and it pains me when we get the "hurry UP" stares from others around us when I take her anywhere.

pinnie

 

[Saphire]

You are a good and kind soul, luvflorida.

 

[RitaZ.]

Some people are morons, it's that simple. I guess they think that they will never get old or sick. Over the years, I have had my share of "words" with rude clerks that were nasty and impatient with elderly customers.

 

[nana2tots]

 

[luvflorida]

You are a good and kind soul, luvflorida.

Thank you, but I felt like a sappy wimp. I wish I had said something more to the clerk or the people behind me, but I just wanted to get out of the store.

 

[TimeforMe]

awwww, what a sadly sweet story. I, too, have a lump in my throat reading it. I wish you people could be a little more kinder and gentler, don't you? I don't get it.

The other day I was in the bank line and there was only one teller open. In front of me were two very old ladies, one of whom had a walker. They were asking the teller a million questions, counting all their money a gazillion times and just generally taking a long time. I couldn't help but smile at them, though, and realized I had nowhere so pressing to go to that I couldn't just grin and bear it, which I did.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

You sound like a very compassionate person.

And it's so true, anything at anytime can happen to anybody, and of course if you make it to a ripe old age, than there is that in itself to face. So it's a nice reminder to take a step back, and have a bit of understanding.

 

[Jillpie]

Awesome post.

 

[C.Ann]

That would have killed me.. I would have paid for the stuff rather than have that elderly gentleman have to shuffle all the way back to his car.. The way you described how he was tending to his wife.............you've got me crying now..

 

[Mimi Q]

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

A nice reminder - particularly with the upcoming season - people can get so impatient this time of year.


When my husband gets upset with older people and their driving and is shouting something in the car --- I remind him "That is someone's sweet grandma or grandpa you are yelling at..."

 

[MoniqueU]

20 percent of the human population will become disabled. 100 percent if they are lucky will become elderly. People do need to become more compassionate. That made me miss my husbands grandparents something fierce. I hope that sweet couple has the best christmas ever.

 

[cristbaby]

I recently had an experience in our local supermarket. Two very elderly women were looking for something and it appeared that they could not find it. I asked them if I could be of some help and they showed me their list. I helped them find everything on it and loaded up their cart. After a pleasent thank you from them I went back to doing my own shopping. What a nice feeling I got, so please make time for the elderly.