A Trip to the Hunting Grounds
The hunting and gathering genes from my prehistoric ancestors are acting up. So,
I need to take a trip to my feeding grounds. Smith's is more than a grocery store. It's our community center. There is always someone you know. You can catch up on recent news-in personmuch better than using social media. Sometimes a quick trip can last an hour. The staff is like a second family. After a few years you get to know their personalities. The women who help you check out are generally pleasant, friendly and good conversationalists. One woman is faster than a speeding bullet, another is sweetly shy, a third is rather stern-shoplifters beware. After standing for eight hours, do they have to treat their feet to warm soaks? The men are silent and strong as they move the tons of products. Do their wives or children give them a backrub when they get home? Do the people who work in the refrigerated areas have blue fingers? There are three workers who never look at you or smile. What burdens they must be carrying. Deirdra is their remarkable fearless leader. She has the discipline of a father and the heart of a mother. I never had a boss who pitches in when there is a need, but she does, as well as being available to customers and always with a cheery hello. Power outages, water leaks, delayed orders, lack of truck drivers, or skyrocketing prices are expertly handled by Wonder Woman. Of course, the staff gets to know OUR personalities-the good, the bad, and the ugly.
There is a treasure trove of items on salesome that are needed, some interesting items that you wouldn't try at full price. What I received of most value was what they did during Covid. They are our fellow humans. But while we fearfully hid in our homes or behind masks and sanitizers, they continued to work every day, exposed to thousands of nameless germs. Their courage was exceptional.