I happily set off for a brief stop in my town’s family-owned grocery store to support the first annual Supermarket Employee Day this afternoon! I happily walked the aisles appreciating all of these wonderful people who have come to work day in, day out, throughout the pandemic. They continue to bravely show up, sharing themselves in such unknown circumstances to help support the community at large. As passed by the manager’s desk, cashiers, and traveled through the one-way aisles, I took the time to look at each of them with a big smile hidden under my mask. I just wanted to take the time to appreciate something I’d been taking for granted throughout this year of upheaval around the world. It felt good!
Placing my groceries in my reusable bag with gratitude in my heart, I chatted with the friendly cashier who recognized my last name which opened up a nice conversation. I then looked up to see a friend from the past. Feeling so happy, I said hello! It sounded like I squealed with joy – which I did! My friend giggled with a friendly hello. After I sent a delightful goodbye to her (and the friendly cashier), I headed out to the parking lot with a bit of a skip in my step, feeling just that much lighter.
Within seconds, I heard, “Hey, Jodi!” My friend and I took the opportunity to commune, catching up from years of not seeing one another. The joy of my day continued as I connected with my community, a friend from years past and myself. Today, despite the fact that we were all wearing masks, I saw people and they saw me. It felt good! Thank you to all of the supermarkets & employees for keeping us fed and taken care of…for giving us a place to feel supported and for brief, six-foot distant visits with long lost friends!