Sunday, May 23rd, 2010...10:25 pm

Have A Nice Day

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An elderly woman shuffled into my department on Saturday afternoon, while I was assdeep in a late shift and really feeling it. I pretty much ignored her, choosing to fill flower buckets and give the floor a quick sweep. After a few minutes, during which I didn’t see her appear interested in even one item, it was clear she had not come into the store to shop.

“Ma’am, can I help you find something?”

“No. Well, do you know Janet Green*?”

“Yes. She’s a customer of mine. Well, she was. She hasn’t been in for a while. She’s ill.”

“I know. She passed away.”

I was struck silent by grief. Janet and I weren’t friends, exactly, but we were friendly. There was a certain rose that she absolutely loved and I would call her if a shipment came in and her rose was there. I saw her every two weeks or so for over a year. She was always amiable and lovely, quick with a smile and to recognize how hard I was working. Each time she thanked me for taking the time to accommodate her little flower habit.

Janet told me about a year ago that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Only 65 and a fit, petite little spitfire, she said she would have surgery, some treatments, and get on with it. I figured if anyone could do it, she could. But she got sicker, when she should have gotten better. And then sicker. And, the last time I called her and she came to get her flowers, she said that she would just come in when she could and I didn’t have to call anymore.

That was nine months ago. I never saw her again. I often wondered how she was doing but didn’t think it appropriate that I call. Apparently, she died last week.

The elderly woman standing before me said that she had just come from Janet’s memorial service. She told me that someone who spoke at the service had mentioned me and my kindness to Janet and how much it had meant to her.

I was floored. I didn’t do anything for her that I wouldn’t have done for any customer who had asked, but it had been enough to matter.

So, tomorrow, even though I hate my job with every fiber of my being, I’m going to make an effort to be nice to everyone I encounter. Just for a day. Just for Janet.

*Not her real name. But based on her real name. So, you know, like a puzzle. To which you will never know the answer.

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Filed under current events, reality bytes

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