Touched by the Moment
by John Mooy
Over the years I’ve tried to convince myself that I don’t prejudge people, categorize them or stereotype them. I’m sure I fall short and that was pointed out to me the other day.
I was in the local grocery store when I saw two young people walked into the store. The first thing I noticed was they didn’t seem to have the somewhat saddened looks on their faces that so many people I have observed lately do. Given the times we live in I just think life is difficult for so many people it has taken its toll on them
But this middle-aged man and woman who appeared to be a couple seemed from my first impression to be different. He was a bit on the scruffy side with longish brown unkempt hair while she had the appearance of one who may have worked long hard days. As they passed me in the aisle, she with her hands on the shopping cart, I noticed her hands appeared weathered and well worn. If I had to guess, I might say she worked at a factory job or something involving manual labor.
As they moved down the aisle, they would take an item off the shelf, and I could hear them discussing the item. Was it something they needed and could afford. I could chalk this up to smart shopping.
Then there was the occasional laughter from both of them who seemed to be enjoying this in store experience. While they passed down the “junk food” aisle, which can be such a temptation for me, they didn’t look much at anything. They kept on moving and selected an array of vegetables and some dairy products, cheese and milk. Now on to the meat counter – they selected a packet of chicken.
By this time I was thinking I hope these folks don’t turn and ask me what I was doing because I would have no other choice but to say I was curious as to who they were and more about their lives and their livelihood.
I checked out, left the store and as I often do just sat in my car as they walked out of the store. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I wondered what type of vehicle they were driving. I didn’t have to wait long for this question to be answered. They pushed their cart up to the back of an old van which was parked just across from me. By the looks of the van, I was surprised that it ran. It was literally held together by rust. He opened the two back doors, and she began to hand him their purchased items one at a time and he in turn placed them in the back of the van. When the job was completed, she walked to the passenger’s side of the van and just stood there. He took the shopping cart back to the area where the carts are stored and then headed back to the van.
Of course, I now felt almost guilty for the amount of time I had been observing this couple as if I were part of a stakeout. Of course it didn’t stop me from watching.
And what happened next made my day and my “spying” worthwhile. When this man returned to the van he walked around to the passenger’s side where the lady was still standing, and he reached out and opened the door for her. You heard it right, he opened the door for her and she got in. And then I saw him smile at her. You heard it right, he smiled at her. He walked to the other side of the van got in and off they went.
I sat there on the verge of tears in my eyes and left with these two thoughts:
The value of that van…………… almost worthless.
The value of the couple’s relationship…… priceless.
Just another observation……………….
I’m glad I didn’t miss.
Have a great week, Marcellus.
You’re the best.
Have a good week and search for the good.
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