Say, Miss

I cook, therefore, I grocery shop. I prefer early morning forays so I can avoid the masses but there are always a few shoppers who join me at that hour. My favorite co-shopper is a gentleman who owns a coffee kiosk in the neighborhood. He loads up on cream, crushed ice and milk and he flies through the store at a determined pace. Despite his focused speed, he always smiles and greets me with a kind, "Good Morning!" As women my age know, our species is usually invisible to most folks so I appreciate his acknowledgement. The early morning checkers are also friendly and patient with my heaping cart of purchases. Best of all, they don't judge. (The potato chips are for medicinal purposes.)

This morning, I followed an elderly gentleman (even older than myself) into the store. He seemed a bit lost and at one point he looked at me and said, "Say, miss. Can you tell me where the carts are?" My thought bubble said, "Is this your first trip to a grocery store? The carts are always by the entrance." I clearly needed clarification so I pointed at my cart and asked, "Are you looking for a cart?" He glanced at my cart and nodded. Just as I was going to direct him to the entrance he said, "I need a Christmas cart for my wife." It was at that moment I realized we had a situation on our hands. His hearing was not so good. My hearing is not so good. Some quick translation was needed. I said, "Do you want a Christmas card (emphasis on D)? Of course, that was the correct word.

Fortunately, we were very near the cards and I directed him toward the Dorito chips on the end cap of the card aisle. We exchanged Christmas greetings like we were old friends and I

made my way toward the cottage cheese. I secretly marveled at the thoughtfulness of an elderly gentleman who made the effort to buy a Christmas card for his wife. Lucky lady, I think. As I worked my way to the checkout, I saw the gentleman, now wandering near the front, no card in hand. It is possible he did not find what he was looking for or he forgot why he was in the card aisle and was now searching for foot powder. I hope he has a pleasant Christmas, card or no card.

We are never guaranteed a perfect holiday when we live in the real world. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest are the glossy imposters. It is best to be yourself and embrace the strange, odd, prickly and interesting characters in your life.

Please, pass the Chex Mix.