She was in her 80s for sure.
She was alone.
She wore a wedding band on her left hand.
She had two items in her cart.
Her total came to $8.08.
Her hands trembled as she searched for change.
She was short two pennies so I gave them to the cashier but she didn’t notice.
I never notice things when I’m shopping or at the checkout line. I’m pretty oblivious to my surroundings actually.
But today I paid close attention. I don’t know why.
But it had such an effect that I started to cry after.
Was it because I pictured my mom in her?
Was it because I pictured myself in her?
Or was it because I wondered how she was living her life?
Did she have a husband? Was she widowed? How did she spend her day? Did she have children? Grandchildren?
Was she happy?
All this in a matter of an instant.
I started to think of my mom, who wouldn’t be able to go to the grocery store by herself because she doesn’t drive. I thought, if I lose my dad first, I’ll have to take care of my mom.
I started to worry about my mom’s blood pressure and recent heart issues and my dad’s forgetfulness and eyesight.
I thought of my own mortality too.
These thoughts flooded my mind and overwhelmed me within a few moments.
They came unexpectedly and threw me completely off my groove.
Meant to happen, I suppose.
And that’s okay.
Because sometimes we need an incident, no matter how insignificant – like a woman in a check-out line – to remind us to enjoy every minute and to tell those you love how much they mean to you.
8 Comments
I know why you cried. Every week I go to a nursing home with my dog to spend time with my two elderly aunts. It really puts life in perspective. I learn a lot from it. Helps me remember that most of the stuff I fret about doesn’t matter — at all — in the long run.
Thanks for sharing. Lovely post.
Thanks Pam 🙂
Scary – we’re really on the same wave length today… worried about my Mom also. I heart elderly people SO much. A few months ago I helped a little lady put her groceries in her car. She almost cried and said her own daughters aren’t that good to her. THAT made me cry for her! Won’t forget that.
That was so nice of you Dianne. It’s the little things that can really make a difference 🙂
That happens to me all the time. I often watch people move about their day and wonder what the other moments of their life are like, especially seniors. Are they happy? Do they have children? I also wonder what amazing stories they have to share, what amazing things they have done in their lives. A moment can live for a lifetime in your mind.
Thanks for sharing!
@Christy That’s gotta be the journalists in us, curious about other people’s stories!
Hi – visiting from BlogHer nominations. Those instants where we see past other people’s veneer also keep compassion and humanity alive. I could see it in the way you saw her.
Thank you so much!