I woke up extra early to run to Publix and grab something quick to eat for lunch. It was projected to be a busy day that included multiple meetings and reports to complete, which meant ten hours at my desk and no time for my typical lunch outing. At the register is an overly enthused middle-aged man. He rung me up with a smile. I returned a grin. I’m not a morning person but I endeavor to be polite. The cashier handed me the receipt, gazed at me intensely and said, “You are a very beautiful lady and I pray you have a good day.” I looked in his dark brown eyes and could sense a sincerity that filled me with warmth. The interaction took me by surprise. Blushed, I graciously offered thanks and wished him the same.
My day began as predicted, meetings and reports. I was especially anxious for the meeting with the Market Manager which involved only two participants, myself and him. There had been layoffs this week for reason of budget cuts but, surely given I’m a great asset to the company, I wouldn’t be a part of those dismissed. The hour came right before lunch. The manager mouthed, “You’ve been laid off.” All other words following that statement were spoken upon deaf ears.
Typically, I practice taking what people say to me in stride by allowing both negative and positive commentary to go in one ear and out the other. However, today this act was challenging and it became so in the morning when presented with that kind man’s words. It’s not as though I haven’t heard a compliment before, even if most were uttered to my less than receptive ears, all were equally meaningful. Yet, to be called beautiful and to be given well wishes from someone who had the purest intent felt like a rarity. Consequently, it made me proceed the day open to receive.
Fast forward to an hour before lunch and my practice of stride was challenged again. While seated in front of my manager as he presented the unwelcome news, I felt the type of upsetting warmth that witnesses pull out their phones to record. I pictured a rage that threw chairs, tossed papers, and raised two middle fingers but then my thoughts repeated, “You’re a beautiful lady; I pray you have a good day.” Echoing this brought forth the image of sincerity and somehow caused me to remain collected. I thanked my manager for the opportunities I was provided while employed and asked that he’d gift me a recommendation letter. Later, in mist of packing the contents within my desk, my cellphone buzzed with a voicemail containing a message of an interview for a position I’d applied for on a whim a few weeks back. Enthused, I felt so compelled to tell the kind man from this morning the occurrences of today.
Subsequently, I stopped by Publix before heading home and walked up to the customer service desk to inquire of his next working day. The young lady at the counter asked me his name. It took a minute before the image of his badge came to memory. “The cashier’s name is Samuel.” Her smile immediately went away. “I’m sorry ma’am,” she said regretfully. “He had a heart attack around 10 am and not too long after we were informed of his passing.” My eyes began to water as she continued. “Some of us are planning to go to his funeral so, I could jot down your number and provide you with the details as they come; if you’d like.” With an appreciative smile I replied, “Yes, I’d like that very much.” “He used to leave people little notes with inspirational phrases,” she boasted. “He never missed a day; he was our miracle worker.” I quickly without hesitation responded, “Today, for me he was the voice of serenity.”
Kind words hold the most meaning,
Alisia
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