The Cashier

Fernando is a tall stocky, bullish man with short cropped mustache and beard. As he talks, he smiles. “You know you have to check in with God first thing in the morning and right before bed. He will guide you and show you what needs to be done. Too many people are worried about tomorrow carrying that burden,” as he points to the hunched part of his shoulders. “When I wake up I thank Him for a good night sleep and for the journey We will be taking today.  Too many people only check in with God when they need something or when they are in trouble.  I talk with God and thank him for everything.  Talk to him like a good friend." He chuckles in between thoughts but his words show a guidance, an understanding that he relies on. He points to his heart, “You have to be true here,” as he looks to the heavens. We talk some more as he shares his techniques to motivate himself daily. I thank him for his wisdom.   These "encounters" have changed my life...showing me t...

Devon is a personal trainer. Solid and self assured, he takes off his headphones to share his music. “This is what keeps me going. I feel this music and it helps me to raise my vibration. I want to channel all that I have into my clients, making sure that I can be of service. Then they can choose what part of a program would be best used through them.” Devon tells me for each of his clients he feels a responsibility to teach nutrition and everyday “healthy” living beyond the work with muscles. “I really put everything into what I do because I feel the gift I was given by God is something that needs to be shared.” Devon talked to me a lot about service, feeling the responsibility of giving back, and his connection with God. When he talked about God he talked about the vibration within. I believe Devon can teach me a lot about perseverance and faith. As he talked, his commitment to his life purpose was tangible. Conscious Living through the Light of God Outside Cashiering Encounter

Marie, with long straight blond hair and blue eyes looks tired with wrinkles that are ingrained in her skin like dried out river beds in a desert. But her light, her intensity, changes when she talks. “Do you know I still live in the same house in New Rochelle that I was born in. I have had neighbors come and go but I am still there. The high school looks the same but it definitely has changed.” She tells me more about her community and then switches her focus and a warmth comes over her. “I remember the place that made me feel most comfort, was the church across the street. I still remember at age thirteen going to the church alone and feeling such a sense of peace, away from all of the outside noise. There was such a sense of stillness there. Now He, (she gestures to the sky) is always with me.” Through our conversation, Marie makes several gestures with her hands to show a kind of path to the Lord being up and down and the physical life being a horizontal plane. There is a real...

Roslyn hesitates, almost as if waiting for me before coming into the line. It is 11:20 Sunday night. I come around my register to greet her. “It is such a blessing to be here. Any other place in the world I would have to possibly pass checkpoints or I would not be allowed out because I am a woman.” I can feel Roslyn’s presence through her smile and the warmth behind her designer glasses. She goes on to tell me about her transitioning in life from a Wall Street executive to working in human services. “The fulfillment wasn’t there. I looked at the people around me, where the drive was money, and knew there was a hole in my heart telling me this was not my direction in life.” Roslyn tells me of her strong faith in God especially during this transition. Then I tell her my intention of trying to spread kindness through cashiering, and all of the wonderful souls I have been connected with. “I think this is preparing you for a Calling, these are not random events or coincidences. We ...

Janine is an ICU nurse of 30 years and loves her job. “I need to breathe in and breathe out, appreciating every moment. These babies and their families have real difficulties. I want to make sure I understand the blessings I have.” As she works bagging her items, you can feel her intensity. There is a warmth but a purpose, a drive. We talk a little more about her joy in watching her son play sports and the balance between home and work. Janine seems to have found her flow, acknowledging the challenges and understanding the need to take care of herself. This seems to be a commonality with people I meet in the helping professions; they know the danger of giving without "filling their own cup". What do the flight attendants say before take off...make sure to put on your own oxygen mask first, before helping a child or the elderly. Besides Janine, a couple was quick to each give me a hug. “We are going to the airport to pick up his parents from Texas. I made sure to take...

Heather comes cuddled under a bomber jacket, knitted scarf and pom-pom hat. She smiles as she takes off her mittens. “You know it is so important to keep your vibrations as high as possible. When you vibrate high, you carry a strong frequency which emits a kindness, like what you have. I really needed this connection today. For some reason we are here together. There are no coincidences. Our Universe has an intention, and it is within its own plan, we are here together.” I asked Heather how she gained this knowledge. “I lost my job two years ago and that required me to look inward. It is tough, but being kind and surrounding myself with kindness has helped me recognize a warmth or an aura in people that I didn’t see before.” Wow. I told her about my interactions with customers who used similar vocabulary and have similar beliefs to how they approach life. In fact, earlier this morning, a tall, large built gentleman in a puffer coat walking just behind my register alerted me t...

Curtis is a smartly dressed gentleman in a tailored jacket and slacks. He has a kindness in his eyes and a determined presence. “Do you know nothing is by chance. Me getting gas and then deciding to shop, and then going to your line instead of the shorter lines at self-checkout was determined by a connection we have. We have a vibration, and we are vibrating at the same frequency. If you look at everything at a subatomic level everything vibrates.  And for some reason I felt a pull to come to you.” We talked about our common interest in quantum physics and books we were reading. As Curtis parted, we exchanged numbers to share reading material and possibly connect in the future. I believe Curtis understands that there is much more than our physical bodies; a Presence or Being that resides in each of us that is eternal and is mostly ignored. It is that Presence, or Internal Light or what some call our Soul which is who we really are. We both agreed about feeling an obligation...

Kelly tells me how vital it is to have a positive mindset. “It is important that you work on it everyday.” She goes on to tell me that she has two teenagers at home and two in college. “My son you can watch on television. He plays lacrosse for Syracuse University. I missed the last two games but I usually try to get up there.”  She makes sure to give me his number and last name. Kelly then goes on to tell me she has breast cancer. “That is why I make sure I wake up to watch the sunrise every morning. I love to watch the colors then, and then again at sunset. It really helps me get through the day. It would be too easy to give up.” She repeats this last part twice almost as if trying to convince herself. I say good for you Kelly. Staying strong and reaching out. You are in my prayers. We need people like Kelly in our world to remind us of the things we take for granted. I try to cherish every moment in my life but many times I get caught up in the mind chatter. Thank ...

A shorter woman with broad features enters my line. She has a clean look with unblemished skin, ponytail, crisp-clean, zipped winter coat and tailored pants. Alison told me she is always smiling. “You know they say when you smile it produces serotonin. So even when I don’t feel like smiling, I try to smile.” She told me she learned this from her mother who was always happy and such a generous soul. “I once went on a date and I saw a beautiful gourmet cookie that was $8.00. The gentleman said who would pay that much for a cookie? I knew that was the last time I would see him. I married my husband because he has such a huge, generous heart.” Alison tells me her mom contracted ALS. “Her body has shriveled up. She no longer can even acknowledge my hugs. It goes so fast. Two years ago she was traveling the world and going out with her friends…She is really no longer there.” As she tells me this, her eyes are watering almost as if trying to comprehend the frailty of life. “It ma...

Kathy comes in line with a broad smile and dark, warm eyes. She is tall with short blond hair. Kathy is immediate with her positive words. But slows her greetings to something else she would like to share. “I have a check-up today. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual. Today, I asked God to help me one more time. He was there when I seemed to have no hope; he helped me get through cancer two times. I don’t have words for how I got through those times.” Kathy was quiet for a moment when describing her cancer recovery. Then she shifts her intensity, as she tells me that she still has so much more to give in life. “I told my husband I had an urge to go grocery shopping before my appointment. Maybe it was to meet you.”  At this point both of our eyes were watering...for me, I was in complete gratitude. I thanked her for her kind words and wished her well. I do believe she has more to give in this life. Kathy can teach me about living in the moment and appreciating...

A young gentleman in a starched shirt and a tie with a cropped haircut was quick to tell me his predicament. “I am not sure how I am going to get through this. I just got divorced. Actually three days ago.” He didn’t tell me specifics but I don’t believe it was in his nature to tell people about his problems. “I am not sure why I told you that.” Sad for the pain people are holding. What crushed me was him thinking he had to carry this burden on his own. I had nothing to lose so I told him that when I felt I was in a crisis mood, I find a mantra, that I repeat incessantly so I don’t have to listen to the chatter in my head. I suggested he repeat “I am strong…I am strong…I am strong.” as many times as he needed. He thanked me. I told him I am here if he ever needed to talk. Life can be tough, and it is terrible to think you have to take this journey alone. Staying grounded.  It may take nature.  It may take God. It may take a kind word from a stranger. .

Liliana is a small thinner looking woman with wide rimmed gold glasses and shiny black hair. There is a strength about her persona. “I bring my two kids Instacart shopping to teach them about work ethic. The money we make they split between the two of them. I worry about their future.” She goes on to tell me she works 16 hour shifts every other day in the emergency room, as well as going to school to be a full-time nurse. I asked her who taught her to be so diligent. “My grandmother was strict, but was warm when she wanted to be. She was a real worker and taught us to be workers. I miss everything about her.” Humbling to see someone take such control of life knowing her decisions and commitments have such a profound effect on her family's future. When I asked her what she does to take care of herself she had nothing to say. I hope she realizes that whatever happens in her life she is already a success with her devotion to her kids and her own professional improvement. I ...

Dwayne is a social worker at Children’s Village. “I am there for kids who don’t expect anyone to show up for them. These are foster kids that were abandoned. I show them how to be significant. Some live on campus and others I visit in their homes.” Dwayne goes on to tell me about his family, his youngest who is ten years old. As he talks, you can hear his passionate intention to make this life meaningful to those around him. He has an enthusiasm to him that I feel makes a difference in so many people’s lives. On these colder months, that could be lost to a dreariness, people like Dwayne remind me of how truly lucky we are. I must remember to constantly state and feel my Blessings. Nature and its beauty...This is the true Blessing

John, a stocky, shorter man, is a regular customer who is always moving with energy. Whenever he sees me, he stops what he is doing, and will head toward my line just to say hey and give me a hug. I haven’t had the time to ask him about his holidays until today. “Actually, it was tough. A relative of my wife died.” He motioned, taking a pill which I assume meant taking an overdose. “He was only 22 years old. And I heard it was over a girl!” He told me this is the second person in their twenties that he heard killed themselves. “I tell you Stef, this is why I hug my kids whenever I can. I want them to have those memories to remember good times.” I gave my condolences as he headed off. Life is difficult. It is hard to know how best to respond when you see someone struggling. Nature can teach us a lot about being resilient 

David is a tall gentleman with a trimmed mustache and beard. His dark features and smile exude confidence. He tells me that he was in the restaurant business for 25 years which beat him up physically. As he recovers, his true joy is family, more specifically his son who has Down syndrome. “Do you know when a baby enters this world you look for those milestones like sitting up or crawling or those first steps. With our son, each milestone was really delayed. But the slow, successes brought us so much joy.” He takes out his phone to show me several pictures of himself with his son. The young man with David is beaming. I comment on his glow; on his happiness. “He is our Light, our Divine Being.” As David walks away he stops and comes back to embrace my hand in his. “I really needed that, thank you.” He gives me his phone number telling me that his wife owns saunas that are laser instead of heat infused and he would love for me to try it out. These interactions show me how small...

Mary works for Sloan Kettering.  Within moments of meeting, you feel her urgency to share; “Yesterday a man in his 60’s just slumped over and died while receiving chemo. We thought he was just drowsy, because that is how he usually is in the morning.”  Then she includes, “His daughter was sitting right beside him.”  As she tells me this my heart sinks. I could feel the weight of this event on her even though she carries a genuine smile.  “It can be heavy working there but they (Sloan Kettering) really understands this and gives you as much time off as you need.”  “You know it really puts everything in perspective.  That bill that seemed so high and outrageous does not have the same significance; in fact it seems irrelevant.” Mary can teach me a lot about recognizing and appreciating the small things in life; understanding the need for gratitude. See the Light, it is there.  It is always there even in the darkest of times.  That Light is you.

Sarah, wears the lines of her smile with smoothness and kindness. Her hunched body is no indication of her energy and positivity. “You know they call me butterfly because I go around and spread Joy. That’s what brings me happiness.” She tells me about her job, why she enjoys it and the jobs she had, that just didn’t match her energy.  When she is ready to move on she turns and tells me, “You know the answer for me is that I try to learn one new thing everyday because that is good for my Soul.” I believe Sarah can teach us about patience and humility. She seems like she understands that this life is a marathon not a sprint. Keep an OPEN heart, you never know where Light might come from

MaryKate a middle aged woman is radiant with smiles as she patiently waits in line. “I just dropped my daughter off at the airport. I had such a wonderful time with my kids over the holidays. It is so hard for me to say goodbye, but I am so happy that they are happy in their lives.” As I start checking her items she tells me, “I have no idea why I am shopping or even here, especially because this store is in the opposite direction of where I am going.” MaryKate goes on to tell me her husband is suffering early dementia at 60 and he is unable to come out with her so she needed to hire a helper. “We never were happy together. He suffered depression and he could never keep a job but I took him back.” She goes on to tell me she is a lawyer, a public defender who finds gratitude in supporting people who don’t always have the resources. What a wonderful soul who seems to be able to give even when life throws her challenges. I admire her smile and her willingness to share such vulner...

Kathleen, a middle aged woman with blue eyes and a huge smile tells me how much fun her family had playing games on Christmas. Then she shares how during these times she misses her mother. “Whenever my sisters and I find a penny we say our mother is with us.” As she tells me this, a penny lies close to where I stand. I pick it up and give it to her. “Oh, my God. I need to call my sisters.” You could tell she was deeply touched by the “coincidence” of the proximity of where the penny laid, our conversation and the timing of its presence. “As I get older, I realize how we need to keep an open heart and be aware of all of the signs around us.” When people like Kathleen share their personal stories with me, I am moved by their willingness to be so vulnerable. I feel she can teach me a lot about resilience to daily challenges. The Universe provides the beauty, we just have to look.

Sometimes for these early 6:30 morning shifts I have to dig a little deeper and ask for some strength to help me. I sit in the car before my shift and ask God for a little more physical strength today. Julia, one of my first customers with a huge smile and the kindest eyes; “Will you say a prayer with me? It just feels right...” Grasping both my hands she asked the Holy Father for assistance on our journey and strength in the New Year.  This prayer lasted a good 20 seconds. Ask and you shall receive. As she turned to leave she asked for a hug; we both had tears in our eyes. Such a simple, kind gesture on Christmas Eve. The next couple in line, Yohanne and Dinette were so touched with what they saw that they shared their own spiritual experience and the kindness and gentleness they see all around them. They told me of the church they go to and the impact it has had on their lives. “What a wonderful way to start our day and a blessing on this holiday.” Genuine, kind people who ha...

“Do you believe in God?” I am asked by a polished gentleman; trim, muscular and dressed in tailored clothes. He tells me of his boyhood dreams to be a baseball player which was derailed by injury to his rotator cuff. “Now, I am figuring out my pathway. Maybe reaching out to struggling kids with a similar dream to my own. I feel the need to be of service so I ask God where do you want me now.” I admire the smile and charisma he feels and not being derailed by life. As we talk the manager passes several times, maybe concerned with the amount of time I am spending with the customer. It's funny how life works because at that same moment the gentleman behind apologizes for groceries he has missed and needs to run out of line to get them. His delay provides me with added time to share with my new friend. A straight Path is seldom what the Universe provides. The twists and turns of our Journey will provide the strength we so desire for growth and a peaceful well-being.

Mel tells me he owns a sneaker store in Japan which brings in shoes from all over the world. “You and I are the same. We are providing a Light for people's lives.” He tells me the Joy it gives him to help people and the possibilities our Universe provides. “I am truly blessed to be doing what I love in a meaningful way.” Mel enjoys his visits back to America where he can join his parents for the holidays. Conversation is easy, as I tell him I have relatives who work in Japan. Connections quickly emerge as he tells me his store is directly across from The Ritz where my brother-in-law is working. It seems like the more people I meet, the more inspired I feel by the goodness that surrounds us. The beauty we see outside is really an emanation of the beauty within

Roosevelt is a trained electrician but was injured on the job. “God gave me the break that I needed to follow my dream to be a truck driver. I didn’t always follow God but my mom had health scares and taught me to be grateful. Now I am here 15 miles out of my way not knowing why I traveled this far until I met you.” We both thanked each other for the connection…appreciative of kind, good souls. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday, December 17, 2024-Mother pushing cart with exuberant little girl jumping as she walked. “I love bunnies! I met Santa and got a purple yoyo that lights up.” Xalana continued to tell me about her life while her mom quietly observed with a smile. “I needed that. It has been a really rough morning with her biological mom, thank you.” The lady explains that she is the foster mom and is trying to bring some hope and positivity to this little girl's life. Watching their interactions, it is clear “the mom”...

Cashiering can be a little physically demanding, so I asked my manager if I can be trained in self-checkout. Andres, a college student, was quick to help me learn the proper procedures. He recognized people having conversations with me and questioned how I was making the connections. “It seems so easy for you. “I tend to be on my own. I joined a fraternity to see if close interactions would help with my confidence. It worked with my friend. He became a whole different person. I am jealous.” He goes on to tell me that he is studying computer science but has lost the passion. “I really don’t have the excitement that I used to have. I am not really sure of my direction but I know I want to better myself; maybe I will start journaling or play the guitar that has been sitting in my room.” A sincere young man who is unsure of his path. You feel how hard he is on himself. This journey of life can be difficult but you get the feeling that his kindness and warmth will lead him into...

With my intention to share kindness and compassion while doing my cashiering, I am experiencing goodness beyond the grocery store. Andrew, a good friend of mine, told me after reading the stories on the blog found himself waiting in line for a high school sports dinner. People he knew were up front offered him a spot but he felt uncomfortable cutting. As he waited he was quick to take out his phone but decided better to try to enjoy the moment. He quickly found himself in dialogue with a gentleman in front of him which carried on until the line disappeared. As they departed they shared their contentment and wished each other well. “The craziest thing is I don’t even know his name or his child’s name. We had a wonderful conversation about life. This was so unlike me to open up to a stranger but it felt so right. I am so glad I chose not to go on my phone.” Maybe those moments to connect will help us realize the goodness in people and how much we really do have in common with tho...

Angel and Crystal met online three years ago and have been married for one year. “We just love working together. Either she came and worked with me or we found work together.” They joked with each other but their sincerity was genuine as they told me that they would be at both of their families for Christmas. I believe one must constantly reflect on what it means to stay grounded and positive and decide if what they are doing and who they are with is helping to bring them the energy they seek.  These two people found each and their Joy is palpable.  Another couple I had this morning were working together. They had just moved from New Haven to the Bronx. “I thought I would help her with shopping this morning. Usually, she drives me to work for my 4:30 am shift but I am off today.” She smiled and told me her day is just starting at 7:00 am and she will usually work until 10:00 pm. “We met when I was working at a laundromat and we just started talking. Kind, hard working ...

Beautiful woman snuggled in a matching sweater and scarf tells me the importance of taking advantage of every moment. “I am just so grateful. You know you should be your own North Star and direct your life. They say those are the people who live longer.” I believe that this fun, upbeat woman who is shopping at 6:30 in the morning could teach me some tricks about will power and energy. She told me that she taught herself to be this way and makes sure those around her have similar vibes. Thursday, December 12, 2024- A more senior lady in black wide rimmed glasses and a shiny puffer coat told me of her excitement for the holidays. “Now I live in an apartment but when I had a house I loved to host for the holidays. I am excited to be with my family. My daughter-in-law is hosting. We are truly blessed to all be living in the same area. I used to be a social worker but my true joy is family.” Comfort in what we know

Today my general manager called me into his office. He let me know he received my proposal and has been thinking a lot about it and the logistics to implement it. The store prides itself on being one of the best 100 places to work for  the last 27 consecutive years and a place where shoppers can expect warm exchanges with employees.  With well over 100 people working at any given shift, the general manager's desire to take time from what he was doing and reflect on a topic of kindness and compassion is a win. Good for him and good for us as a humanity that there are people out there who are making the decisions and still recognizing the importance of the person beyond the money. Maybe all we can do is to put an idea out to the Universe and have It decide the path to be taken. Note: On January 20th, 2025 I received a written note from the Senior Vice President of HR thanking me for the idea of a gratitude line. He stated that the senior team had discussed an idea similar to ...

Blanca told me “I am in no rush to put up a tree. I always visit my sisters. I have four sisters and we are extremely close. We talk at least once a month. I can tell them anything. Unfortunately, we do not live very close to each other” She goes on to tell me about what a wonderful mother she had. “She died 12 years ago and taught us all about love and kindness.” As she leaves, she tells me how she always hated her name and would love to have changed it. I said, “doesn't it mean white? Whenever I see you I will think of white light…the light within.” How wonderful her response was as she held her hand to her heart. “I really never thought about it that way.  I really like that...white, light...like my mom.  I love that.” She is going to be my signpost. Whenever I see her I will remember my Light within. Our Light is Always there.  We just need to get rid of "the stuff" to turn up the dimmer.

Gabrielle who has a radiating smile, bright red lipstick and tightly woven braided hair teaches me about whispers from God. “You never know who you are going to come across, your smile may change someone’s life. My uncle committed suicide. Would if someone was there to give him a smile to help him through that day?” Gabrielle tells me about sharing her joy when colleagues begin complaining. “We are not guaranteed we will be here tomorrow or even this afternoon so we must be thankful for every moment.” “I always go to self checkout but God told me to go to your line.” I asked how she hears God’s whispers. “He speaks to me through a type of feeling I have in my heart. If I don’t listen, life becomes resistant or difficult.” Interesting that this is the first time I have ever heard God from the people I am coming in contact with. Many use the word energy to refer to how we are connected or energy to highlight an emotion. I believe the words are not what matters, but it is our intentions t...

A tall, vibrant gentleman with a welcoming smile tells me his joy this weekend was seeing his son run track in his first year in college. “The race was no longer than four minutes but we were so proud. My son was so unsure because all of his friends were going to these big name schools. My wife and I believed that it was more important for him to get the social and academic support than the name of the school. Now someone meets with him for four hours every week to help him with strategies to study and organize his week.   Most importantly, my son is happy and in an atmosphere where he can thrive being himself.”  He tells me he has two other kids and “the real importance is being with them. I know if I can step back and watch them grow, then I can truly enjoy who they have become.” As he leaves, and we wish each other well, the cashier next to me said he sees that gentleman and his family at school events; “they are the nicest people.” What a wonderful treat to meet someo...

A boy about the age of ten hangs on the side of the cart as his mother puts groceries on the conveyor belt. He is eager to speak, especially after I offered him a sticker and asked him what makes him happy. He told me about trampoline jumping and doing a special front flip which he went on to show me the movements required. Then he talked about games on his computer. “I love playing because you can pause at any point, lift up your head and jump out of that world and come into this world.” His mother smiles but says nothing, the boy is in his moment truly enjoying being acknowledged. Interesting, unlike most adults, the boy is aware of the identities one plays in different scenarios.  Playing a game on his phone is no different than playing a game without the phone. As adults want their kids off their phones and computers because they are not connecting or being "Present," how many adults are so caught up in the “things” in their own life that they forget to “lift up their hea...

 I feel the interactions with the people I have had at the grocery store should not go in vain.  I think it is very clear that people are trying to make connections and this calling should be recognized. Today, I wrote to my general manager and the head of human resources that their grocery store is being visited by many people who are looking for more than food; they want to be acknowledged.   I suggested a Gratitude Line where people can go to check-out items without being rushed through.  People would recognize that they might need to stand in line for a little longer but this would also provide them with the opportunity to connect with other people in line. In my proposal, I included several interactions from this blog. Sometimes we must wait and be patient that the Universe will guide us on a course to be traveled. The Waiting.  The Trusting.  The living in Faith.

“I remember you.” A bigger gentleman in his 50’s with a strong demeanor and physical strength reminds me of our past encounter. I tell him I remember him with his son. He smiles and you feel his pride, his warmth. “Yes, whenever I get the opportunity to be with him regardless of what we are doing I take it. He needed food, so grocery shopping it was. I used to be a police officer and now I am semi-retired. I help my friend who is a plumber and I have owned a restaurant and a landscaping business.” We talk about how short life is and the importance of being with our kids. He kind of beamed when talking about his son almost in a jolly way.  "You know none of this is really about us.  When we realize that then nothing becomes personal." He left, shaking my hand and formally introducing himself. A good person who seems to have his priorities in order. Beauty all around us

Thanksgiving rush seems to have ended. There is a sluggishness with people who tell me they had a wonderful Thanksgiving but are exhausted. You can feel the lack of energy, including myself. My therapist says with social media it is hard because everyone is comparing their accomplishments with everyone else. She tells me “I thought my Thanksgiving table looked wonderful but then I looked at other people’s spreads. I mean how do they even fit the food on those tables?” One woman was patient to talk and said “I am having a hard time finding where my joy is in life.” I asked her about nature and family and any activities. She agreed that she must start treating herself more. “Shopping brings me Joy.” She said she will make sure to buy that pack of gum or coffee for herself. I am going to make sure to look out for her. We all need a little nourishment in our life.

A man well over 6 feet and a somewhat muscular body with a hat spelling TRUMP rolled up to my line in a motorized wheelchair. He shared with me what a wonderful day it is. “It is just spectacular. Every day is that way. I wake up so happy to be alive.” As he was leaving he told me 6 months ago the doctors gave him 5 months to live. Tuesday, November 26, 2024-A woman in her 50’s with a somber air, serious expression and a cutting voice rushed to begin bagging as I scanned her food. From her energy I respect her space. “You know I had a death in the family yesterday.” As she talks you can feel the weight of her shoulders drop. Oh how my heart crumbled for her. How I admire her strength, humility and acceptance at that moment. As she leaves, all I could summon was that I would be thinking of her. Nature can teach us about the fleeting of moments...this too shall pass

Three women approach. With the taller one clearly beaming with shiny skin and a glamorous grin. She was more than happy to tell me that it was her birthday today. “I have always been a happy person. I mean what is your choice? I surround myself with positive people.” Monday, November 25, 2024-Thirty bags of flour, fifteen bags of confectioners sugar “And 12 donuts. I picked them out individually. You know I make cookies for a living at my house. I make them with love…ever since COVID. It really is a wonderful thing to be my own boss. Ask my husband. I am always happy. We have been married 35 years.” Gentleman in the background confirms, nodding his head.  She goes on to open pictures on her phone and show me the pictures of cookies with intricate designs. The next woman in line is invited to look as well. We are given business cards and told to call whenever we have a need. We All have a purpose; find it and nourish it

"Wow you look really happy” Startled, kindly woman with a beautiful smile and the warmest, dark eyes. She graciously clutches her chest, “that's the kindest thing!” She tells me that is the same way she feels about me. I tell her about her eyes and smile and ask about what brings her Joy. Like many others I speak with, this changes her demeanor. She softened and shared. Before she left she asked for a hug. It was a genuine, warm embrace the one you save for a favorite aunt or uncle…A special connection We are never alone on this journey of life

A kind gentleman with a quiet reserved partner…Asking about their weekend. The woman quickly jumps into the conversation when I ask about their joy. She tells me she cooks. “I make sourdough bread and sell it. I also make zucchini bread. All natural ingredients…it is really easy.” And then she adds “This is not really what I do. I am a banker.” They shared their love of the smells in the house when she cooks. When asked about banking she said she has been doing it for many years and enjoys the work. Finding our balance… Beginning to have recurring customers. I do tend to forget conversations since I interact with so many. After the weekend I ask about if they did anything special. Most Instacart people say they work all weekend but one gentleman in his 40’s said he did have some fun. “I took my father out to the movies and then we had dinner. I really enjoy those times. With my kids I don’t often get to see my dad.” "This weekend was tough. I got into a car accide...

Thanksgiving approaching, one can feel the intensity or the energy change. It is a lot more raw. People seem restless. Sunday, November 17, 2024-The singer. A full bodied beautiful woman caked with a foundation of make-up; Egyptian eye mascara and black cluttered eye lashes. All in black, with fur trim coat and sparkly heels. She puts her cat food cans on the conveyor “You know my apartment complex would charge me $60 a month to have a cat. I needed a doctor’s note to say my cat was for emotional support.” She goes on to tell me she is a singer who has a group of ten musicians and they just came back from a gig. “I enjoy making people happy. People are so appreciative, especially after a show. The best place are the retirement homes. They like the old big band 30’s and 40’s music.” She goes on to tell me she enjoys singing all genres of music and this is her therapy. Her husband died unexpectedly in 2017 of leukemia. Since then she had to move out of the house because of ...

Many people seem to stare in wonder when I tell them I am having a wonderful day because of all the great people I am meeting. They seem almost skeptical as one man responds “most people are good.” I think everyone is doing their best. At one point, I am sure that I have been like every person who has come in my line. I have been the anxious line changer hoping to find the quickest line. And then using my special glare technique try to Will the cashier to go faster.   I have also been a relaxed listener who enjoys companionship even if waiting on line means waiting for someone counting to get the exact change in coins.   I have also been the shopper who just wants to just get the shopping over with. I do think there are a lot of people who are tired. Some people have strategies that may be working now to keep them positive but they are very clear that this was derived from a hard time in their life. One gentleman told me he just got out of jail for four and a h...

Many grandparents who seem to be enjoying their time with their grandchild. Some who have moved many miles to be with family. One woman from Buffalo who waited a couple of steps for her family to walk ahead; “It is nice to be with family but I really miss my friends and routines at home.” Others have their day during the week when they watch their grandchild and it seems to bring them much joy. One woman whisked her granddaughter past me saying “we can’t forget the chocolate that is the most important part!” An exuberant child grasping to the inside of the cart. Some kids approach eager to get a sticker. “I can’t wait to put it in my sticker box!” Naturally I needed to give her another sticker because you can’t put a sticker in a box if you have already taken off the back. There are those kids not used to being acknowledged or who just have other interests at the time of coming to my register. They look at me no differently than a squirrel who might give me a glance as they bur...

Gentleman in dreadlocks with a purposeful gait. I recognize him as a Instacart regular who I never had on my line or talked with. Understanding him as a hard worker who has little time for small talk, we start dialoguing on his knowledge of healthy food choice, his enjoyment in baking and his work ethic. He also contributed the need to keeping a high-strong, positive energy inside him and keeping good people around him. Now, whenever he passes my station he is sure to call my name to say hello. I am wondering if these hard working Instacart folks who have little to no time for fluff have a more intensity for life knowing that each day’s hurdles are constant. Maybe more conscious knowledge of our own mortality will bring this intensity which we have seemed to have lost. Remember the limited time we are here on Earth