Member-only story
Others.
What it means to be in the world, not just stumbling your way through it.
The woman was struggling to get into her car. She was parked in the Costco handicapped space (for good reason). I slowed down.
“Can I give you a hand?”
She grinned.
“Nope, but thanks. Cranky knees.”
We exchanged some thoughts about Mueller knee braces. I walked on.
Later, in my Safeway store, a woman was struggling to pull out a cart.
“Here. Take mine.” She looked at me, surprised. Then she grinned.
“Thank you!” I pulled another out. Kept shopping.
On way way out of the parking lot, I had to pass in front of the store. There, people with carts full of groceries have right of way. Assholes in a hurry don’t give them that. I do. Because, first, it’s the law. Second, it’s respectful. Third, it’s the right fucking thing to do.
Wait til you’re old, on a walker, and some asshole decides that you’re too slow, and clips two seconds of time by sending you spinning. Right to the ER.
A few weeks ago a Medium writer penned a piece about being polite at the grocery store. I might expand on that, if I may.