Editor:
My letter is a simple one, but important. So, if I drift a little, please be patient. About a month ago I injured my back. It's been a trial to get around to do simple things like grocery shopping, which is what I was doing on this day. I was using the motorized cart, which I hate doing, but when you are dealing with the pain I was, well you will take advantage of these things with relish.
On this day, it was a particularly bad day. I went up to the Publix by us, the north branch, and picked up a few things. I went to check out and while running my debit card through, the checker informed me - very nicely - that there was a problem, so I ran it again. Same thing happened. I was a little embarrassed by this time, and told her I couldn't pay for the whole order but could take a couple of them. The whole order was over $70.
All of a sudden there were people all around me. At that point all I wanted was to get the heck out of there. I mean the manager had to be called to void the order and such.
All of a sudden there were people all around me. At that point all I wanted was to get the heck out of there. I mean the manager had to be called to void the order and such.
It was at this point I did something I never do - cry. I tried to keep composed but I just couldn't keep a handle on my emotions.
I noticed that instead of putting my order away they were bagging them and putting them back in my cart. I tried to stand up and the cashier came around to me and bent down to hug me and said "don't worry baby, it's all being taken care of. We all have had something like this happen." I just looked at her and said, "I can't pay for this really. I am sure my husband's check crossed in the bank and I will come back later in the week."
They, the Publix employees, continued to comfort me. Well, here I was with all the groceries packed into my cart and they were escorting me out to my car. On the way, the gentleman that bagged my parcels told me that the lady behind me paid my bill. I asked if had seen her, as I wanted to thank her personally and to make arrangements to pay her back. He said he couldn't remember what she looked like. I even stayed to see if anyone looked my way.
So, this is my way of saying thank you to the wonderful person that helped me that day. It has been a while since someone did something like this for me. I have done my share of doing good deeds and I also know that I never wanted any fanfare.
I just wanted this person to know that I will do the next best thing. I will pay it forward. You have restored my faith in people. Just know that I include you in my prayers every night. God bless you, and this includes the good folks that work at the North Publix. God bless you all!
Dana Kole
Sunday, July 01, 2012 - www.newssun.com/ltr-070112-kole