A Gifted Grocery Cart

Today I was in a hurry to pick up a few things from Fresh Market when an elderly woman yelled to me from the parking lot, “Excuse me, ma’m, would you like my shopping cart?”

I was a bit puzzled by the offer as this would have been more steps than simply walking into the store and grabbing one myself. I honestly didn’t think I would need one since I only needed a grab a few things, so I said, “I don’t need a cart but thank you!”

I stopped for a split second to look again. She had a walker and a purse and seemed to be taking to balance all of this while holding onto her grocery cart next to her car. It dawned on me that she wasn’t trying to offer me a cart. She needed help.

I quickly replied again, “I would be happy to bring that cart in with me since I’m headed that way!”

She thanked me and as I walked up to her, her cane fell to the ground and she clung to the cart to keep her balance. I picked up her cane and encouraged her to take her time as she tried to get her purse over her shoulder. She asked me to hold the cart in place until she got her hand on the side of her car with the other hand securely placed on her cane.

“These carts roll off easily. Take your time, I’m happy to hold onto it until you’re ready.” Once she was settled, she thanked me and off I went with the cart that I “didn’t need” and yet somehow really needed. I needed that interact and reminder.

In our hustle to get things accomplished, it’s easy to miss the noticing. The noticing of others. The facial expression that doesn’t match the upbeat tone of voice signaling someone might not be ok. The offer to “give” someone something that is really a quiet plea for help.

In all the doing, I’m grateful for the reminder of being. Human beings not human doings. Without the being part, the doing is pretty hollow.

I’m not sharing this for some kind of badge of honor for taking one minute to help an elderly woman in need. I’m sharing it because I was a split second away from leaving her in a lurch. How scary and frustrating for her.

I found myself feeling grateful for my own balance, mobility, and independence. What a gift.

Look a little closer this week. Ask a second time to be sure. One minute or even a few seconds could really mean everything to another person.