A Reminder

 Every so often I need a reminder.

My first one was over 13 years ago on Halloween 2009.  It was an unusually warm and sunny day for that time of year and I had no complaint.  My grandson and I typically dressed in matching themed costumes and on this day we were going as hamburger and fries.  Then I get a call from work that one of the alarms has been sounded indicating a break-in.  As plant manager it was my responsibility to meet the police there.  I was pissed!  Angry!  My beautiful afternoon was being interrupted by what was more likely someone not closing the door right on Saturday.  So off I drove in my Mazda Miata convertible with the top down listening to music and cursing.  I got within 3 blocks of the plant and was still angry when I stopped for a red light.  Still rumbling I look to my left and see a young man mid twenties in a wheel chair strapped in so he would not slide or fall out.  He is being wheeled by a much older man (his father?) apparently going for an afternoon walk.  They are laughing boisterously and I recall at that moment thinking how fortunate I am in my cool car on this unusually sunny fall day, celebrating Halloween with my family and especially my grandson.  It hit me like a 2x4 to the head.  I was being a self centered selfish fool.  There was a Dad and Son who could have been sad and angry with far more reason than I and instead they were out, happy, laughing and enjoying the wonders of that beautiful day.  

From that day on I would always remind myself of that moment and the good fortune I experience almost every moment of every day.  A wonderful wife and family and a plentiful life with few if any wants.

Well today it happened again.  March 28, 2022.  I went to the Dr. this morning for what turned out to be a sinus infection.  I was at Walgreens to pick up my antibiotic and ahead of me was a gentleman old, but younger than I.  I want to say this in a way that is not demeaning, but he was a simple fellow.  The clerk was not very kind and informed him that his prescription would come to $969 unless he purchased it at Kroger where he could get it for $49.  He was confused and stated his Dr. had assigned the prescription at the Walgreens.  She said yes but as a Kroger employee he had to get it at their pharmacy.  He was flummoxed, as he'd been given a ride to this location but would now have to walk to his friends house and get a ride to Menomonee Falls where he lived and worked and wasn't sure if he'd be able to get the prescription today.  The clerk was very dismissive and told him that he'd have to leave as she had other customers waiting.  He took his prescription paper and was leaving when I offered to take him to our local Pick & Save (part of Kroger).  I got my prescription and took him to the store.  We talked a bit, his name was Jim and he told me that even the $49 was more than he hoped to pay, but he was more troubled because while he could go to his friend's home and get in that his friend didn't get off work until 3pm.  He'd have to wait and he felt bad to ask his friend to drive him around right after he got from work. We arrived and he went in and while there I decided to do some small shopping.  I was coming down the pet aisle and could see him at the pharmacy window and again he looked  troubled.  As I got closer I heard him exclaim: "but the lady at Walgreens said I had to come here or it would be over $900." The pharmacist responded saying the prescription cited the Walgreens to be filled.  So again I stepped in and asked the pharmacist couldn't she call either the Doctor's office or the Walgreens and have it moved to this location? There was NO ONE ELSE anywhere near the pharmacy.  She reluctantly called and I waited with him until it was resolved.  I offered to help with the prescription cost but he said no thank you and I didn't want to embarrass him.  I did offer him a ride home but he declined that as well and said he was going to his friends house nearby and was okay to walk (even though it was sunny it was 19 degrees outside)  

We shook hands as he left to walk out and I to my checkout with my goods and go home.  I thought that here was a kind gentle soul who didn't have a lot of money and all he needed was kindness.  I thought that anyone of us - including myself - can at any time be that person that gets caught in the cogs of the system and instead of a helping hand be dismissed because we are too busy.  As I went home in my nice car, to see my loving and wonderful wife and where there is plenty of everything I need, I was reminded of that old saying... 'There but for the grace of God go I.'  

I need to always remember that I am fortunate in SO many ways.