A time to reflect ...

Marlene Terry

It's the time of the year when it's good for all of us to reflect on our blessings and what we're most thankful for. ... It's also a time to note our mistakes. ... And if we've been too hasty in our judgment of others, we should learn from it, admit it and move on.

With that in mind, may I say there are times when I've shopped at a popular, local department store that I've made fun of others. ... Those who are shopping there with their children who, for all intents and purposes, seem to believe that the store isn't a store at all, but a theme park of all things.

Take the day I lingered in the paper towel/ bath tissue aisle. ... It was the only place in the entire store that wasn't saturated with wall-to-wall people pressing forward, discourteously interfering with whatever others were trying to do and just generally making the shopping experience less than pleasant.

Suddenly and without warning, I was startled almost to death, when a stack of toilet paper bundles exploded upward and outward toward me, followed by a preteen girl in "giggle mode!"

She did look slightly embarrassed that she'd almost caused me to have a heart attack, but didn't bother to apologize, or replace even one those bundles back on the shelf.

I admit it. I've had plenty to say about people like that ... and especially the store that in my view, seems to allow that type of goings-on.

However my opinion really changed when "the shoe," so to speak, "was on the other foot."

Now mind you, I didn't blast off or eject myself from a inside a stack of toilet paper. But I do think I may have dozed off and lost focus.

How else would you explain leaving two full bags of paid for items at the checkstand?

The funny part was, I didn't notice a thing until I'd gotten home, put everything else away and suddenly realized my eggs were missing.

After searching through the car I checked my sales receipt and noted that nearly $60 worth of merchandise never made it home with me.

That's when I called the store not expecting much, and was surprised to hear the response.

"It happens more often than you think," the gentleman with the understanding voice on the other end of the line commented. "Just circle the items on your receipt that you're missing and  bring it in to customer service. We'll either issue you a cash voucher or you can replace the items and we'll check you out at no charge."

Hmm. No other questions or demands? ... Just plain old "we trust you" cooperation? ... Pretty rare these days to say the least.

... So with that in mind, I just want to say I'm sorry for all the disparaging remarks I've made about that wonderful department store and even SOME of the people in it. 
... The truth is, on most days it not only offers the lowest prices in town, but also the best customer service EVER!

... Still don't think it's a bad idea to prepare to shop there though. ... You know. Work out often and wear a crash helmet!

... Hope you'll ALSO FORGIVE that last remark ... Just couldn't resist!

♦ Hope you'll let me share YOUR stories and photos here at my residence "In a Nutshell." Email me at nutshellstories@gmail.com.