Flowers at Trader Joes
Something kind of cool happened to me last night. As a crew member at Trader Joes, I was in my eighth hour of work, about to be done for the evening as closing was near. I was working a register waiting for the last of the customers to finish their shopping and check out. I watched as one young woman kept checking her list, filling her cart, and moving through the aisles. She was diligent, thoughtful and took her time. Her cart filled up with each pass. She looked to be in her early thirties – her hair pulled back in a bun, wearing a long sweater. As she came to see me in my lane to check out, I took her cart from her and said, ”ok, now you rest while I take care of your groceries. “
Her cart was full. Her cart told a story. With each item, I saw her more and more. I looked up at her and said, “it takes a lot of work do all of this, doesn’t it?” Through two sheets of plexi-glass and two masked women, it was hard to hear, so I said it again…“it takes a lot of work do all of this, doesn’t it?” She looked a bit confused, but then said yes and let out a huge sigh that seemed to have been there for weeks. I told her I could see how thoughtful and planful she was and that planning meals and “taking care of others” is hard work. Good work. But hard work. She cocked her head to the side and smiled at me with her eyes. I told her that I, too, plan meals, shop for the groceries, try to do all that is needed to run a household of 5, etc. She asked me how I do it? I said, I just do. Somedays I need a little help, so I ask. Other days, I just make it work. But, it is a balance and can be tiring.
She then asked me if my kids (who are 16, 14, 12) were learning online for school. I said yes and that is has been a bit much for them to get used to, but they are doing ok. I asked about hers. She said- “well yes, mine are also home.” I asked the ages…she said 1st grade, pre-k and 18 months. My “kids at home” is nothing near as difficult as hers. I remember those days…and to add all of the online learning in there with littles, I immediately reached up and rang the Trader Joes Bell. I signaled help! You see, when you ring the bell, another crew member comes running and asks what I need. I said, “Please bring me a bouquet of flowers.” Thank God I work for such a great company that they allow us to love on our customers. My fellow crew member must have seen it in my eyes, because she brought me the most beautiful bouquet we had.
I took this sweet bouquet, and I handed it to my new friend. She was in shock, burst into tears and couldn’t catch her breath. Damn Covid…it was all I had not to go hug her. But, I looked at her…deep in her eyes. I said, “I see you. It is sometimes hard, but you are doing a good job.”
I continued to scan her items, she continued to let tears fall. Seems like a small gesture and maybe even a small moment, but it was a moment that mattered. A moment created by two hearts connecting. We were one in that moment. It was a gift to us both. Just to be seen, heard, and be in that space together.
I left work not thinking about my aching feet or sore upper back or how late it was…I left reflecting on how good it feels to authentically connect with people, and how grateful I am when given the opportunity.