I’m reminded of an incident that I witnessed when the 2020 pandemic was just beginning. Working as a cashier in a national grocery store chain I saw widespread panicking, selfish hoarding and constant complaining. This was way before any coronavirus distancing protocols and protective measures existed. The stress of dealing with hundreds of customers per shift was overwhelming and combined with the possibility of infection was causing me to lose my faith.
In my checkout line a disabled older black woman in an electric riding shopping cart and her children were obviously stocking up with essential supplies, about 3 carts full. As I rang up and totaled her purchases, she presented her EBT card (food stamp benefits) combined with another credit card to cover the payment. Unfortunately, both limits were exceeded and her family started to remove some items one by one. Tensions were growing among the impatient customers in the long lineup behind her.
As I was helping the embarrassed family with their sad task the man behind her accompanied by his young daughter reached out to me and quietly asked, “how much is her total?”
“$230,” I replied.
To my astonishment he grinned and said, “It’s OK, I got it.”
Upon hearing this the elderly lady broke down in tears and insisted, “Oh please sir, you don’t have to do this.”
With a big smile he leaned over to her and respectfully said, “It’s our pleasure ma’am. My family has been Blessed and we are happy to help you out.”
The grateful lady took his hand, “God Bless you sir, God Bless you.”
As we finished bagging her groceries, a courtesy clerk assisted their appreciative caravan out of the store. And as they waved back to us, I said to the good Samaritan, “thank you, that is the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
He just smiled and winked and said, “you have a great day.” And he took his young daughter by the hand as they happily headed for the exit.
Nobody else in the disgruntled line knew what had just happened in front of them, but for me it was like witnessing a miracle. The simple beauty of choosing kindness and teaching his daughter compassion was empowering.
In these troubled times of political divisiveness, incitement of criminal insurrection and the loss of 400,000 lives, I think back on that inspirational lesson of love, renewing my faith in the goodness of people when I needed it most. Despite suffering through who historians will regard as the worst President of the United States and a stain on our democracy, that gift I witnessed from the good Samaritan will always restore my hope and the belief that better days lie ahead.
And with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being sworn in today, I’m certain of it.