It was an awkward moment in July when I called to see if a friend was still on for providing dinner for our family. By his answer I knew he had forgotten. We had to kick into gear since there were nearly 30 already gathered at the home of my niece to eat.
We stopped at Publix and bought all the chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese from the hot deli, as well as Cole slaw, potato salad, Hawaiian rolls and baked beans. I felt bad for the customers waiting with the next number to be served at the deli. Their stares revealed their anger that we were taking all the available hot food. I avoided eye-contact because we had no other choice.
I managed to hold back my tears. We pushed our heavy cart with our heavy hearts to the cashier, which is when it happened…
Friendly Cashier, “Hello, You must be having some party!”
Me: “Actually no. My brother just died on Monday from Covid and the person who offered to bring us a meal tonight forgot.”
The poor cashier. I don’t remember what he said, but all the blood drained from his face.
Why did I do that? He didn’t deserve my blunt response, but I couldn’t help it. My emotions had been building all day and he happened to be there at the wrong time to be the recipient of my outburst.
Of course, I apologized, through tears. I tried to explain that I’m not normally like this, but I think the damage was done. He was embarrassed.
Harsh words are like that. Once spoken they can’t be taken back. Oh, we can do all we can to apologize and make it right, but if it’s not in the heart of that person to forgive, the relationship may never be restored.
We live in a harsh world right now. So many fling words on social media without thought. It’s hard to think the best when we’re hearing the worst.
But we are better than this. We don’t know what someone is going through unless they explode the reason in your face. I hope my obvious heartache and loss helped this poor guy give me sympathy instead of anger. But it’s his choice.
We all face heartache from time to time. It’s in these moments when kindness is appreciated.
This is my 11th post in The Ultimate Blog Challenge to post everyday in November. It was originally published in our neighborhood newsletter, which I began in 1999.
Write from the heart 
Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome. I miss you!
Kindness is super important and appreciated.
Amanda, amen!
So sorry to hear about your brother. I don’t think you did anything wrong with what you told the cashier. It’s a hard time when someone passes and even harder when it’s a loved one. Thank you for the reminder that we all need to remember to share kindness.
Thank you Martha. I don’t think that poor guy will ever forget me or ask people if they’re having a big party. 😢
I feel for you. I lost my husband and brother to cv19 in 2/2020 and 7/2020. I was angry for awhile as I pieced my life back together. This has been a tough time- for all of us.
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry for such great loss—your husband and brother. Ugh! I will pray for your continued strength in “piecing your life back together.”
Debi 🍂🍃🍁
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. How heartbreaking.
You can’t take back what or how you said it. You apologized to the cashier, not much more you can do. He’ll get over it. He just wanted to make some friendly chit-chat and made a wrong assumption. Happens every day. A friend in her mid-40s was asked when she was due. She decided to take it as a compliment.
Tamara,
Yes. I knew he wasn’t being insensitive. He just didn’t know. He was very sympathetic once I told him.
Kudos to your friend for taking that insensitive comment so well. Wow.
Debi 🍂🍃🍁
I see no reason to apologize. Yes, kindness is needed, but honest emotion is, too! My heart goes out to you in the loss of your brother to COVID. When we are in grief, our responses are crisp and emotional, so give yourself a hug! Also, people across the country need to know that many lost loved ones to this horrible disease—it’s not a hoax. It’s real. I’m sure that cashier went home knowing the reality of the pandemic, and maybe that’s what he needed.
I had that thought too, Larada. It’s been difficult processing his death in 5 short weeks. But God is my strength and He is helping me like no one else can.
Blessings,
Debi 🍂🍃🍁
I’m so sorry for your loss! And please don’t beat yourself for your honest, heartfelt explanation. So many in our country need to know that people lost loved ones to COVID! It’s not a hoax. When we’re the depth of grief, honest emotions come out! Be gentle with yourself!