I Can’t Remember My Number

The older gentleman was fraught with tension as he punched in one number after another for his membership at the store. Six people were waiting in line after him, including me, and I was standing next to him. The clerk waited patiently, encouraging the gentleman to keep trying. But the more he tried, the more frustrated he became. Finally, the cashier made a joke that brought out laughter in the white haired gentleman. And then the clerk suggested, “Don’t think about a number, just let your hand punch some numbers in and see what happens.” They were both smiling now and the elderly man did as the clerk suggested. BINGO! It was the right number and it saved him a small chunk on his bill. He was so relieved and happy. The clerk never batted an eye or made a disgusted look the entire time. He had compassion. He was patient. He was caring. And no one else in line made a fuss about the wait. Maybe the same kindness will return to everyone in that line, and the cashier, when they grow older and maybe need some kindness. I was happy to see the older gentleman treated as a whole human being and not mistreated as I have witnessed in some instances. I complimented the clerk. He smiled big as you please and replied, “I’m just trying to do my best.” I capped it by saying, “You ARE doing your best and it is a great gift to everyone here.”