It is safe to assume that no one likes waiting in a long line to make in-store purchases. Especially in a grocery store, surrounded by the magazines, the candy, and other impulse items, the only thought going through our mind is, why is it taking so long!?
We have all rolled our eyes at that customer who has that additional last-minute question, or an item that ends up holding up the whole line! And, we have also been that customer for whom the line was held up for — as we conveniently tried to avert the frustrated gazes of those waiting behind us.
Having said that, it is interesting to get a new perspective on the long lines from the cashiers, who have pretty much put up with every kind of customer with every kind of problem.
While shopping at her local big-box store, Spring Herbison Bowlin was in one of those long lines we all dread. But Spring knew the drill and patiently waited for the cashier to finish with the customers ahead of her.
It was during the wait when she learned that you never know what sight you’ll see when it comes to shopping at Walmart.
Spring, who shared the incident later on Facebook, said she was behind an older gentleman who apparently was a penny pincher, quite literally:
«This gentleman’s items were scanned and he was given the total. He looks apologetically back at me and starts taking handfuls of change out of his pockets. He miscounts and starts to get flustered. Gives me a muttered, «I’m so sorry.» His hands and voice are shaking.»
Surely for those waiting, it wasn’t exactly the most welcomed sight. But for the cashier, handling all those little coins dumped near her register, the moment was extra special. According to Spring:
«This beautiful cashier takes his hands and dumps all the change on the counter and says, This is not a problem, honey. We will do this together. He continues to apologize to both of us as we reassure him it’s ok. They get his transaction handled and he shuffles away.»
Spring was so surprised with the patience and kindness of the cashier. She forgot all about how long she had waited, and when it was her turn:
«I looked at this wonderful woman and said, Thank-you for being so patient with him. She shakes her head and replies, You shouldn’t have to thank me, baby. What’s wrong with our world is we’ve forgotten how to love one another. I want to be more like her.»
Who knew that long lines in a Walmart are also a place to be reminded about humanity! Spring’s heart was touched, and with over 21,000 reactions and 13,000 shares of her post, it was clear that others were too!
